In short
- Sunflowers are summer flowers: in Italian fields they usually bloom between late June and July.
- They suit a country, rustic style, but also elegant versions with white and green.
- They cope with heat if they have plenty of water: the heads are heavy and droop when dehydrated.
- For dresses and tablecloths, ask for low-pollen varieties.
The sunflower is a flower of the Italian summer, and a sunflower wedding brings light and cheer, and it suits countryside venues. This guide explains when sunflowers are in season, what to know if you picture photos in the fields of Tuscany or the Marche, which flowers and colours to pair them with, and how to make them last in the heat. If you are looking for florists who work with summer and country flowers, see our list of wedding florists in Italy.
Sunflower season
In Italy sunflowers are grown mainly for seeds and oil, in large fields in central and north-eastern Italy. The fields usually flower in summer, at their best between late June and July. The exact timing depends on the area, the sowing date and the weather that year.
As a cut flower the sunflower is available for longer, because it is also grown specifically for floristry and imported. But it is at its best, most plentiful and often cheapest from summer to early autumn.
| Month | Sunflowers in the fields | Cut sunflowers |
|---|---|---|
| May | Not yet | Possible, often imported |
| June | Flowering starts in some areas | Available |
| July | The best period | At their best |
| August | Many fields have finished | Available |
| September | Rarely | Still available |
| October to April | No | Possible, from greenhouses or imported |
These notes are general. For your month, ask your florist and read our guides to July, August and September. If you are planning an August wedding, remember that around mid-August (Ferragosto) many Italian businesses close for holidays, so book suppliers early.
The fields of Tuscany and the Marche
In summer the hills of Tuscany and the Marche, as well as Umbria and Emilia-Romagna, turn yellow. Many couples want a photo among the sunflowers. A few things to know:
- the fields are private farmland: do not go in without the owner's permission, and do not trample the plants;
- do not pick flowers from the fields: they are somebody's crop;
- flowering is short and does not always match your wedding date;
- fields change every year because crops are rotated: this year's sunflower field may be wheat next year;
- mature sunflowers usually face east, so morning light helps if you want them facing the camera.
A local photographer or florist often knows where the fields are in flower and who to ask. If you are marrying in the area, see our lists of wedding florists in Tuscany and in the Marche, and read our Tuscany wedding guide.
The style they bring
The sunflower is spontaneous and sunny. It works well in:
- country and rustic style: wooden tables, jars, wheat, hessian;
- wildflower style: with daisies, chamomile, cornflowers. See our guide to wildflower-style wedding flowers;
- a more elegant style: small sunflowers with white flowers, lots of greenery, glass or pale ceramic vases;
- all-yellow: striking in a large, simple space.
You do not need a rustic wedding. A florist can use them in a villa or in the city too, perhaps only for the bouquet or for drinks.
Colour pairings
| Palette | Matching flowers and greenery | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow and white | Daisies, chamomile, gypsophila, white roses | Fresh, bright |
| Yellow and blue | Cornflowers, delphinium, blue thistle, lavender | Summery, lively |
| Yellow with orange and burgundy | Dahlias, rust roses, celosia, dark foliage | Warm, late summer and early autumn |
| Yellow and green | Olive, eucalyptus, wheat, herbs | Natural, countryside |
| Amber tones | Rust or bronze sunflowers, dried grasses | Soft, close to boho |
To build a full palette, read our guide to wedding flower colour palettes.
Where to use them on the day
Bouquet and buttonhole
For the bouquet, small sunflowers are often chosen: lighter and easier to mix. Large heads look striking but are heavy, and a heavy bouquet tires your arms during hours of photos. For the groom, a mini sunflower with a sprig of greenery is enough.
Church and ceremony
Posies on the pews with sunflowers and wheat, vases either side of the altar, an arrangement over the church door. In church the parish rules on what can be fixed and where apply: read our guide to church wedding flowers. For an outdoor ceremony, sunflowers in large floor vases along the aisle work well, even in the wind.
Reception
Low centrepieces in jars, bottles or wooden crates. On a long banquet table, a row of small vases alternating with LED candles. Sunflowers are tall with big heads: on round tables keep them low, so guests can see each other.
Favours and details
Sunflowers often appear in the details too: place cards, themed favours, small packets of seeds for guests. If you choose seeds, make sure they are garden seeds and untreated.
Sunflowers and heat
Sunflowers tolerate sun better than many delicate flowers, but they drink a lot. The heads are heavy and, if the stem loses water, they droop. To make them last:
- keep them in cool water and shade until set-up;
- choose arrangements with a water reserve rather than flowers placed dry;
- set up as late as possible in the hot hours;
- avoid direct sun on the tables in the middle of the day.
These are general tips: your florist knows how to handle them. For all summer flowers, read our guide to summer weddings and heat.
What they cost
We give no figures: the price depends on season, origin, flower size and above all the work involved. In general, sunflowers are not among the most expensive flowers when they are in season and grown in Italy. They cost more out of season, when they come from far away.
What moves the quote:
- how many pieces you need: bouquet, pews, centrepieces, drinks area;
- size: large heads fill more space but need more stable vases;
- pairings: with wildflowers and greenery the cost stays modest; with roses and imported flowers it rises;
- hire items: vases, crates, jars, stands;
- travel to countryside venues far from the studio.
For the full picture, read how much wedding flowers cost in Italy.
Pollen and allergies
Some sunflower varieties shed yellow pollen, which stains pale dresses and tablecloths. There are low-pollen and pollen-free varieties, often used as cut flowers. Ask for them for the bouquet, buttonholes and tables. If any guests have allergies, read our guide to scented flowers, pollen and allergies.
Questions to ask your florist
- Will sunflowers be in season and Italian-grown in our month, or imported?
- Do you use low-pollen varieties?
- What size would you suggest for the bouquet?
- How do you keep them hydrated before and during the reception?
- Which flowers would you pair them with at our venue?
- Do you know of fields in flower near the venue for photos?
To sum up
Sunflowers are a simple, sunny choice if you use them in the right season with enough water. Choose your palette, decide where you really need them and let your florist pick the variety. For the full picture of wedding flowers, read our complete guide to wedding flowers in Italy.
Once you have a date and venue, request a quote and mention that you would like sunflowers: florists will tell you what is available in your month.
