As wedding planners prepare for the upcoming seasons, many are seeking inspiration in the realm of color. One hue that has been gaining popularity is oxblood – a rich, deep shade reminiscent of burgundy with undertones of purple and dark brown. Often referred to as the ‘new cool red,’ this en vogue color has been making waves on runways and walkways alike.For autumn and winter weddings, oxblood pairs beautifully with hints of copper and gold, adding a touch of luxury and drama. Conversely, when paired with soft blush pinks and warm creams, it lends a romantic, whimsical quality to the overall aesthetic. Rich, vivid colors like deep clarets and magentas bring warmth and comfort, while pairing oxblood with peach or brighter reds creates a striking contrast.Other colors that share similarities with oxblood include burgundy, beaujolais, marsala, maroon, mahogany, plum, and wine. When selecting a color theme for your wedding flowers, consider the bridesmaids’ dresses as inspiration – complementary colors like navy or gold can beautifully complement this opulent hue.A quick word of caution: while oxblood tends to suit most skin and hair tones, it’s essential to consider the impact on blonde bridesmaids with pale skin. This rich color can be draining if not balanced properly.
Oxblood Wedding Flowers
As wedding trends continue to evolve, oxblood burgundy has emerged as a top choice for brides seeking an air of elegance and sophistication. The deep, rich hue of burgundy flowers is perfect for creating opulent centrepieces, bouquets, and flower arrangements that exude luxury. When paired with light-coloured tablecloths or backgrounds, the velvety colour of oxblood takes on a regal quality, reminiscent of royalty. Additionally, contrasting lightly coloured blooms with burgundy creates a striking visual effect. This rich jewel tone also harmonizes beautifully with crisp white and other deep hues.For couples who’ve chosen this stunning colour theme for their special day, the next step is to explore the vast array of flowers and foliage that can bring it to life. Your florist will be able to guide you through the options, providing a list of suitable varieties in season. Alternatively, create a Pinterest board to collect images of oxblood wedding themes and inspiring colour combinations – the possibilities are endless! To get your creative juices flowing, here are some flower and foliage varieties that might just spark your imagination.
Skimmia
The understated yet charming Skimmia flower boasts delicate clusters of blooms on the ends of stems, featuring a soft, lighter red hue that beautifully complements oxblood wedding flowers. While color is essential, texture plays a vital role as well. In my opinion, the Skimmia’s unique texture makes it an outstanding supporting player in any floral arrangement. As its peak season falls during autumn, it’s available from September to February, offering couples a delightful opportunity to incorporate this charming bloom into their special day.
Hellebores
The Lenten Rose, also affectionately referred to as the Christmas rose, is a stunning winter bloom that has gained immense popularity in bouquets. Its unique beauty is further enhanced by its late winter/early spring timing, making it an ideal choice for wedding displays and arrangements. Not only does it look breathtaking in buttonholes, but its deep red/black varieties like ‘Ruse Black’ or the more burgundy ‘Red Lady’ are particularly noteworthy. While it may not retain its freshness well when placed in foam, it surprisingly keeps its vitality intact for water-based displays.
Carnation
As their popularity continues to rise, carnations are no longer seen as just a traditional ‘wedding’ flower. Available in an impressive range of colors, including almost every shade imaginable, and accessible year-round, it’s little wonder florists adore them for their adaptability and long-lasting nature. A staple in centrepieces and bouquets, these flowers truly shine due to their remarkable durability – they not only last longer than many others but also retain their beauty when dried, making them an excellent choice for post-wedding mementos. Specifically, we highly recommend the striking ‘Burgundy Moonlight’ variety, its deep red hue exuding a sultry allure.
Gerbera
Gerbera flowers are renowned for their vibrant hues, ranging from warm and cheerful to cooler tones. Year-round availability makes them a popular choice for various occasions. When combined with other blooms or colours, gerberas truly shine. Their daisy-like appearance also lends themselves well to being used as buttonholes, particularly the smaller ‘germini’ variety. Our top recommendation is to pair the gerbera with a deep maroon red shade and black eye centre, creating a striking visual effect. This beauty can be seen in the image by Benjamin Mathers Photography, featured on All Things Big Bright & Beautiful Multicolour Wedding.
Ranunculus
The ravishing ranunculus, part of the buttercup family, blooms from January to late May, with its layered petals tightly packed. This spring flower’s vibrant colours make it a standout. We suggest ‘Aazur Bordeaux’, a stunning plummy red, or ‘Pauline Violet’, a beautiful blend of pink and red hues. The image above features the ranunculus in all its glory, courtesy of Becky Ryan Photography.
Peony
Peonies are a quintessential symbol of early summer, typically blooming from April/May to early July. Their lush, silky texture and romantic charm make them an exceptionally popular choice for wedding flowers. With a vast array of colours ranging from soft pinks to rich reds and maroons, it’s no wonder peonies are a timeless favourite among brides. In fact, Prince Harry’s wife-to-be, Meghan Markle, is said to be particularly fond of these stunning blooms, so it wouldn’t be surprising if they make an appearance in her wedding bouquet. If you’re looking for some darker red varieties to consider, ‘Red Charm’, ‘Buckeye’ and ‘Red Sarah Bernhardt’ are all striking options. The romantic charm of peonies is perfectly captured in this beautiful image by Alba Rose Photography, featuring a modern winter wedding in Texas.
Calla Lily
The calla lily, also referred to as ‘Zantedeschia’ in its Latin name, is a versatile and elegant flower that can be used in various arrangements throughout the year. Its unique form allows it to be incorporated into many different designs. Furthermore, the calla lily is available in an impressive range of colors, including deeper, moodier hues such as ‘Purple Berry’ and ‘Schwartz’, which offer a striking burgundy-black tone. The image featured here was taken by Jett Walker Photography for Modern Elegance Marble Greenery & Gold Wedding Ideas.
Roses
The iconic rose is a timeless classic that demands little introduction. This multifaceted flower is available year-round, boasting an array of colors to suit every taste and occasion. With its rich history as a symbol of love and beauty, the red rose has earned the nickname ‘the flower of love’. For those seeking deeper shades of passion, we recommend exploring varieties like ‘Black Baccara’, with its sumptuous, velvety burgundy hue perfect for the edgy couple, ‘Red Naomi’, ‘Opium’, ‘Grand Prix’, ‘Black Magic’ and the show-stopping ‘Scarlett O’Hara’. A beautiful image by Jayne Lindsay, via Ethereal Opulent Woodland Inspired Wedding, perfectly captures the romance and allure of this beloved bloom.
Scabiosa
While scabiosa might not be the most romantic-sounding flower, it’s a truly stunning bloom with luxurious, velveteen petals that deserve some attention. Specifically, we highly recommend the ‘Red Velvet Scoop’ variety, which boasts deep red hues and is available from June to October. This beautiful flower has a unique charm that’s sure to capture your heart.
Amaranthus
The vibrant ‘Love Lies Bleeding’ climber boasts delicate, catkin-like tendrils adorned with velvety flowers. Typically available in the UK from August to September, its beauty knows no season bounds; my sister’s garden has witnessed its flourishing in late October. For a stunning alternative, consider ‘Rosary’, a deep red variety that thrives in tall vases or candelabras, and makes a show-stopping addition to bridal bouquets with its unique texture.
Cotinus
A foliage that’s often overlooked for its flowering counterpart, this shrub boasts stunning purple leaves and an added bonus – it briefly flowers from June to July. The ‘Royal Purple’ variety is a standout, with its deep hue transforming into a vibrant red in the autumn. Its bushy shape pairs beautifully with roses and lisianthus in blush or dusty pink hues. Another favorite of mine is this gorgeous red foliage that’s simply plum-tastic! When paired with the right flowers, it creates a truly show-stopping arrangement. For your wedding, trust your florist to guide you in selecting the perfect colors to bring your vision to life. With their expertise, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking florals on your special day.