We're Blushin' Over Bougainvillea + All the Different Ways to Incorporate It Into Your Big Day!

Bougainvillea has taken over the pages at GWS and we’re are absolutely blushing over it! The paper-like flower is the perfect complement to roses, peonies, and ranunculi…or it’s stunning on its own! Due to their vibrant hue, they’re the ideal flower to make a serious statement.

Bougainvillea grows best in equatorial climates, which is why you see so much of it in California, the Caribbean, and Australia…it truly is a gorgeous flower for a beach wedding! Oh, and those bright pink ‘petals,’ that we’ve come to know it for? Those are actually the leaves that surround a tiny white flower in the center! How’s that for a fun fact? :) One thing of note: bougainvillea is a delicate flower and can fade fast. So, oftentimes when you see it being used for weddings, there’s a good chance it’s a faux silk flower; though we’ve been told that when kept in water and out of direct sunlight, bougainvillea branches can last for several days.

All that said, let’s get on to all the gorgeous ways to incorporate this stunning flower into your wedding! From tablescapes to backdrops to centerpieces and more…bring on the boug!

{above photo by Anna Roussos // event design & planning: MBW Events // floral design: Fragapoulos Flowers // venue: Ios Club // wedding dress: Mairi Mparola}

The Ceremony Backdrop

photography: 1985Luke Photography // florist: Vo Floral Design // event design: Smitten Kiss Weddings + Events // venue: Fitz Place // cake: Cindy’s Little Cakery

photography: Brooke Borough Photography // venue name: Brookview Ranch, Agoura Hills, California, USA // planning: Karen Marie Events // florals: Wildflowers Floral Design // as seen on GWS in this Taco ‘Bout a Good Time: A Colorful Cinco de Mayo Wedding at Brookview Ranch

photography: Jana Williams Photography // venue name: Casa De Monte Vista, Palm Springs, California, USA // planning: The Walk Down The Aisle // florals: Shindig Chic // as seen on GWS in This Dreamy Bohemian Palm Springs Wedding is Brimming with Bougainvillea + Tropical Accents

photography: The Melideos // venue name: Bougainvillea Estate, Indio/Palm Springs, California, USA // event design: Lace and Likes // florals: Siren Floral Co. // as seen on GWS in this Bougainvillea Filled Palm Springs Wedding

photography: Nicole Leever // venue name: Casa De Monte Vista, Palm Springs, California, USA // event design: Shindig Chic // as seen on GWS in Bougainvillea + Boho Chic: An Epic Wedding in Palm Springs

photography: Braedon Flynn // venue name: Casa De Monte Vista, Palm Springs, California, USA // event design: Lynzie Kent for Love by Lynzie Events + Design // planning: Jess Forstner for Love by Lynzie Events + Design // florals: Revel Petals // as seen on GWS in this Palm Springs Boho Shoot Where Beads are the New Macrame

photography: Christina McNeill // event planning & design: Unveiled Hawaii // floral design: Mandy Grace Designs

In the Bouquet

photography: Nicole Leever // venue name: Hollywood Loft, Hollywood, California, USA // event design: Tasteful Tatters // florals: Juniper & Mint // as seen on GWS in this These Two Acted As Their Own Officiants at This Bougainvillea-Filled Loft Wedding

photography: Anna Roussos // event design & planning: MBW Events // floral design: Fragapoulos Flowers // venue: Ios Club // wedding dress: Mairi Mparola

As a Centerpiece

photography: Anna Roussos // event design & planning: MBW Events // floral design: Fragapoulos Flowers // venue: Ios Club // wedding dress: Mairi Mparola // handmade lights: Yiapa Studio // tabletop rentals: White Lilac