Culture and Lifestyle Weddings Wedding Flowers 10 Ways to Incorporate Gardenias Into Your Wedding By Patricia S York Patricia S York Assistant Food Editor Pat is an Assistant Editor at Southern Living and has been a part of the team since 2006. She works with the Senior Food Editor to plan monthly print food features and stories that will highlight Southerners making a difference through food, share delicious recipes that utilize seasonal produce, and offer exceptional reader service. Pat also writes digital content on a variety of topics including cooking, gardening, and pets.One of the reasons Pat enjoys living in Birmingham is because it is centrally located between the mountains and the Gulf coast. She spends her free time gardening, hiking with her dogs, and pursuing her goal of becoming a better horsewoman. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on March 30, 2017 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: via snippetandink.com You might think gardenias were created specifically for Southern brides. Along with some of the whimsical and eccentric wedding traditions we have down South, it would stand to reason we have our own wedding flower, as well. A snowy white bloom, glossy evergreen leaves, and an intoxicating fragrance make this flower a natural and beautiful choice for arrangements. Prolific and seemingly grown in every grandmothers' yard, gardenias have been a favorite wedding flower for generations. Brides still choose them today, but they can quickly add to the expense of the wedding, plus they are very fragile—too much handling can cause the petals to turn brown quickly. Ask for advice from your wedding florist on the best way to incorporate gardenias into your wedding arrangements. And remember, the fragrance is very strong, so make sure your wedding party can handle it! Whether you want to use a single bloom as a boutonneire or envision an entire bouquet of nothing but gardenias, check out these pins of our favorite ways to incorporate gardenias into your wedding. 01 of 10 Mixed with Green via mywedding.com This beautiful bouquet has Southern summer written all over it. See the Pin 02 of 10 As a Hairpiece via southernweddings.com If you don't want to carry a bouquet full of gardenias, wear one or two in your hair for a classic yet unfussy look. See the Pin 03 of 10 Boutonniere via brides.com A single white bloom, set against a dark colored tux, makes a striking picture. Once pinned in place the bloom won't be handled, so it shouldn't wilt before the party is over. See the Pin 04 of 10 Alongside Peonies via southernweddings.com Intersperse gardenias with other white flowers, like peonies, in your bouquet. If a gardenia bloom starts to brown, simply pluck it out and replace it with another. See the Pin 05 of 10 Flower Girl Wreath via snippetandink.com Your flower girl will look adorable walking down the aisle with this fragrant wreath, and she won't have to worry about tossing petals in her path. See the Pin 06 of 10 Floating in Water via elizabethannedesigns.com For pretty but simple table accents, use glass bowls or cylinders to float gardenia blooms in water. See the Pin 07 of 10 Adorn the Cake via southernweddings.com You can speak volumes with a minimal display. This beautiful cake is stunning in its simplicity, yet your guests will clearly understand that the gardenia is your flower of choice. See the Pin 08 of 10 Colorful Mix via greylikesweddings.com For a colorful show, mix the best that spring has to offer. With a combination of flowers, you don't need to splurge on so many gardenias. And if one starts to turn brown, pluck it out and quickly replace it with another. See the Pin 09 of 10 Small Arrangements Pinterest Perfect for a casual bridesmaids' brunch or small reception, nothing beats the clean and simple look of fresh blooms in mason jars. See the Pin 10 of 10 Mixed with Hydrangeas via southernweddings.com For a champagne brunch or moonlit dinner, create a stunning centerpiece using a classic container such as a china teapot or sterling silver urn. Fill it with white flowers, including gardenias, roses, and hydrangeas, along with the glossy green gardenia leaves. See the Pin Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit