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Being a May bride, my original floral plan was to go with white peony centerpieces. I reasoned that they were the perfect choice, considering that they are large blooms and are (usually) in season on our date, making them not only beautiful, but economical.
This ultra simple and beautiful arrangement has been my main inspiration image for centerpieces. The image is from Bridgewater Gardens, a great resource for fresh cut peonies that is a mere 30 minutes from our house! Unfortunately, our wedding weekend is a bit too early for them. Since our wedding date is at the very beginning of peony season here, our florist asked me to come up with a back up flower, just in case.
I decided that white tulips would be a great substitution.
I have always loved white tulips and bring them home often while they are in season. Here’s a picture of a recent bunch at my house:
They have such a simple silhouette and are really cheerful!
To help choose vases and table linens, I purchased some silk peonies to play with in mock up designs. I planned on bringing them, along with our vases, to the table linen rental showroom that my DOC recommended. My appointment was two days after our shower, so on a whim I decided to bring the tulips from the favor display at our shower as well, since they are our back up plan. Well, now I am second-guessing the peonies! I know it might be a little unfair that the following pictures are real (tulips) vs. fake (peonies), but I could use your opinion. Please don’t mind the table linen mock ups; we were trying to simulate runners by overlapping chair sashes on the tables. 
Also, these tables are not as large as ours will be. I am planning on using a black ribbon around the tops of our vases, so that’s a pretty rough mock up as well.
The tulips:
The peonies:
I know that my pathetic silk peony arrangement is not doing the flowers any justice here, but even so, I am really leaning toward the tulips.
I like that the tulips will add more green to the centerpiece overall. I like that the simple, curved lines of the blooms go well with the imagery of our invitations and save the dates, which will be influencing other printed aspects of our reception.
Our save the dates:
I also like how upright the tulips are, whereas the peonies are very heavy and may look, for complete lack of a better term, droopy. One concern that I have with tulips is how “open” the blooms would be. I like the tulips much more after they have opened, and am not sure if this would be possible.
I think that peonies are absolutely stunning, and would complement my dress well, but the tulips would match the other stylistic elements of our wedding more. Am I crazy to consider passing up such a coveted flower? I haven’t talked to my florist yet about pricing, but I would imagine the two options are in the same ballpark.
The other option would be to do both—some tables would be tulips, and some peonies, which could add visual interest to the room… or look busy.
Did you have a floral dilemma close to the wedding?
Just wanted to say that was one of the most creatively-worded surveys I’ve taken in awhile. 
Good luck with the floral decision!
I love peonies but after seeing your pics I think the tulips look beautiful, they get my vote!
before I even scrolled down to your survey, I was thinking, why doesn’t she just mix it up and do both! I think it’s the best compromise!
Peonies are gorgeous–and I’m sure they’ll look different live and arranged by a florist.
but I totally understand the tulip thing. They’re my primary flower in my ceremony decor.
I am a May bride and I am using peonies and tulips as my wedding flowers! I think the flowers look pretty mixed together in one centerpiece. That way, you get the “fluffiness” of the peonies but the sweetness of the tulips (and that solves your concern about the tulips not being open enough). Either way, you can’t go wrong!
I wanted peonies at my wedding as well, but my wedding is in April so they weren’t in season…luckily my florist said there were roses that were ruffly and full like peonies, but in season and cheaper. I wish I knew the exact name, but if you are really leaning toward the peonies, I would try that option!
I was sure I would vote for the peonies until I saw the pictures! The tulips have a more clean and crisp look, which I think complements the other elements of your wedding. The peonies are gorgeous too, but they’re more lush and organic. Either way you can’t go wrong, but tulips have my vote.
My vote is for the tulips! I love how they look and I’m usually much more of a peony lover!
Tulips! I love tulips, and I think it’s one of those flowers that looks best on its own.
With regard to the peonies, are you sure you’re not just thinking that you should have them, because so many brides want to and can’t?
I like how the tulips are simpler. Also gasp I don’t get what the big deal with peonies are. I don’t think they are that great they look like larger carnations to me.
yeah i voted for both. do the glamorous high tulips and then maybe a lower bunch of tight peonies. either way, the colors look radiant and matches ur std’s magically!
Oh, if I were a spring bride I would totally be doing tullips. They are so pretty.
I have to say I love the tulips, and I really kinda dislike the peonies… I hope I don’t regret my peony centerpieces 
I think the tulips look gerat and they aren’t used as often as peonies, so they will be a little different!
The tulips are VERY Spring and add a nice height to the centerpiece. If they are a little more in in line with the “look” you’re going for, I’d say go with them. If I had the option, I would’ve used parrot tulips like crazy because they combine my love of tulips with that shaggier look.
Bestill my heart! You have superb taste in flowers. Those are exactly what I wanted for my wedding arrangements, but they are so pricey in September! Lucky duck!
Peonies are gorgeous but for some reason, the tulips elongate the centerpiece and make it look more simple but nice. The peonies make it look a little stubby/crowded.
Tulips are my favorite flowers, so I’m definitely using them for our wedding. I do love peonies, but I think the height of the tulips works with the arrangement.
LMGemini–I think you may mean cottage roses? Because those immediately came to my mind as a peony substitute when I started reading this post. They’re big and fluffy and romantic. ^_^
I voted both. I’m torn between quite a few centerpiece ideas and will probably end up doing 2-3 different ones–one all candles, 2 different types of flower centerpieces. My sister Scorpios disdain my indecisiveness.
I used white fringe tulips in my bridal bouquet and I think they would be a great option for you! They have the greenery that you’re looking for, and the classic look of a tulip, but have more texture - which makes them a little more interesting than just a regular tulip!
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Mrs. Taffy, Ann Arbor Age and Occupation: 28, Color and Materials Designer Fiance's Age and Occupation: 29, Automotive Designer Engagement Date: May 9, 2008 Wedding Date: May 2009 Blogging Since: September 14, 2008 Venue: University of Michigan Union About Me: I’m a girl who is crazy about Mr. Taffy, sewing, dancing, almost all types of sweets, and our cute pet canaries. I dislike touching fuzzy fabric of any kind, eating somewhat squishy food, and Michigan winters. Mr. Taffy and I are having a blast planning our Ann Arbor wedding, and cannot wait to share our day with friends and family.
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