Bold Burgundy Blooms: Creating Stunning Late Summer Wedding Bouquets

Late summer weddings deserve florals that match the season's rich, deep beauty. When September approaches and you're planning your dream wedding, burgundy flowers paired with cheerful gerber daisies create the perfect balance of sophistication and warmth. This color combination brings together the cozy elegance of fall with the bright energy that gerber daisies are known for.

Burgundy flowers have become a favorite choice for couples seeking something beyond traditional pastels. The deep wine tones photograph beautifully against late summer's golden light, while gerber daisies add that pop of personality every bride wants. Together, they create bouquets that feel both timeless and totally fresh.

Whether you're planning an outdoor ceremony under changing leaves or an elegant indoor celebration, this floral pairing works beautifully. The key lies in understanding how to blend these bold colors and textures to create arrangements that feel intentional and polished.

What's in a Name? Gerber or Gerbera? 

You may have noticed these vibrant flowers referred to as both "gerber" and "gerbera," and wondered which is correct. The answer is simple—they're both used! "Gerbera" is the official botanical name of this cheerful bloom, named after German botanist Traugott Gerber. Over time, "gerber" became a popular nickname, making the flowers even more approachable and beloved. No matter what you call them, their radiant charm is unmistakable! 

Why Burgundy and Gerber Daisies Make the Perfect Pair

The magic of this combination lies in the contrast. Burgundy flowers bring depth and richness that feels perfectly suited to late summer's transition into fall. Meanwhile, gerber daisies offer bright, happy faces that prevent your arrangements from feeling too heavy or serious.

Gerber daisies come in an incredible range of colors, making them ideal partners for burgundy blooms. Whether you choose classic white gerbers for a clean, sophisticated look, or opt for coral and peach tones to create a warm gradient, these cheerful flowers add texture and visual interest to any arrangement.

The structural differences between these flowers also work in your favor. Most burgundy flowers, like dahlias, roses, and chrysanthemums, have layered, complex petals. Gerber daisies, with their simple, radiating petals and prominent centers, provide a lovely counterpoint that keeps arrangements from looking too fussy.

Best Burgundy Flowers for Late Summer Weddings

Dahlias

Dahlias are the stars of late summer blooms. These gorgeous flowers peak in August and September, offering rich burgundy tones that range from deep wine to almost-black varieties. Their full, rounded heads create beautiful focal points in bouquets and centerpieces.

Burgundy Roses

Garden roses in burgundy tones provide classic elegance with a twist. Varieties like "Black Baccara" and "Walk of Fame" offer the romance of roses with the rich coloring perfect for fall weddings. These roses photograph beautifully and hold their color well throughout long wedding days.

Chrysanthemums

Don't overlook mums for your late summer wedding. These flowers come in gorgeous burgundy shades and offer incredible texture variety. From button mums to spider mums, they add interesting shapes to your arrangements while staying within your color palette.

Burgundy Carnations

Modern carnations have come a long way from their dated reputation. Today's burgundy carnations offer rich color and excellent staying power. They're also budget-friendly, allowing you to create fuller arrangements without breaking your floral budget.

Choosing the Right Gerber Daisy Colors and Size

The gerber daisies you choose will determine the overall mood of your arrangements. Gerber daisies come in a variety of sizes to suit different preferences and arrangements. Standard gerbers typically feature larger blooms, often spanning 3 to 5 inches in diameter, making them a bold and eye-catching choice. Mini gerbers, on the other hand, are more petite, with blooms usually around 1 to 2 inches wide. These smaller varieties are perfect for adding a touch of subtle charm to delicate arrangements or for creating more intricate designs. With their diverse sizes, gerbers offer endless possibilities for creativity and personal expression in floral displays.

One of the most charming features of gerber daisies is the variety found in their centers. These centers can differ in color, texture, and even size, adding an extra layer of interest to each bloom. While some gerbers showcase bright yellow or green centers that create a striking contrast with their petals, others have more muted, dark centers for a bold, sophisticated touch. The texture within the center also varies, often displaying a captivating combination of delicate filaments and intricate patterns. This diversity allows gerber daisies to effortlessly fit into a range of arrangements, whether you're aiming for vibrant charm or understated elegance.

Here are the most stunning combinations with burgundy flowers:

White and Cream Gerber Daisies

White gerber daisies create the most sophisticated pairing with burgundy flowers. This combination feels elegant and timeless, perfect for formal weddings or couples who prefer classic color schemes. The stark contrast makes both colors pop while maintaining an upscale feeling.

Coral and Peach Gerber Daisies

For a warmer, more romantic feel, coral and peach gerber daisies create beautiful gradient effects with burgundy blooms. This combination works especially well for outdoor weddings or celebrations with bohemian touches. The warm undertones feel perfect for late summer's golden hour lighting.

Yellow Gerber Daisies

Bright yellow gerber daisies might seem unexpected with burgundy, but this combination creates stunning fall-inspired arrangements. The yellow adds sunshine and energy while the burgundy provides sophisticated grounding. This pairing works beautifully for couples who want their florals to feel joyful and celebratory.

Pink Gerber Daisies

Soft pink gerber daisies create a romantic, feminine feel when paired with burgundy flowers. This combination offers enough contrast to be interesting while maintaining a cohesive, gentle color story. It's perfect for romantic garden weddings or intimate celebrations.

Photo: O'Reilley Floral Design

Design Ideas for Burgundy and Gerber Daisy Arrangements

Bridal Bouquets

Create a stunning bridal bouquet by using burgundy dahlias or roses as your focal flowers, then filling in with gerber daisies in your chosen accent color. Add texture with burgundy hypericum berries or deep red astilbe. Wrap stems in ivory or blush ribbon for a polished finish.

Bridesmaids' Bouquets

Give bridesmaids smaller versions of your bouquet design, or flip the proportions to make gerber daisies the star with burgundy accents. This approach creates cohesion while giving each bouquet its own personality.

Consider varying the gerber daisy colors among bridesmaids while keeping the burgundy base consistent. One bridesmaid might carry white gerbers, another peach, and a third soft pink. This creates visual interest in photos while maintaining your color scheme.

Centerpieces

Low centerpieces work beautifully with this flower combination. Use burgundy flowers as your base and let gerber daisies peek out at different heights for a natural, garden-inspired look. Add candles in burgundy or cream for romantic lighting.

For taller arrangements, consider alternating high and low centerpieces. Tall arrangements can showcase the full beauty of burgundy dahlias while shorter ones highlight the cheerful faces of gerber daisies.

Ceremony Decorations 

Create charming and practical aisle borders by using gerber daisies with water tubes. This approach allows the vibrant, cheerful blooms to stay fresh throughout the ceremony without the need for bulky arrangements. Simply place water-tubed gerber daisies directly into the grass along the aisle, spacing them evenly for an elegant and visually cohesive effect. The bright faces of the gerber daisies will create a joyful and inviting atmosphere, perfectly complementing the celebratory nature of your wedding day. After the ceremony, these blooms can be easily transferred to reception decor or gifted to guests as a lovely keepsake.

Seasonal Considerations for Late Summer Weddings

Late summer presents unique opportunities and challenges for wedding florals. The good news is that both burgundy flowers and gerber daisies thrive during this season, giving you access to the freshest, most beautiful blooms.

Availability and Timing

August and September are peak season for many burgundy flowers, especially dahlias. This means better availability and often better pricing than you'd find in other seasons. Gerber daisies are available year-round but are particularly vibrant in late summer.

Order your flowers from growers who specialize in seasonal blooms. Many burgundy varieties are grown specifically for fall weddings, so you'll have access to the richest, deepest colors during this time.

Heat Considerations

Late summer heat can be challenging for some flowers, but gerber daisies are particularly heat-tolerant. This makes them excellent choices for outdoor ceremonies or receptions. Keep burgundy flowers like dahlias in cool conditions before your wedding, and consider misting arrangements lightly to maintain freshness.

Complementary Seasonal Elements

Late summer offers wonderful opportunities to add seasonal touches to your burgundy and gerber daisy arrangements. Consider adding:

• Burgundy or orange berries for texture

• Wheat or other grasses for movement

• Small branches with changing leaves

• Seasonal fruits like small pears or apples

Care Tips for Long-Lasting Arrangements

Pre-Wedding Preparation

Cut flower stems at an angle under running water to ensure proper water uptake. Remove any leaves that would sit below the waterline to prevent bacterial growth. Place arrangements in cool locations away from direct sunlight.

Wedding Day Care

Keep arrangements in cool areas until the last possible moment. For outdoor weddings, consider having backup arrangements ready in case heat affects your flowers. Mist gerber daisies lightly if they start to look tired—they respond well to a little extra moisture.

Reception Display

Place centerpieces away from heating vents, candles, or other heat sources. If your reception runs late into the evening, arrangements should stay fresh throughout the celebration with proper care.

Wiring Gerber Daisies

Wiring gerber daisies is an excellent technique to provide additional structure and support for these delicate blooms. To wire a gerber daisy, insert a thin floral wire into the base of the daisy head and carefully thread it down the length of the stem. Be gentle to avoid damaging the flower. Once the wire is in place, wrap floral tape around the stem, starting at the flower head and spiraling downward. This step not only secures the wire but also helps maintain the daisy's natural appearance. Wired gerber daisies are perfect for bouquets and arrangements where extra stability is needed.

Using a Clear Straw for Support

Another handy trick to keep your gerber daisies fresh and standing tall is to use a clear straw. Cut the straw to a length just slightly shorter than the stem and gently slide it onto the daisy's stem, positioning it right below the head of the bloom. This method provides subtle, effective support to the flower head without being visually obtrusive. It's a great option for centerpieces or displays where you want the flowers to look effortlessly vibrant and upright.

Budget-Friendly Tips for Burgundy and Gerber Daisy Weddings

Creating beautiful burgundy and gerber daisy arrangements doesn't have to break your budget. Here are smart ways to get the look for less:

Mix Premium and Budget Flowers

Use a few expensive burgundy dahlias or garden roses as focal points, then fill arrangements with more affordable burgundy carnations or mums. Gerber daisies are generally budget-friendly and provide great value for their visual impact.

DIY Elements

Consider creating some arrangements yourself while leaving complex bouquets to professionals. Simple centerpieces featuring gerber daisies and burgundy mums are perfect for DIY projects.

Repurpose Arrangements

Plan arrangements that can do double duty. Ceremony arrangements can move to the reception, and bridesmaids' bouquets can become cocktail table centerpieces.

Making Your Burgundy and Gerber Daisy Wedding Uniquely Yours

Every couple deserves florals that reflect their personal style. Here's how to customize this classic combination:

Add Personal Touches

Include flowers that hold special meaning for you as a couple. Perhaps you had gerber daisies in your first apartment together, or burgundy roses remind you of a special trip.

Consider Your Venue

Adapt your arrangements to complement your wedding venue. Rustic locations might call for looser, more organic arrangements, while formal venues might benefit from structured, symmetrical designs.

Think About Your Dress

Consider how your floral colors will photograph with your wedding dress. Burgundy and gerber daisies look stunning against ivory, white, or blush gowns.

Bringing Your Vision to Life

Creating the perfect burgundy and gerber daisy wedding florals is about more than just choosing beautiful flowers. It's about crafting arrangements that tell your love story and create the atmosphere you've always dreamed of for your special day.

Start by gathering inspiration photos that speak to you. Look for arrangements that capture the mood you want to create, whether that's romantic and soft or bold and dramatic. Share these images with your florist along with details about your venue, dress, and overall wedding style.

Remember that the most beautiful weddings are those that feel authentic to the couple celebrating. Trust your instincts, choose flowers that make you smile, and don't be afraid to put your own creative spin on this stunning color combination.

Your late summer wedding deserves florals as beautiful and unique as your love story. With burgundy flowers and cheerful gerber daisies leading the way, you're sure to create arrangements that you and your guests will remember for years to come.