Known for its vibrant hue, bougainvillea wedding flowers are a unique flower choice for any couple who wants to add native florals (or leaves, if we’re getting technical!) to their destination wedding. We have long been fans of these pretty petals with their incredibly bright colours, and long branches crowded with fluttery blooms that create interesting and unstructured shapes.

Bougainvillea thrives in hot climates, which is why you see so much of it in warm European countries, California, the Caribbean, and Australia. Available in a variety of bright colours from white to orange and purple to vibrant fuchsia, this paper-like plant is a serious scene stealer when used in bouquets, decor, floral arrangements or ceremony backdrops and today, we're sharing some gorgeous bougainvillea wedding ideas to prove it.

Bougainvillea Wedding Inspiration

This bougainvillea table runner design by Fragapoulos Flowers and MBW Events is so simple, yet so impactful for a destination wedding reception.

Not just a showstopper on its own, bougainvillea also looks incredible when paired with other vibrant blooms in shades of fuchsia, pink and coral just like in this ceremony arch by Laura & Co. Events & Rachel A. Clingen Wedding & Event Design.

We love how this brides bougainvillea bouquet by Fragapoulos Flowers and MBW Events matches perfectly with the groom's boug boutonniere!

This hanging bougainvillea installation from Detallerie made guests feel like they were dining right in the middle of a tropical dream!

Indigo and fuchsia is always an inspired choice, don’t you agree? Loving this colour combo by MBW Events &  FRAGOPOULOS FLOWERS.

A simple bougainvillea swag is the perfect adornment for your destination wedding ceremony doorway like this one by White Ribbon Boutique Events Greece.

If you're lucky, your warm-weather venue might even have them on-site, so don't miss the opportunity to use them as a colourful backdrop for your portraits! Bonus points for epic pink-toned wedding attire!

A bougainvillea flower crown? Yes please! The perfect destination wedding accessory.

We're loving bougainvillea for dramatic single flower bouquets like this one by The Blooming Bud .

Our jaws literally dropped when we spotted this brilliant ceremony space with bougainvillea floral design by Wildflowers Floral Design!

Another wonderful characteristic of the bougainvillea petal is its utterly-fluttery floatability, making it perfect for confetti tosses like this idea by Millie Papillons!

A simple sprig of bougainvillea is the perfect finishing touch to this blue and white cake by Sweet Flours.

Bougainvillea adds a serious statement to your wedding chair decor!

In gorgeous shades ranging from blush to fuchsia, these rose and bougainvillea arrangements are sure to dress up your destination wedding reception tables.

We love how bougainvillea pairs perfectly with other show-stopping blooms such as peonies and ranunculus in this all pink bouquet by The Vintage Bouquet Bar.

Tips for Using Bougainvillea on your Big Day

• Bougainvillea can bloom all year long in tropical climates.
• Unfortunately, northern climates do not have access to this exotic plumage.
• Its wild unruliness and endless abundance make it plentiful which is perfect for eco-conscious (or budget conscious) couples. If you're lucky, your warm-weather venue might even have them on-site!
• Bougainvillea is a delicate plant and can fade fast when cut (so it doesn't really travel). However, when kept in water and out of direct sunlight, bougainvillea branches can last for several days.
• If you love the look of these beauties but are afraid of them fading, or not having enough to fill out your reception, why not try a faux silk bougainvillea?
• Leave this one to the experts! Bougainvillea are thorny plants. The thorns are located at the base of each leaf on the plant can be dangerous. To find the perfect florist to create your dream look, check out the handpicked florists in our suppliers directory.
• Pair bougainvillea with other statement-making flowers rather than dainty blooms. King protea, blousy roses, and orchids all work perfectly with this chic plant.

From bouquets to centrepieces, check out more wedding flower inspiration.