Creating A Calla Lily, Rose Bridal Bouquet

The elegant and modern calla lily is a popular choice for wedding bouquets, and it pairs beautifully with roses. Whether you're aiming for a minimalist, rustic, or colourful bouquet, calla lilies are a versatile option that can be used on their own or mixed with other flowers. This flower is available year-round and comes in a variety of colours, from classic white to deep aubergine. You can find fresh calla lilies or artificial bouquets to suit your style and budget.

Calla lilies and roses: a natural, wildflower-esque arrangement

Calla lilies and roses are both elegant flowers that can be combined to create a natural, wildflower-esque arrangement for a wedding bouquet. Here are some tips and ideas to create such a bouquet:

Flower Choice

Calla lilies and roses can be used together to create a beautiful and elegant wedding bouquet. Calla lilies, with their graceful, trumpet-shaped blooms, can add a sleek and sophisticated touch to the arrangement. Roses, on the other hand, are classic and romantic flowers that can enhance the beauty of the bouquet.

When choosing calla lilies, consider their availability throughout the year. They are typically available year-round, making them a versatile choice for any wedding season. Additionally, calla lilies come in a wide array of colours, from traditional white to deep aubergine. You can select colours that complement your wedding theme or opt for a mix of shades to create a vibrant and natural wildflower look.

For roses, you can choose from a variety of colours such as white, pink, red, or even unique shades like lavender or cranberry. Consider using David Austin Roses, known for their textured appearance, to add dimension to the bouquet.

Design and Arrangement

When arranging the flowers, aim for a natural and wildflower-inspired look. You can mix calla lilies and roses together, allowing the flowers to complement each other. For a more natural appearance, consider adding other elements such as grasses, leaves, or cascading greenery. These additional touches can create a loose and organic feel to the bouquet, reminiscent of a wildflower arrangement.

To enhance the wildflower aesthetic, consider using an asymmetrical design or allowing some stems to peek through. You can also incorporate other flowers and foliage, such as limelight hydrangea, eucalyptus, tuberose, or sweet pea, to add texture and interest.

Size and Shape

The size and shape of the bouquet can vary depending on your preference. Slim and narrow bouquets can be created using just a handful of stems, while larger, cascading bouquets can be designed for a more dramatic effect. If you're aiming for a wildflower-esque look, consider an asymmetrical or loosely arranged bouquet rather than a tightly structured one.

For bridesmaids, you can opt for petite bouquets of calla lilies only or include a few roses for added colour. Alternatively, you can create nosegays, which are small, handheld bouquets that complement the bridal bouquet.

Final Touches

To finish the bouquet, consider adding a sleek ribbon to hold it together. You can also incorporate pearls, diamonds, or other decorative elements that complement your wedding theme. Work with your florist to create a natural and elegant arrangement that suits your style and personality. Remember, "simple is more," as noted by wedding planner and designer Isabelle Kline.

How to create a cascading bouquet

To create a cascading bouquet with calla lilies and roses, follow these steps:

Firstly, you'll want to gather your materials. Calla lilies are available year-round and come in a variety of colours, from classic white to deep aubergine. Roses, too, are available in many colours, so you can choose shades that complement each other and fit your wedding colour palette. You'll also need some greenery with a delicate, cascading shape, and a ribbon to finish the bouquet.

When you're ready to start assembling, begin by creating the base of the bouquet with the greenery. This will help to create the desired cascading, waterfall effect. Add in your calla lilies and roses, allowing them to emerge from the top and bottom of the bouquet for a full, elegant look. The natural trumpet shape of the calla lilies will enhance this effect. You can also add in some grasses to elongate the structure and give it a unique touch.

Once you're happy with the arrangement of your bouquet, it's time to secure it. Wrap the stems together with a sleek ribbon that complements your colour scheme. This will hold the bouquet together and add a stylish finishing touch.

Finally, you may want to add some extra embellishments to your bouquet. You could incorporate some sparkling brooches or diamantes for a touch of glamour, or perhaps a simple, elegant bow. Get creative and make your bouquet your own!

White calla lilies and roses: a classic, elegant combination

White calla lilies and roses are a classic, elegant combination for a wedding bouquet. The graceful, elegant lines of the calla lily complement the soft, romantic roses, creating a sophisticated and timeless arrangement. This bouquet is perfect for brides who want a traditional yet stylish look for their special day.

Choosing Your Flowers

When selecting your flowers, consider the size and colour you desire. White calla lilies are most common, but they also come in a range of colours, including orange and aubergine. Roses, too, are available in various shades, so you can choose a colour that complements your wedding palette. For an all-white bouquet, opt for crisp white roses with similar white-hued blossoms like jasmine.

Creating the Bouquet

To create a cascading, waterfall effect, combine the calla lilies and roses with delicate, cascading greenery. The natural trumpet shape of calla lilies is ideal for this style, and you can add grasses to elongate the structure. Finish with a sleek ribbon to hold the bouquet together. If you prefer a more structured bouquet, accent the flowers with leaves and grasses, keeping to a white and green colour palette for a crisp, clean look.

Final Touches

For a cohesive look, consider matching boutonnieres for the groom and groomsmen, featuring miniature calla lilies or roses. You can also incorporate these flowers into your wedding decor, such as centrepieces or floral arrangements, to tie your floral design together.

Remember, when working with fresh flowers, it's best to consult a florist who can guide you in creating a bouquet that's simple yet elegant, allowing the natural beauty of the flowers to shine.

Using artificial flowers for a DIY bouquet

If you're making your own wedding bouquet, artificial flowers are a great option. They're often cheaper than real flowers, and they last longer too. You can buy artificial flowers in a wide range of varieties, including calla lilies and roses, and assemble them into a beautiful bouquet. Here's a step-by-step guide to making an artificial flower bouquet for your wedding.

First, you'll need to choose your flowers. Select 1-3 large flowers, such as roses, peonies, or calla lilies, and 4-6 smaller flowers. You can also add in some greenery, like eucalyptus or ivy. Look for flowers that come as single stems, with wire running through the stem and into the leaves, and a matte finish—these will be easier to work with and look more realistic.

Once you have your flowers, start building your bouquet by layering the stems in your hand. Begin with your largest blooms as the focal point, then build outwards in a circular pattern, adding in the smaller flowers and greenery as you go. You can also add in extra elements like berries or ribbons at this stage. Keep rotating the bouquet as you build it to ensure it's evenly distributed.

When you're happy with your bouquet, it's time to secure the stems. Cut a length of floral wire and wrap it around the stems just below the blooms, then trim the ends. You can also use floral tape to secure the stems and give you a better grip. Cut the stems to your desired length—around 7-8 inches is a good length for most brides.

Finally, wrap the stems with ribbon or fabric to give your bouquet a polished look. You can also add extra embellishments like lace, pins, or beads to make your bouquet unique. And there you have it—a beautiful, long-lasting DIY wedding bouquet!

Adding extras to your bouquet, like diamantes and pearls

Adding extras like diamantes and pearls to your bouquet is a great way to elevate your wedding bouquet and make it stand out. Here are some ideas to enhance your calla lily and rose wedding bouquet:

Wrapping and Embellishments:

• Drape a string of pearls across the bouquet or use pearl-topped pins among the flowers for a timeless and elegant touch.
• Opt for a bouquet wrap—a decorative fabric or ribbon that encircles the stems of the bouquet. You can choose a simple ribbon or one with embellishments like rhinestones or pearls to add a touch of sparkle.
• For a unique touch, consider a metal calla lily bouquet. This type of bouquet is made from metal and can be a creative way to incorporate your chosen flower while adding a modern twist.

Brooches and Charms:

• Brooches covered in rhinestones, diamantes, crystals, or other jewels can be tucked among the flowers for a glamorous and sparkling accent.
• Charms are another way to personalise your bouquet. You can find charms in various shapes, like hearts or lockets, and even include photos or other mementos for a sentimental touch.

Mixed Bouquets:

• Combine calla lilies with other flowers, such as roses, orchids, or lilies, to create a mixed bouquet. This can add interest and texture to your arrangement.
• For a unique and modern twist, incorporate non-floral elements like feathers or succulents. Feathers can add a soft and subtle touch, while succulents can give a rustic, desert-inspired style.

Remember, when adding extras to your bouquet, it's important to work with your florist to ensure that the surrounding flowers enhance your chosen additions.

Frequently asked questions