Creating A Fragrant Lily Wedding Bouquet

Lilies are a popular choice for wedding bouquets, and it's easy to see why. They are beautiful, fragrant, and come in a variety of colours and styles, making them a versatile option for any bridal arrangement. Whether you're looking for classic elegance or delicate charm, there is a lily to match every wedding theme and palette. In this guide, we will take you through the different types of lilies available, offer tips on how to create your own DIY lily bouquet, and provide inspiration for stunning lily wedding bouquets.

Calla lily bouquet ideas

Calla lilies are a popular choice for wedding bouquets, and it's easy to see why. Their trumpet-shaped blooms are elegant and modern, and they work well on their own or mixed with other flowers. They are also available all year round and come in a wide range of colours, from classic white to orange, deep aubergine and even almost black.

All-White Bouquet

Style calla lilies with similar white-hued blossoms, such as roses and jasmine, and add varying greenery styles for a bouquet that will beautifully complement a white wedding dress.

Cascading Bouquet

For that cascading, waterfall effect, the natural trumpet shape of calla lilies is perfect. Accentuate with delicate, cascading greenery, sumptuous roses and large calla lilies emerging from the top and bottom of the bouquet.

Narrow, Petite Bouquet

Opt for narrow, petite bouquets of calla lilies only for a sophisticated look for your bridesmaids.

Rustic Bouquet

If you're planning a rustic celebration, use calla lilies in a bouquet designed to look overgrown, alongside limelight hydrangea, eucalyptus, tuberose and sweet pea, for an organic, wildflower-esque arrangement.

Minimalist Bouquet

For a minimalist wedding, pare down your calla lily stems to create a much more petite silhouette.

Structured Bouquet

Go for a crisp and clean look by opting for a structured bouquet. Pair accent leaves and grasses with calla lilies and dahlias, all in shades of white and green.

Slim and Narrow Bouquet

You only need a handful of stems to create a striking calla lily bouquet that will complement an elegant bridal look, whether that's a ballgown or a bridal jumpsuit!

Cranberry Bouquet

Veer away from the typical white and cream colour palette and embrace a deeper hue. The dark red, almost purple shade of cranberry calla lilies will be picturesque for an autumn wedding and will provide a beautiful contrast against the white of your wedding gown.

Cost and budget

The cost of a lily wedding bouquet depends on several factors, including the type of lilies used, the size of the bouquet, the season, and your location.

Calla Lilies

Calla lilies are a popular choice for wedding bouquets and are typically available year-round. Small calla lily bouquets can range from $45 to $65, with larger bouquets costing $180 or more. Individual stems are approximately $5 to $8 each.

Other Types of Lilies

For other types of lilies, such as Asiatic lilies or Easter lilies, the cost per stem is generally between $4 and $8. Small bouquets typically range from $50 to $70, while more robust arrangements can exceed $200. Unique colours may also be more expensive and difficult to find.

DIY Lily Bouquets

If you're looking to save money, creating a DIY lily bouquet is a great option. The cost of a DIY bouquet depends on the type and quantity of flowers chosen, but it is generally much less expensive than a professionally-crafted bouquet. For example, you can buy flowers from a local grocery store or flower market for around $25.

Budgeting Tips

To make your budget go further, consider the seasonality of the flowers. Daffodils, peonies, lilacs, and tulips are in season during the spring, while chrysanthemums and dahlias are more affordable in the fall. You can also add in greenery, such as ferns or lamb's ear, to create a softer look and stretch your budget.

Sourcing flowers

Choosing the Right Lilies

The first step is to decide on the type of lilies you want to incorporate into your bouquet. Consider the style of your wedding dress and your colour palette. Do you want complementary colours for a subtle balance, or do you prefer contrasting colours for added drama?

Some popular lily varieties to consider include:

• Calla lilies: These chic and modern trumpet-shaped flowers are available in a wide array of colours, from crisp white to deep aubergine. They can be used alone or mixed with other flowers for added depth.
• Stargazer lilies: These lilies feature large pink and white blooms with a pleasant, seductive fragrance. They add a bold pop of colour and are perfect for couples seeking a vibrant and elegant arrangement.
• Lily of the valley: These small, delicate flowers feature an abundance of white or pink blooms that drape beautifully in sprays. They represent love, joy, and happiness, making them an excellent choice for wedding bouquets.
• Asiatic lilies: Available in warm colours like white, yellow, pink, red, and orange, Asiatic lilies are perfect for creating full and luscious bouquets.
• Easter lilies: Typically blooming in late March or April, Easter lilies are commonly used for springtime weddings. They are known for their white or white-with-pink hues.
• Oriental lilies: Oriental lilies, including the popular Stargazer lilies, are usually in season during the summer. They come in shades of white, pink, and red, and are known for their sweet scent.

Once you've decided on the type of lilies and the overall style of your bouquet, it's time to source your flowers. Here are some options for sourcing your lilies:

• Local farms or grocery stores: Check local farms or grocery stores to find the floral varieties you're looking for. This option is especially good if you're looking for fresh, in-season flowers.
• Online bulk orders: If you're unable to find the desired lilies locally, consider ordering flowers in bulk online. This option may be more convenient and provide a wider selection.
• Friend's garden: If you have access to a friend's garden, take a look at what's blooming there. With permission, you can carefully cut the lilies you need for your bouquet.
• Flower markets: Visit flower markets or local florists to source your lilies. They may have a wider variety of lilies and can help you find the perfect flowers for your bouquet.

Remember to consider the season and availability of the lilies you choose. Lilies are typically in season from spring through fall, but some varieties, like Easter lilies, bloom earlier, while others, like Oriental lilies, are in season during the summer.

DIY bouquet prep

If you're making your own lily wedding bouquet, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, decide on the type of lilies and any other flowers or greenery you want to include. Consider the style of your wedding dress and your colour palette when making your selections. If you're after a classic, tight bouquet, you may want to stick to just a few varieties of flowers, but if you're going for something more whimsical and garden-inspired, you can afford to be a bit more adventurous.

Once you've decided on the flowers, you'll need to source them. If you have access to a garden with blooming flowers, great! If not, try local farms, grocery stores, or order your flowers in bulk online. The cost of your bouquet will depend on the type and number of flowers you choose, as well as whether they're in season. Lilies typically cost around $4 to $8 per stem.

Timing is key when it comes to making your own bouquet. Ideally, you should source your flowers two days before the wedding, create the bouquet the day before, and then add any final touches like ribbons on the day itself. This will ensure your blooms are at their best.

Before you start constructing your bouquet, make sure all the flower stems and greenery are prepped. Remove any leaves from the stems, and snip the bottom of each stem at a 45-degree angle. Keep the stems in a bucket of water as you work. If you're using tropical blooms in a dry climate, do some research to ensure they stay vibrant.

Now you're ready to assemble your bouquet! Stand in front of a mirror and start by building the shape and framework of your arrangement. Begin with a base and then add in larger flowers before filling in with smaller blooms and greenery. Once you're happy with the bouquet, snip the stems and secure them with a rubber band and floral tape. Finish with a ribbon – either looped for a classic look or cascading down the side for a more relaxed, garden-style feel.

Assembly steps

Before you start constructing your bouquet, make sure the flower stems and greenery are prepped and ready. Remove all the leaves from your floral stems and the bottom halves of your greenery stems. Cut the bottom of each stem at a 45-degree angle and keep them in a bucket of water as you work.

When you're ready to start assembling, grab your floral snips and begin by building the shape and framework of your bouquet. Stand in front of a mirror as you work so you can see exactly what the bouquet will look like from the front.

Start with a base of greenery and then add in your larger, focal flowers. Continue to add in smaller flowers and greenery, balancing the design as you build. Play around with the placement of the flowers and don't be afraid to start over if you're not happy with how it looks—flowers are resilient!

Once you’ve constructed a bouquet you're happy with, snip the stems to trim them back and secure the entire bouquet with a rubber band. Be sure it’s tightly wrapped before adding floral tape to hide the rubber band.

Finally, loop a ribbon around the stems for a clean, classic look or allow it to cascade down the side of the bouquet for a more relaxed, garden-style aesthetic.

Frequently asked questions