Lilies are a classic choice for wedding flowers, gracing celebrations with elegance. Their stately presence and varied forms make them a timeless selection. These blossoms offer a sophisticated appeal that enhances any bridal aesthetic.
Symbolism of Lilies in Weddings
Lilies carry deep symbolic meanings. They often represent purity and innocence, fitting for new beginnings. Lilies can also symbolize devotion, rebirth, and the majesty of enduring love. The specific color of a lily can further enhance its symbolic message. White lilies are traditionally associated with chastity and virtue, while pink varieties can convey prosperity and admiration.
Popular Lily Varieties for Weddings
Several lily varieties are favored for wedding floral designs. Calla lilies, with their sleek, trumpet-shaped blooms, offer a modern aesthetic, often seen in minimalist arrangements. Oriental lilies are known for their large, fragrant flowers and often feature prominent speckled petals, providing a lush and romantic feel. Asiatic lilies present vibrant colors and lack fragrance, making them versatile for various settings and suitable for those sensitive to scents. Trumpet lilies are notable for their dramatic, large blooms and strong fragrance, adding a grand presence.
Selecting Lilies for Your Wedding
Choosing lilies for a wedding involves practical and aesthetic factors. The overall wedding theme and color palette should guide the selection, ensuring the lily variety complements the desired atmosphere. Fragrance levels are also important; highly fragrant lilies might be overwhelming in small spaces but perfect for larger venues.
The size of arrangements and the lilies’ natural bloom size should align with the scale of the decor. Seasonal availability can influence both the freshness and cost of certain lily types. Budget considerations play a significant role in determining the quantity and specific varieties chosen.
Caring for Cut Lilies for Your Wedding
Proper care maintains the beauty and freshness of cut lilies. Upon receiving the flowers, re-cut the stems at an angle under cool water for better absorption. Removing any leaves below the waterline prevents bacterial growth.
Pollen can stain fabrics, so gently removing the anthers before the blooms fully open prevents staining. Storing lilies in a cool, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight extends their vase life. Consistent hydration with fresh water maintains vibrancy.
Incorporating Lilies into Wedding Arrangements
Lilies are versatile and integrate beautifully into various wedding floral designs, adapting to different styles. In bridal bouquets, their elegant form allows for both cascading and structured arrangements. For centerpieces, tall varieties can create dramatic focal points, while shorter stems provide understated elegance for lower displays.
Lilies also lend themselves well to boutonnieres and corsages. Their distinct shapes enhance ceremony decor, like archways and aisle markers. At the reception, they can enhance table settings and other decorative elements.