How to choose the right bridal bouquet from callas

A wedding bouquet of calla lilies is chosen by brides who appreciate the unusual shape of the buds, want to stand out with elegance and love delicate floral scents. Photos of bride's bouquets with calla lilies do not leave anyone indifferent: the buds look good in mono-bouquets and in compositions with other plants. Some people associate calla lilies with mourning, and those who are subject to superstitious prejudices should not be given them.

Features of the plant

The birthplace of calla lilies is Africa, from there they began to be transported all over the world. The plant attracted attention because of its unusual bud shape and pleasant aroma, combining the smell of spicy vanilla with the freshness of pineapple fruit. The name of the plant means “beautiful” in ancient Greek. Callas are also called callas.

There are two types based on height:

• white - with long stems up to a meter;
• multi-colored - with a stem up to half a meter.

In Europe, several plant varieties are grown that are suitable for compositions:

• Ethiopian;
• zantedeschia;
• Richardia.

The Ethiopian variety is distinguished by snow-white buds. For bouquets of other shades, other varieties are used.

Features of callas in a bride's bouquet

Calla lilies were originally used in bouquets in America. Thanks to their beauty, they quickly gained popularity around the world.

A flower growing in southern Africa captivated officers from Britain in ancient times. They brought the sprouts home and began to distribute this plant.

The buds are unique in their aroma. On the one hand, it is barely perceptible, but on the other hand, it is an interesting contrasting combination of taste. Vanilla and anise come together.

A wedding bouquet with calla lilies will complement any look. Callas, like no other, are ideal for a wedding composition. The plant tolerates both heat and cold perfectly. The bouquet can last a little more than two weeks in ordinary cool water. It does not require any special care.

If you want to get an exotic flower, then know that it blooms from January to June. Therefore, it is during this period of time that you will be able to buy calla lilies.

Florists highlight the positive aspects inherent in an exotic plant:

1. A formal look that pairs perfectly with other colors. Callas add elegance and sophistication to the look. And by combining it with plants of other varieties you can get quite interesting combinations.
2. They are not picky about care - all that is required is to place them in clean, cool water.
3. Since flowering occurs in the winter season, we can say that the African flower is ideal for severe frosts. A long photo shoot on the street will not spoil the original appearance of the bouquet.
4. A rich palette of colors allows you to choose absolutely any shade. It can be either delicate pink, innocent white, or bright purple.

Calla lily mysticism

The simple shape of the bud does not mean that the perception of the plant is simple. Some peoples associate calla lilies with mysticism:

1. The flower is endowed with magical powers, this even applies to its stylized images. A drawing of a bud on the door of a house or on the walls was applied as a talisman for the family against the evil eye and unclean thoughts.
2. Callas - symbolize happiness in the family. People recommended that parents who could not find a common language with their children put a bouquet of calligraphy in the children's room.
3. In the Middle Ages, calla lilies were believed to have healing properties. Therefore, it was given to people suffering from serious illnesses. The plant gave vigor, energy and accelerated the healing process.

Benefits of calla lilies in composition

The flowering season begins in January and ends in early summer. But stores sell them all year round; you just need to order them in advance by a certain date. Calla lilies are chosen for a wedding bouquet because of the following advantages:

1. The bud, of a non-classical shape, adds severity to the newlywed's image. For a wedding celebration, a mono-bouquet of callas of the same color or different gradually changing shades is used. Contrasting compositions look bright. A good combination option is a bouquet of callas and freesias for the bride.
2. The buds are hardy, a pre-assembled composition will last a couple of days before the appointed celebration and will remain fresh a week after it. During the wedding, the bride does not have to worry about placing the plants in a vase with water, and without this precaution the arrangement will be fresh and springy.
3. The buds survive the frost calmly. That’s why plants are often chosen for winter weddings and car decorations.
4. Large selection of shades. You can order a bouquet of dark, almost black buds, although this tone is rarely chosen for a wedding. But in contrasting compositions, such shades play the role of an accent. The same plants are included in table compositions, used to decorate the hall, and can be added to the groom’s boutonniere.
5. The unusual structure of the buds allows you to create a composition of any shape.

How to create a cascading composition of calla lilies yourself

It is impossible to imagine a wedding ceremony without a wedding bouquet. Often they even provide several types of such compositions, each of which will appear at one or another stage of the celebration. A small, technically uncomplicated bouquet is suitable for painting in the registry office. A church wedding requires a more magnificent and voluminous composition. A separate bouquet can be made for a photo shoot.

Calla lilies are an excellent material for creating a wide variety of arrangements. Their long, strong stems hold their shape well and do not require additional strengthening measures using floral wire or adhesive tape. Therefore, you can make a bouquet of these flowers with your own hands, even with minimal experience in creating floral arrangements. It's not difficult to make vertical arrangements of callas and other flowers with erect stems. Creating a cascading bouquet will require a little more time and effort, but the result will be very impressive.

• Floral material. To create the composition you will need calla lilies of a suitable color. Classic wedding arrangements are made up of white, cream or light pink flowers. But for the floral decoration of a themed celebration, flowers of unusual colors are often chosen. For example, at a wedding in a Gothic style, a bouquet of black callas would be quite appropriate. It will be enough to complement a cascading mono-bouquet with openwork branches of decorative greenery: fern, palm, asparagus. When composing mixed bouquets, you need to select one or more varieties of partner flowers for the callas. If you have enough experience in composing floral compositions, then it is better to give preference to species with small flowers, which will only create a background for calla lilies. These can be freesia, eustoma, small roses. A cascading bouquet of callas and small-flowered irises looks beautiful.
• Materials and tools. Before starting work on the composition, you need to prepare the following materials and tools: a sharp knife for cutting stems, scissors, thin wire, floral adhesive tape and a porta bouquet.
• Creating a sketch. To make the bouquet beautiful and harmonious, you need to draw a sketch of the composition. It marks the number and length of the main lines of the cascade, as well as the location of large dominant elements.
• Falling elements. First, the falling parts of the bouquet are formed. To do this, the stems of calla lilies are cut so that a short section of about 3 cm remains at the base of the flower. Floral wire is inserted into the stem and secured with adhesive tape. The flowers are then placed on a long wire base, secured with green adhesive tape. When all the falling elements are ready, they are secured in the portaquet. To do this, the wire is pulled through the oasis and bent on the opposite side.
• The main part of the bouquet. Calla lilies are inserted into the “oasis” fixed in the porta bouquet, and then the spaces between them are filled with small flowers or decorative greenery. The flower must be inserted into the right place the first time. “Oasis” does not restore its shape after an unsuccessfully placed flower is removed from it. In this place there remains a hole in which the plants will no longer stay.
• Finishing touches. Long branches of greenery are attached between the flowing elements of the bouquet, which will disguise the wire frame and give the composition volume. The plastic handle of the bouquet holder, which does not have a very aesthetic appearance, can be decorated with a satin ribbon. It is wrapped around the handle, secured with special glue.

Other decorative elements can be used in cascading compositions: white or colored beads strung on wire, floral mesh, ribbons with flowing ends. The main thing is not to overdo it with artificial decor. Contrasting compositions, for example, burgundy calla lilies and white roses, will look impressive without additional decorations.

Before you start creating a wedding arrangement, it’s worth practicing on “small forms”. For example, make boutonnieres from calla lilies for the groom and guests. This will allow you to gain some skills in working with floral wire and tape without ruining too many flowers. Despite certain difficulties that may arise when creating a composition, the bride should still try her hand as a florist. After all, a wedding bouquet created with your own hands will carry a very special energy.

Care Tips

Callas are persistent flowers, but proper care will increase the quality and elasticity of the bud for the entire time allotted to the plant after cutting:

1. Cut calla lilies last for two weeks.
2. The vase with the bouquet is placed in a place where there is no direct sunlight and no drafts.
3. Nothing is added to water for flowers. The use of disinfectants and bleaching agents and fertilizing will lead to rotting of the stem.
4. Slightly wilted buds from damp weather and excess humidity can be brought back to life if you let them “dry out”.
5. Before assembling into a bouquet on a floral sponge, the callas are sealed off, because they cannot take moisture from the foam.
6. It is better to place a bouquet with these plants in an opaque container, because the process of photosynthesis that takes place in the stems leads to curling of the bud.
7. If the end of the stem is treated with wax, the calla will remain fresh longer.
8. From unwatered stems you can weave beautiful wreaths and decorations for the bride’s hair.

Symbolism of callas, legends about flowers

According to the traditions of some countries, the groom gives the bride a bouquet of calla lilies. This is considered a guarantee that the newlyweds will live in love, happiness, and care. But the meaning is not limited to only the positive aspect; plants also impart negative meaning. For some people, calla lilies are associated with funerals, but the perception of the flower does not mean death. On the contrary, it symbolizes the rebirth of the human soul in heaven.

According to legend, the cruel, treacherous leader of the tribe fell in love with a girl from a warring clan. She did not reciprocate, and the leader, who could not tolerate refusal, decided to marry the girl against her will. He attacked the tribe and captured his beloved. The girl could not come to terms with her upcoming marriage and chose death. She threw herself into the fire. The gods sympathized with the fate of the unfortunate woman and gave her a second life on earth, turning her into a snow-white calla lily.

Another tale tells of a young man and a girl from hostile tribes. They fell in love with each other. The girl received a blessing for marriage from her father, the leader of the tribe. Marriage ties reconciled the peoples, and delicate calla lilies sprouted from the bride’s flower veil.

According to ancient legend, at a time when the gods came down to people, the goddess fell in love with a man - the son of a leader, who reciprocated her feelings. The goddess's father found out about this and wanted to separate loving hearts. He turned his daughter invisible, hoping that they would stop seeing each other. But the young man did not give up, he made a cape for his beloved so that he could see at least the silhouette of the girl. On one of the secret dates, when the guy threw the cloth on, they both burst into tears from overwhelming feelings. The goddess's father noticed this, took pity and lifted the curse from his daughter. The cape fell, and callas grew in its place. From then on, the buds symbolize family happiness.

Options for combining callas with other flowers

Wedding bouquets for the bride from calla lilies, photo.
Callas in a wedding bouquet will not leave anyone indifferent, and callas are one of the few flowers that fit perfectly with a large number of varieties. By adding additional plants to the bride’s wedding accessory, you can get a delicate and at the same time mysterious image. One could only dream of something like this. The following options can be considered harmonious combinations from the point of view of floristry.

Monobouquet

A laconic combination of flowers of the same variety, but of different colors. Pearl threads or fern leaves can be used as additional decoration. It’s quite easy to make such a bouquet yourself. Just think in advance about how it will be attached to you.

Roses

A classic flower that goes well with both exotic and very simple plants. Florists advise choosing either a wild variety or dwarf roses. In this case, they will add romance and femininity to the bride’s accessory.

The combination with a classic long-stemmed rose will be a little unfortunate, since it, like calla lilies, is associated with pride and elegance. The task is to dilute the image with delicate notes.

Tulips

Real spring flowers, so loved by many women. Their only disadvantage is seasonality. But if the wedding celebration takes place in the spring, then you should definitely think about such a combination of two contrasting plants. The result is a harmonious image. On the one hand, the bride will seem gentle and naive, and on the other, strict and sophisticated.

Callas are ideal in combination with petals and green berries. This combination allows you to emphasize the dissimilarity and originality of the wedding composition. In addition, green grass is quite durable, so it can last along with a bouquet and retain its original appearance for a little more than two weeks.

Popular beliefs

People of the older generation and some European countries often perceive calla lilies as a symbol of death. In Great Britain they believe that they cannot be given to living people: they will bring rapid death. The warnings are due to the fact that white in Europe and the East means not only purity and fidelity, but also sadness and sorrow. Associating a plant with death is a common practice because it can be easier to transfer difficult feelings to a symbolic object. On this basis, a common opinion arose that any white flowers should not be given to women and men in old age.

There is a peculiar custom of giving calla lilies in pairs, but it has not taken root on Slavic territory. An even number of buds in such a bouquet means mutual understanding in the family, strong feelings for life, the connection between a man and a woman, the unity of two principles. But you shouldn’t present such a bouquet to an unprepared recipient. Serious misunderstandings can arise that can lead to real hurt feelings.

Shades of buds

When thinking about white callas, the image of a wedding bouquet comes to mind. White symbolizes an immaculate soul, pure thoughts, and in combination with branches of greenery it looks perfect against the background of a wedding dress. This is a common color for brides, but not only white buds are used for weddings. No less popular are the following color variations:

• yellow is a symbol of luxury, the desire to get rich, increase income; plants of this shade are even recommended to be grown in pots at home;
• pink – romance and love, suitable for young brides who have never been married before;
• burgundy - for girls who value family, traditions, and home comfort;
• red - symbolize the passion between the newlyweds, the unquenchable fire of love;
• purple - makes the bride elegant, suitable for internally calm, wise girls;
• black - not found in nature, bred artificially, dark shades are chosen to create an extraordinary image and add a bright accent.

In addition to the main colors, the petals are distinguished by transitional shades. For a wedding in pastel colors, brides choose light burgundy and soft pink. Assembling a composition of delicate shades, the newlyweds select bright accessories - jewelry, hair clips, handbags. This image looks harmonious, adds dynamics and brightness to the overall style.

Important! Callas are poisonous plants that secrete sap. When working and trimming stems, try to avoid contact with mucous membranes. Wash your hands and tools after cutting.

Bridal bouquet shape

Due to their long, strong stems, calla lilies are ideal for compositions on their own legs. They are easy to fasten and decorate with ribbons. This form of the bouquet looks most advantageous in comparison with this design with other plants. The composition on its stems, on the one hand, is simple and uncomplicated, on the other hand, it follows the classic version. This shape gives the bride femininity and sophistication. The calla bud resembles a glass, which is why it is often associated with a wedding celebration.

A bouquet of callas is also collected using the spiral technique with the addition of other flowers and greenery. In addition to the wedding composition for the bride, you can make jewelry in the hair and a boutonniere for the groom.

Collecting the calliper into a basket is problematic; the stem is not suitable for this. But this composition also looks a little ridiculous. But a cascading bouquet of callas combined with orchids looks grandiose.

How to choose a bouquet of callas for a wedding

Wedding bouquet of callas, photo.
How to choose the right wedding bouquet of calla lilies for the bride? Before choosing a bouquet, you should think and analyze how suitable it is for you. First of all, you should focus on the dress. If you have a lush outfit, then a bouquet of callas will look inappropriate and ridiculous.

Straight dresses, formal sheaths or sexy mermaids are ideal for this plant. The ideal combination would be the empire style and a wedding composition made of callas.

Callas are a rather rare flower , so they must be ordered in advance. It is unlikely that you will find it on free sale. Make sure you have the right plant available on the appointed day.

Pay attention also to the color scheme. Of course, the flower should highlight your entire image. As an option, make the entire ceremony in one color. Then choosing the shade of the bouquet is much easier. If you don’t have such an idea, then think about what you want to express with a wedding accessory.

Tenderness and romantic feelings can be shown using pastel colors. Creativity and creative nature will be personified by rich and dark colors.

Don't forget about the shape of the wedding attribute. This can be either a classic bouquet tied with satin ribbons or a recently popular basket. Florists advise not to overthink the shape, since the plant is quite original and sophisticated. It does not require additional decor.

The main emphasis should be placed on the flowers. Therefore, pay attention to the option where all the buds are gathered together and tied with a beautiful ribbon.

Master class on creating a bouquet of callas

In order to collect a bouquet for the bride, you need to take:

• orange-yellow callas 3 pcs.;
• 3-4 green carnations with medium-sized buds;
• dried flowers of silver brunia 3 branches;
• white-green large-headed roses 5-7 pcs.;
• small beige bush rose 3-5 branches;
• pruner;
• floral tape;
• decorative ribbon to match the colors in the composition;
• pins;
• glue gun;
• white lace.

Step-by-step instructions for assembling a bouquet with callas with photos:

Let's prepare all the plants: cut off the leaves and thorns from the stems, shorten the too long legs, tear off the outer petals on the rose buds.

We assemble the composition in a spiral, making a hemisphere. First we take a large-headed rose, add calla lilies and carnations to it. We alternate the types of plants and collect the rest of the flowers in the composition. We place the calla so that it is slightly higher than the other buds. Working with large-headed roses is more difficult than with bush and small-flowered ones. Therefore, we constantly twist them and try to introduce them into the bouquet on the appropriate side.

We tie the stems with floral tape in two places and shorten them with pruning shears to a suitable length. We make the cut neat and clear.

Decorating the leg. We wrap the ribbon around the stems several times and pin it with a pin. We make a few more turns and secure the pin again. We hide the decorative floral tape and cut it off. Fold the edge of the decorative ribbon in half so that it does not fray or crumble, and pin it in the upward direction. We direct all the pins so that they stick into the flower stems inside the bouquet. This method securely fixes the ribbon and protects the bride’s hands from accidental damage.

We attach the lace on top of the decorative ribbon using a glue gun.

Examples of wedding bouquets

Are calla lilies for a wedding a good idea? Callas are one of the few flowers that are interesting in themselves. That is why it will not be difficult to make the composition yourself. Here are some examples of beautiful wedding accessories.

1. Mono bouquet - focus on only one color . For example, red will be associated with your burning love. Carefully fold the exotic plant into a ball. Tie the legs with thick tape.
2. A monobouquet of different colors can make for quite an interesting combination. Open the color picker and see which shades are located next to the color you have in mind. Use this palette to create a beautiful wedding accessory.
3. An elongated bouquet - if your look is strict and elegant, then you can only emphasize it by adding a beautiful accessory. You don’t need to overload the image with heavy and round balls; it will be enough to tie 3 flowers with a thin ribbon and arrange them in the form of a cascade.