Exquisite textured calla buds are not such frequent guests in a wedding bouquet, but elegant brides know the value of this magical flower. The abundance of different shades, endurance, unusual shape - all this makes calla lilies an excellent option, allowing you to show rich imagination and demonstrate impeccable taste. Interesting floral compositions in combination with other plants or solo do not require special decoration, although they look luxurious even with a little decoration.
Symbolism of flowers
On a symbolic level, calla lilies signify admiration, boundless respect and a promise of protection. In Europe, the choice of these charming flowers for a wedding is somewhat overshadowed by the tradition of using them as mourning flowers, but in the countries of the post-Soviet space there is no such stereotype, so you can safely create floral arrangements for a holiday. Interesting! In some countries, there is a custom according to which a bouquet of calla lilies is presented to the beloved along with a ring at the time of marriage proposal.
The color of the buds is also important:
- White ones emphasize the chastity and purity of the bride. Represent a new beginning;
- Pink ones speak not only of tender romantic feelings, but also of patronage and protection;
- Yellow serves as a wish for wealth for the future family;
- Red is a sign of passion;
- Purple is a symbol of respect and mystery.
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.
Advantages and disadvantages
In addition to their charming appearance, calla lilies have other advantages:
- a huge number of shades : from snow-white and pastel to bright or dark, almost black;
- durability - neither the frost of a winter wedding nor the heat of a summer celebration will spoil the appearance of the buds;
- long strong stems that can be given any shape;
- drought-resistant , so you don’t need a heavy, water-filled porta potty;
- good compatibility with any other plants.
The only problem that can arise with callas is excess moisture. It makes the buds become sluggish. This unpleasant situation can be solved simply - remove the flowers from the vase for a while, let them lie overnight in a dry place, and then treat the stem sections with hot wax. Quite quickly, the callas will come to life and begin to delight you with a fresh, sophisticated look.
Remember that calla lilies are fragrant. If you suffer from allergies, be careful and test your tolerance to the aroma before the ceremony.
Flower meaning
There are about 28 varieties of the flower. Callas have their meaning depending on their shape and color.
- Yellow callas will highlight the beauty and grandeur of your beloved. This way a man can prove his admiration for the beauty of his girlfriend or wife and give her self-confidence.
- The dark color of the plant signifies fierce passion between lovers. In this way, a man will tell his soul mate that more than anything else, he dreams of completely possessing her soul and body and never sharing her with anyone. If a married couple has a problem in their romantic life, then you can quickly solve this problem. Get black calla lilies, take care of them and give them love, then everything will go smoothly in your love affairs. By the way, even our ancestors used this method of solving the problem, so there is no point in not believing this sign.
- White flowers have always been considered a sign of innocence, simplicity, a pure heart and soul. Therefore, if a man considers his girlfriend or wife to be the kindest and purest creature, then by giving white calla lilies, he will be able to show this.
The number of flowers in the bouquet is also important. It is still generally accepted that an even number is associated with funerals. This sign has long been a rule that absolutely everyone knows about.
What kind of brides are they suitable for?
Large, textured bouquets best highlight the beauty of tall girls , but Thumbelina can also please themselves with a similar accessory made from mini calla lilies.
Delicate shades of buds will appeal to sophisticated, romantic people, while bright and dark ones will appeal to bold and self-confident people.
Do not forget about the overall image, namely, the style of the wedding dress. Calla lilies perfectly complement flowing and straight silhouettes - “mermaid tail”, “column”, Greek or Empire style.
But a fluffy ball gown, especially one elaborately decorated with flowers or lace, will inevitably conflict with the bouquet , so try to avoid such combinations.
Shades
The traditional option is white callas, elegant and delicate. They look good both solo and in combination with other colors. In this case, the neighbors can be the same pastel shade or bright and contrasting.
A slightly more saturated solution is pink. There are many shades of calla lilies of this color: from tender candy to fuchsia. Coral buds look interesting, especially in cascading bouquets surrounded by greenery.
Monochrome is excellent, and you don’t have to limit yourself to the white and pink pastel range. Red or purple compositions are interesting. Red or burgundy callas go well with white flowers: both wild and exotic, and purple or black ones look great both separately and, for example, in a duet with light orchids.
Form
Long and strong stems allow you to create a classic version - a bouquet with open legs , in which the buds are placed in a spiral and tied with a ribbon. It turns out simple but elegant.
Important! Calla lilies are used to create bouquets of any shape, except for a basket. She's the only one who looks weird.
A round bouquet looks no worse. It will require more colors, but you can additionally choose an interesting design to decorate the leg.
If your soul asks for discreet outlines, take a closer look at Biedermeier , consisting of concentric circles.
Lovers of all things natural will love the vegetative option for making a bouquet with an abundance of fresh herbs. You can also make very exotic options from calla lilies for a themed wedding, for example, glamelia - a giant flower made up of individual petals. Unfortunately, such beauty is short-lived, but it will definitely last the day.
A muff with flowers is suitable for a winter wedding - this solution looks very original, and has a practical meaning - it warms your hands.
For a Japanese wedding, take a closer look at the fan-shaped bouquet. The accessory turns out to be impossibly graceful and elegant.
Shape of a wedding bouquet of callas
Taking into account the features of the bride’s wedding dress, you can choose the most harmonious shape of the bouquet:
- The elongated rod-shaped form with long stems is the simplest and, at the same time, elegant. Pairs perfectly with a fitted, floor-length wedding dress.
- The round shape will most favorably emphasize the ideal figure of the bride in both short and long dresses.
- The muff shape is perfect for a loose-fitting wedding dress.
- A drop or cascade will highlight the beauty of a long dress with a tight-fitting top and a full skirt.
Kinds
There are a lot of options, the main thing is that the accessory fits into the theme of the wedding and the overall image.
Advice! Modest, delicate small flowers with a delicate aroma will be an excellent frame for larger and more elegant calla lilies.
An equally important point is the selection of colors that do not conflict with each other. If callas are unpretentious in this regard, then, for example, roses, orchids or lilies will want to push their neighbors out of the vase. This problem can be solved by separating the flowers after the celebration. This must also be done because callas need less moisture than traditional flowers.
When composing a winter bouquet, remember that not all flowers are as frost-resistant as callas.
Mono-bouquets of white, black and colored buds
The simplest, but no less exciting option is to use exclusively calla lilies in the bouquet. The exotic shape and fairly large size make these flowers self-sufficient without additional decoration.
A white mono-bouquet will emphasize the tenderness, trepidation, and aristocracy of the bride’s image. It is better if the dress differs in shade. Then it will not merge with the accessory. The leg can be wrapped in a matching fabric, preferably without a pattern or texture, or left free, only slightly tied with a ribbon over the floral wire.
Black callas are suitable for bold brides who are not afraid to experiment.
Dark flowers are also ideal for a themed wedding. You can choose either a completely contrasting color or buds with a slight tint of burgundy or purple.
This bouquet will perfectly highlight a snow-white outfit and add mystery to the bride. Idea! For an interesting addition, wrap the stem of black calla lilies in a checkerboard patterned fabric.
Pink callas will add a romantic flair to the bride's image. Try adding pearls. You can attach them both to individual elements and to the stamens, and this will make the bouquet fabulous.
Bright orange flowers look magical at a fall wedding, especially when combined with berries, fur or greenery.
A purple bouquet will create a mystical, sacred mood, and its charm can be emphasized with a long satin ribbon falling to the hem.
Bright and dark color combinations in the bouquet should be emphasized with an accent of the same color in the bride's image. This could be lipstick, the color of shoes, eyeliner or mascara.
Orchids
Orchids are another exotic, sensual flower that perfectly complements the elongated buds of calla lilies.
This juxtaposition looks interesting in the vegetative form of a bouquet, but you can consider creating other bright compositions. Even if you choose a white monochrome, the hearts of both colors will add rich accents.
Orchids are available in a wide range, including bicolor, spotted, and edged inflorescences. You should definitely play on this by adding calla lilies to match the “finishing” of the orchids.
Contrasting combinations look great - white callas and fuchsia orchids or black callas with white orchids.
Of roses
Roses are a classic of wedding floristry, delicate, elegant and regal. Perhaps calla lilies are one of the few options that will not want to fade into the background, will not come into conflict with the queen of flowers, but will take the place of a charming partner.
For bouquets with calla lilies, both textured large varieties of roses and vintage round buds of the David Austin variety are used, as well as miniature tea buds.
The combination of white and pink with the addition of beads, rhinestones, and small lace elements looks very elegant. Greenery is optional, because even without it the composition looks self-sufficient and airy.
From Alstroemeria
Alstroemeria or Peruvian lily is another exotic flower, presented in a huge palette of shades.
The spots on the petals add a sensual charm to this plant, which well balances the calm and severity of callas.
Advice! Floristry does not allow the use of more than three bright colors in equal shares. If you don’t want to get a tastelessly variegated, chaotic bouquet, choose a two-tone combination of your favorite shades or a main color with the addition of three other small accents.
If you choose a white monochrome from these two plants, you will get an airy and at the same time filled with passion bouquet. It is best to add more greens to it.
More saturated combinations are red and orange, purple and pink, fuchsia and lilac. Such combinations will create a fabulous picture.
With eustoma
Eustoma is slightly similar to a rose, but looks more democratic.
A wide range of shades of spring-style elegant flowers allows you to create bold and unusual combinations. For example, blue or lilac eustoma looks interesting with yellow or orange calla buds.
More traditional options are white with another bright color. This duo always looks stylish. Any of the plants can become a contrasting accent.
Eustoma looks good in both round and vegetative forms, emphasizing the elegant lines of callas. Greenery, small wildflowers, luxurious roses or orchids will be a wonderful addition, allowing you to turn the bride's bouquet into a work of floral art.
With freesias
Burgundy or black calla buds create a mystical duet with white freesias - such a bouquet is suitable for a confident, bright and courageous girl.
If you replace the dark shade with yellow or pink, the overall picture will immediately change. The bouquet will turn into a chaste accessory, filled with spring freshness and happiness.
If you choose a round bouquet, then for greater harmony, be sure to place the callas in the center. Other forms allow for various interpretations, but in any case it is necessary to select a central point from which the remaining elements will diverge.
Freesia is beautiful not only in its blooming form, but also with dense, green buds. If you want to make a fresh bouquet without using greenery, use a few just-blooming branches.
Why calla lilies
Believe me, this flower has many advantages and here is proof of it.
- Delicate callas do not need additional decorative elements, no special frames! To decorate the composition, a simple satin ribbon is enough; here are examples of how to put together a beautiful bouquet.
- The cost of doing it yourself will be quite inexpensive, because the price of one flower starts from 100 rubles.
- A wealth of colors: white and red, turquoise and burgundy, blue and lilac, blue and even black. This feature provides unlimited possibilities for maintaining any color scheme for your ceremony.
White-red and white-blue compositions look bright.
- Unpretentiousness is the main advantage of these flowers; on average, they last in fresh water for 10-14 days. This useful property will come in handy if you decide to buy flowers in advance and arrange the bouquet with your own hands.
I recommend watching a video master class on how to make a unique flower arrangement.
- This is one of the few frost-resistant plants - ideal for a winter wedding.
- Versatility - the long leg will allow you to create absolutely any shape of the composition: round and cascading, small or elongated.
- The shape of this delicate flower resembles a champagne glass. Well, what do you want, not a direct connection with the wedding day?
By choosing this beautiful, sophisticated flower for a wedding bouquet, you will once again emphasize the impeccability of your taste.
Decor
Callas are so self-sufficient that they do not require sophisticated decorations. They look great solo, only slightly intercepted with a satin ribbon or diluted with fluffy greenery.
But if desired, it is not forbidden to include something interesting in the decor - rhinestones or beads on the leg or the petals themselves, fabric draperies, artificial butterflies or appliqués.
Idea! An excellent solution for a wedding in the Art Nouveau style is a bouquet of black and white callas, complemented by abstract iron elements. The main thing is to remember to take them out before throwing them to your friends.
general information
This type of plant was brought from South Africa for the British royal family. Later, in the 20s of the last century, they began to spread throughout Europe, and during this period the first photographs of wedding bouquets of calla lilies were taken, which gradually became as popular as roses.
The most beautiful and valuable are the Zantedeschia varieties, which have austere and beautiful large flowers and juicy, bright glossy greenery.
Photo
In the hands of the bride, the callas are so tender and pure, as if nature itself created them for the wedding ceremony. In addition to their external beauty, callas are quite persistent and unpretentious flowers, which is why florists love to include them in flower arrangements.
