How to Buy Amaryllis for a Spring Wedding

Luckily, amaryllis grows in warm areas of North America from late December until the end of June, so you will be able to enjoy these flowers at your spring wedding without having to import them from the Southern Hemisphere.

Things You'll Need

• Florist
• Floral bouquet supplies
• Floral wire
• Wire cutters

Instructions

Buy Amaryllis from a Florist

1. Engage a florist to find out more about the amaryllis flower. In order to get the best amaryllis stems, ask the florist whether she orders from more than one wholesaler. This will provide the best opportunity to bring together exotic and colorful varieties of flowers.

2. Find a florist who has worked at the ceremony or reception site where your wedding will be held. A florist who is familiar with your location can give you suggestions for colors and sizes of amaryllis that will fit in with your setting.

3. Order enough amaryllis stems for the bouquets and arrangements you want to design. Have the florist recommend appropriate accent greenery and filler flowers that go well with an amaryllis and a spring wedding.

4. Agree to leave a deposit for the flowers. This is a customary practice in the floral industry and will secure your order. Note the florist's instructions for picking up and handling the stems. Give the florist a call in a few weeks to go over your order and ask any questions you might have forgotten at the first meeting.

Make a Bridal Bouquet with Amaryllis

1. Buy supplies. Pick out a bridal bouquet holder at any craft supply store. Select one with a foam center made for fresh flowers. Buy a pack of medium-gauge floral wire.

2. Soak the foam in lukewarm water until it is fully drenched and the air bubbles disappear.

3. Wire each stem of the flower. (For a round bouquet, you need approximately 4 to 5 flowers.) Slip one piece of wire through the stem just under the bud. Make a downward hairpin loop. Wrap one end of the wire around the other end of the wire and the stem of the flower.

4. Clip the wire-wrapped stem 2 to 3 inches from the bud with wire cutters.

5. Insert one flower into the center of the foam to create a focal point. Add each of the amaryllis stems around the focal flower to create a circular bouquet.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider a Hercules amaryllis to decorate tables for your spring wedding. This variety is so large that a single blossom head can create a centerpiece all on its own. Hercules amaryllis have magenta blossoms.

• For creating looser bouquets, buy floral fern and a filler medium like wax flower, baby's breath or statice to place between each amaryllis.