Lilacs for wedding flower/theme

Have you considered silk?

I love lilacs, but they do have a pretty strong scent

I used to be a florist. We got lucky ONCE in the over 4 years I was there, and got lilacs. If I were you, I would just not pick them. The florists do care about their brides, so they wouldn't want to sell you something that they know won't even last for your day. Again, we got lucky once... they looked nice. VERY strong scent, so just keep that in mind if anyone has allergies/sensitivities!

My sister had them and they started to wilt and her wedding was even inside and had ac. Maybe use them sparingly?

Are you having a florist? They will be able to answer these questions and provide some alternatives.

I love them. My florist warned me about the smell though.

I love them, and I love the smell, but your guests may not. They are pretty fragile too; if you want to add them to the decor, I'd use a great quality silk.

I love lilacs, but they aren't a very easy flower. Sticking the ends in water tubes won't necessarily keep them from wilting either. Good luck, they're tricky.

Thanks, guys. I have considered silk, but that seems to be almost more pricey than using fresh flowers. I think what I may do is use purple Hydrangeas instead as the primary flower, I have always thought of those as being a lilac's cousin . My Grandma has a lilac bush in her back yard, so provided that they are use-able the day of my wedding perhaps I will sparingly have a few added to my bouquet. I am also considering alternating candles with lilac scented ones, so we can get the aroma but but not be overpowered by it. my flower girls are also throwing preserved lilacs as they walk down the aisle. I guess there are a handful of ways to pay homage to lilacs without needing to have them everywhere in the wedding.

Good idea with the hydrangea! There is even a breed of hydrangea that grow in a cone shape. I can't remember what they're called. I've seen the name "limelight," but I'm not sure if that refers to the shape or the color (white with greenish white near the tip). They may or may not grow in purple, but hydrangea can be spray-painted lightly in pale colors, and they'll last as long as they're in water.

Thanks! You may know the answer to this, if a flower is preserved, it loses alot of its smell right?

The hydrangea is a good alternative, I know my mom still mentioned the lilacs my sister used when we were talking about the flowers I am going to use. Clearly it was still on her mind about how they wilted. I think if you can get them from your grand mother then add into your bouquet that would be great! Even more meaningful knowing where they came from.

I do have to say that if you did use them as the center pieces I don't remember smelling them that much but some people maybe more sensitive to smells than I am plus I love the smell of lilacs

If you have a farmers market near you that sells flowers you might see if some of the vendors would be willing to sell you lilacs if the season hits right...or I know a few people (I currently live in a tiny town in the woods) that just cut their own the day of the wedding and used them. They were stunning and smelled amazing. Just depends on how much your willing to not know if it will work until right before.

I ordered my flowers online and really loved what I got but I even fattened up my bouquet the day of with some costco flowers...it didn't take that much to put the bouquet together. So I think it could be done with out a ton of fuss (plan in a hour or so or more depending on how many and what else you might need to decorate). Or maybe buy a base bouquet and if they bloom that day you can pick them and add them to your bouquet in 5 mins. I don't think you would ever know I am the one that added the red ribbon, and the extra colored roses.

I have a few lilac trees in my yard, and yes, they do seem to bloom whenever they feel like it (late spring/early summer) and wilt quickly despite their powerful scent. I would choose another flower for your bouquet....it seems like too much of a gamble.

My grandparents also had a lilac bush in their yard up north and I love the scent. Can't get them down here though :-(

I would not use scented candles on your tables. It messes with the taste of the food. In a Japanese restaurant, I once had to move a scented candle off our table.

Use a good quality silk. There are some amazing reproductions out there. Go to Hobby Lobby during their every other week 50% off silks sale. I'd bet they'll have quite a few varities of lilac in stock in March and April. If you're sold on real flowers, a florist should be able to get them year round, but they will cost more out of season. Unfortunately, places like 50 Flowers stop selling them the first week of May. I'd look at good reproductions. Honestly, some of them are amazing.

If you get silk lilacs, you can always spray your bouquet with lilac perfume!

Lilacs were the first flower I looked at but they were impossible to find. I love the scent. Definitely think your only option here would be silk.

Hydrangeas are just as fickle as lilacs; silk or real touch

Hydrangeas are just as fickle as lilacs; silk or real touch