The Calla Lily’s Definitive Return – In An Unexpected Way

It’s a quiet shift our London-based managing editor, Scarlett, first noticed: where are all these bursts of calla lilies coming from? Once a rare sight among the textural, garden-style florals that have dominated weddings ­­– peonies, ranunculus, wildflowers – the calla lily (Zantedeschia) is making a graceful comeback.

Florist Fiona Fleur, also working out of London, could even personify the flower as a woman – elegant, self-assured, and effortlessly refined. “She’s the kind of bride who moves with quiet confidence, stepping out of the town hall in a perfectly tailored trouser suit, carrying an understated bouquet of ten Calla Lilies. There’s nothing excessive – just modern grace, poised and intentional. If you ask me, the Calla Lily truly belongs at the heart of an intimate, city-chic wedding.

With its soft, fluted silhouette, its trumpet-like form, the calla lily feels perfectly at home in modern arrangements—whether as a statement piece in reception décor or shaped into a chic bouquet. Its elongated, large petals unfurl in a fluid arc, like a silk ribbon caught midair or a slender dancer twirling upward, frozen in motion.

Speaking to our most discerning friends in floristry, they unanimously agree: the calla lily’s quiet resurgence in 2024, set to flourish even further in 2025, rather aligns with a broader movement toward intentional, refined simplicity – where every floral choice is deliberate, often favoring impact over abundance.

Header Image: Castor Fleuriste

“I believe it’s a reflection of fashion’s prevailing currents — the rise of quiet luxury, the focus on singular, statement-making pieces,” say the Spanish sister duo, María and Julia, behind LaFederica. “When we first entered the bridal industry as florists, lilies — both Callas and Lilium — were considered outdated, a relic of traditional floral design. But in truth, when styled with care, these blooms embody a kind of understated opulence.”

“What’s special,” Fiona Fleur chimes in, “is that the calla lily is one of those rare flowers that feels both modern and classic at the same time – narrative not many florals can achieve.” She pauses, then adds, “But if you really want to make a statement, I’d go with the ‘Black’ Calla Lily — beautifully unique and deeply intimate in mood.”

How to style

No longer a supporting act, the calla lily is taking the lead. Florists are embracing its natural form, playing with scale and movement — single stems balanced weightlessly in glass, clusters forming architectural silhouettes, deep, moody hues catching the light just so. It’s a return to something elegant yet uncontrived, a balance of restraint and romance that feels of the moment.

“Calla lilies offer a unique versatility; depending on the approach we take in styling, we can give a different focus to the way we work with them,” shares María. “For a minimalist and sculptural approach, we showcase the flower’s elegant, curved form by arranging it in a clean, structured way. A monochromatic palette — whether all-white or deep plum — creates a sleek, contemporary feel, while keeping the stems long in a tall, clear glass vase highlights their natural shape.”

For something more organic, she suggests pairing them with textural elements like dried grasses, wispy foliage, or sculptural branches to create an airy, modern aesthetic.

“For a bridal bouquet, I’d opt for a hand-tied arrangement with a loose, flowing structure, allowing the flower’s natural cascading form to take center stage.”

Florist, Mireya Estévez Torrejón, and the founder of floral design studio Aurea: “One way to style calla lilies is by creating a falling cascade, letting the flowers drape in a way that enhances their natural curves. Another approach is to pair them with amaranthus and liliums, adding depth and texture while maintaining an effortless refinement.”

Which colours to pick

While the classic white calla lily remains a timeless favorite, there’s an exciting spectrum of options emerging. María embraces white and plum, anticipating that black will make an appearance in the boldest designs. Fiona Fleur also champions a more dramatic approach: “Bold colors help transform a once-traditional floral into something modern, shifting the narrative entirely. Deep hues of burgundy and black allow the calla lily to take on new dimensions — elegant, intriguing, and undeniably contemporary.” Mireya echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the power of clean shapes in crisp white or the depth and richness of deep red, striking a balance between purity and intensity.

What’s next in floral design

Calla lilies are here to stay, yet floral trends continue to evolve, offering new design directions. For Mireya, the demand for bridal bouquets has shifted over the past three seasons — and remains strong for 2025 — toward wild yet elegantly curated styles, incorporating delicate, expressive blooms like cosmos and ranunculus. Meanwhile, María is particularly excited about the broader Lilium family (beyond callas), anticipating a resurgence of true lilies. “The richness of their colors, the texture of their large petals, and their classic yet sophisticated style are inspiring a wave of contemporary, artistic designs. We’re eager to experiment more with these varieties and see how other floral designers bring them to life.” Finally, Fiona Fleur highlights a deep appreciation for the beauty and grace of large white lilies. “The neutral aesthetic in weddings will always have a place,” she says. “Recently, we’ve been designing lily tablescapes and asymmetrical lily arches, giving this fragrant, sculptural bloom the spotlight it deserves.”

See our global edit of florists on The Lane Directory.