24 Stunning Long-Stemmed Flower Ideas

Updated on 06/07/21

long stem wildflower bouquet — PHOTO BY AGP COLLECTIVE

No matter the color, size, or type you choose, your wedding flowers are sure to make a statement. From your bouquet and your reception centerpieces to lining the aisle with blooms, the options for incorporating pretty petals are endless. But what if you were to take it one step further and incorporate flowers with long stems?

“Long-stemmed florals are best used in classic, elegant weddings where the bride is going for a simple, timeless, monochromatic look,” says florist Caroline Eells. According to Eells, it’s traditional to use long stem roses as a wedding go-to, and Gracie Poulson, owner of Grace Rose Farm, agrees. “Roses are perfect for classic and romantic weddings where tall centerpieces and larger installations are the main focus,” she says. But of course, roses aren’t the only floral option to look at. “Longer stems are beautiful when going for a one flower variety or a picked-from-the-garden look, such as an armful of delphiniums or peonies,” adds Eells.

Meet the Expert

Gracie Poulson is the owner of Grace Rose Farm, a garden rose farm based in Somis, California.
Caroline Eells is the founder and lead designer of Passiflora Studio, a floral design studio based in Marietta, Ohio focused on creating designs using flowers sourced from local farms and Eells' cutting garden.

Using long-stemmed flowers on their own can make a statement, or you can incorporate them into arrangements with other shorter stems for added interest. “Shorter-stemmed flowers or more romantic-shaped roses can be placed lower in a bouquet, and then some of the longer and firmer flowers can be layered to create depth and dimension,” says Poulson. Many roses bloom in sprays, such as Koko Loco, Honey Dijon, and Stephan Rulo. Big, gorgeous, bountiful sprays are a great way to fill out an arrangement, too!”

Want to dress up a long-stemmed flower arrangement even further? There’s a lot going on already, but according to Eells, a pretty silk ribbon is a great way to tie it all together. And as for fitting it into your budget? No need to worry. Long-stemmed flowers won’t necessarily cost you too much more just because of their stem length. According to Poulson, the stem length doesn’t typically increase the price of a rose. Rather, it’s determined by the origin and the variety. Other floral varieties, depending on where you source them, may come at a higher cost, but it all comes down to the type of bloom and whether or not it’s in-season, rather than its stem length. Eells suggests purchasing blooms at their typical length, without them being cut, as the ideal option.

Think this look is perfect for your wedding? We love it too! Read on for 24 of our favorite long-stemmed flower ideas.

01 of 24

Place Single Blooms in Bud Vases

single long stem flowers in vases — PHOTO BY BRANCO PRATA

While long-stemmed flowers can certainly make a statement, sometimes it's best to keep things simple. Consider displaying single, long-stemmed blooms in little bud vases to adorn the most charming reception table.

02 of 24

Opt for Orchids and Anthurium

Couple with long stem bouquet — Photo by Sydney Noelle Photo; Floral Design by Wild Muse Floral

Want to create a dramatic, overflowing bouquet? Long-stemmed orchids and anthuriums create the perfect combo for a lush look.

03 of 24

Create Colorful Contrast

flower arrangement with long stems — Photo by Henry Photography; Floral Design by Passiflora Studio

Combining long-stemmed blooms with shorter stems is the most beautiful way to create contrast. Opt for varying lengths, paired with pretty colors, for an arrangement that's both whimsical and romantic.

04 of 24

Make a King Protea Statement

King protea wedding bouquet — Photo by Steve Steinhardt Photography

Few flowering plants can grab attention the way that King Protea does. This giant bloom is perfect on its own with a long stem, or combine two or three for even more drama.

05 of 24

Showcase Branches of Greenery

Tall greenery centerpiece — PHOTO BY CARMEN SANTORELLI; PLANNING BY ALL WHO WANDER EVENTS; FLORAL DESIGN BY DAYS OF MAY FLORALS

Don't want to go overboard on long-stemmed blooms? Branches of greenery will do just the trick! Consider adding height to reception tables by displaying vases bursting with greenery.

06 of 24

Embrace Fabulous Fall Colors

Fall wedding floral arrangement — PHOTO BY RYAN RAY PHOTOGRAPHY; EVENT PLANNING BY CALDER CLARK; FLORAL DESIGN BY BLOSSOMS EVENTS

Long stems add the perfect touch of whimsy to an arrangement, creating a lovely option for a fall wedding. Pair shorter blooms with dangling long stems for a stunning display.

07 of 24

Add a Bold Splash of Color

Wildflower bouquet with long stems — Photo by Lenny Pellico

Long-stemmed flowers can perfectly match a boho vibe. Want to take it even further? Utilize wildflowers in a bold palette for even more fun.

08 of 24

Mix Long and Short Stems

Reception with long stem flowers — Photo by Sydney Noelle Photo; Floral Design by Wild Muse Floral

A charming combo? We love the idea of pairing garden roses and sweet peas. Plus, embracing long stems and short stems at the same time creates such a gorgeous textural display, as seen in these sweet little centerpieces.

09 of 24

Embrace All-Greenery

long stem greenery bouquet — Photo by Maria Rão Photography

Long-stemmed bouquets or arrangements certainly don't have to be all about the blooms. Long-stemmed greenery can serve as the perfect lush look for an outdoor celebration.

10 of 24

Go for Minimal and Modern

Long stem bud vases — Photo by Robbins Photographic

A long, slender stem can be the perfect floral addition for a minimalist aesthetic. We love the idea of pairing two single stems at varying lengths to slightly elevate a modern table setup.

11 of 24

Incorporate Cheery Cherry Blossoms

Cherry blossom arrangement — PHOTO BY MADEMOISELLE FIONA

Few flowering trees command attention the way ornamental cherry trees do. And the best part? Thanks to these big, beautiful trees, cherry blossom stems can be cut long. Consider adding these pretty-in-pink branches to any arrangement for a pop of color and texture.

12 of 24

Carry Long-Stemmed Roses

Long stem rose bouquet — Photo by Kim Stockwell; Floral Design by Vogue Flowers

For a classic, romantic bouquet, turn to white blooms. But you may want to switch it up just a bit! Incorporating long stems tied with a ribbon is such a gorgeous way to create a traditional-meets-modern vibe.

13 of 24

Display Beautiful Bells of Ireland

Bells of Ireland wedding centerpiece — Photo by Nicodem Creative

Bells of Ireland is an annual flowering plant that isn't acknowledged too often. But if you're hoping to command attention with long-stemmed arrangements? It's as stunning as can be. The interesting green stems, with green flowers shaped like bells, add such gorgeous texture.

14 of 24

Line the Aisle With White Heather and White Delphinium

Long stem flowers down aisle — PHOTO BY KT MERRY; PLANNING BY LESLIE HERRING EVENTS; FLORAL DESIGN BY JACKSON DURHAM EVENTS

Want to make a statement with your aisle? Long-stemmed blooms will do the trick! We love the way one real wedding couple lined their aisle with tall white flowers for a glamorous-meets-rustic wedding.

15 of 24

Wow With Wildflower Centerpieces

Long stem wildflower arrangements — Photo by Hayley Baxter Photography

The colors, shapes, and textures of wildflowers already add such a whimsical touch to a wedding, but long stems can take it even further. Display long-stemmed wildflowers in multiple vases for a dramatic pop of color.

16 of 24

Carry Blue and White Delphinium

Long stem bouquet — Photo by Elias Kordelakos; Floral Design by Flowers Living

Delphinium offers so much texture and color without going overboard. And the best part? They naturally grow quite tall, making for the perfect long-stemmed flower to carry on their own, tied with a pastel ribbon, or paired with a few additional blooms.

17 of 24

Adorn the Aisle With Snapdragons

Long stem pink flowers — Photo by Christina McNeill; Floral Design by Mandy Grace Designs

Snapdragons are such a classic spring flower and they make a beautiful statement. Consider incorporating long-stemmed snapdragons into a bouquet or line the aisle to command attention in the most charming way.

18 of 24

Combine Calla Lilies and Orchids

Bride with long stem bouquet — PHOTO BY CAMBRIA GRACE; FLORAL DESIGN BY FORET

Want to add a bit more romance? Calla lilies are said to represent good luck, whereas orchids are a symbol of love and strength. Opt for long stems and combine the two for the most stunning bouquet.

19 of 24

Play With Pops of Color

Long stem colorful bouquet — Photo by AGP Collective

Talk about channeling total wildflower vibes! We love the idea of abundant greenery with plenty of pops of color. The long-stemmed blooms and foliage tied with a ribbon in this bouquet make for that much prettier of a statement.

20 of 24

Carry Lush White Blooms

Long stem orchid bouquet — PHOTO BY BILL WALDORF; FLORAL DESIGN BY FIDDLEHEAD DESIGNS

Opting for long-stemmed flowers in a bouquet doesn't have to mean you're going overboard on color and away from tradition. Combine plenty of white blooms with long stems for a lovely, lush look.

21 of 24

Create a Textured Altar

modern floral altar — Photo by Alixann Loosle Photography; Floral Design by Rusted Vase Floral Co.

Want to create a gorgeous floral backdrop to serve as your wedding arch? Long-stemmed flowers can take it to a new level. This display incorporated plenty of tulips, roses, carnations, baby's breath, and ranunculus. But what really made the difference was the beautiful long-stemmed anthurium that added a whimsical, boho feel.

22 of 24

Command Attention With Wildflowers

wildflower bouquet — PHOTO BY CURLY TREE PHOTOGRAPHY; Floral Design by JADE MACINTOSH FLOWERS

We've said it before, and we'll say it again: wildflowers command attention in the most magnificent way! Combine plenty of long-stemmed wildflowers (don't forget King Protea!) to create a vibrant, dramatic bouquet.

23 of 24

Use Blue Delphinium for Bridesmaid Bouquets

bridesmaids with blue bouquets — PHOTO BY DANIELLE DEFIORE

Need to a little something blue? Blue delphinium is the perfect fit! Include long stems tied with a long ribbon for your bridesmaids to make a stunning statement.

24 of 24

Pair Olive Branches and Roses

Olive branch bouquet — PHOTO BY STACEY PENTLAND PHOTOGRAPHY; FLORAL DESIGN BY REINA

Olive branches are naturally beautiful on their own, but they command even more attention with long stems! Pair simple roses with the greenery of olive branches for a uniquely gorgeous combo.

How to Choose Your Wedding Florist