Samantha, there are a few variables here, such as what climate zone you and your guests are in, and when certain types of bulbs are available, but here are some general suggestions:

May/June - oriental lily, glad, maybe dahlia although they are probably too expensive.
July - a little late for spring bulbs, too early for fall bulbs
August/September - any of the fall bulbs, tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, crocus, lilies.

For a lot more knowledgable advice, you might contact Van Engelen Inc. They are a good bulb seller and they sell in bulk so their prices are better than other places that sell in small amounts. They are on the web at vanengelen.com, but you might want to call and talk to a live person for more help (860) 567-8734. Good luck and congratulations on your wedding.

Callas would be good for May and June. We gave out potted sequoias for our wedding. May our love live as long as these trees, etc.....

Thanks for the tip!
I thought about doing something "universal" like paperwhites... you know, something people could do indoors. Only thing is, I like paperwhites and all, but I couldn't get mine to bloom again, and that displeased me. Plus they get all that nasty foliage that hangs around FOR-EV-ER which to me was kind of an eyesore.

I knew this would be a pretty easy thing to do if we end up having a fall wedding... but the early summer is what might make it difficult.

as far as expensive, i know there are times when Jackson and Perkins will do like 100 lily bulbs for $40 (i've seen this twice this year) so I'm hoping I'd be able to find a deal like that.

Anyway thanks for the suggestions & everything!!!!

Given as favors, I would give relatively large bulbs of something less expensive rather than small lily bulbs (which the JP bulbs are going to be) for this reason:

Lilies are 'fresh' bulbs and never dormant. They need immediate planting after they're received from the shipper. When your guests plant their bulbs, they are going to expect something spectacular. Unless they're gardeners familiar with lily culture they may be disappointed by a small, inexpensive bulb that is slow to perform.

In the fall, hyacinths might meet your needs. For non-gardeners, they can be forced in water and tossed after they bloom. People with flower beds can incorporate their hyacinth and it will return for a number of years. Pink or blue hyacinth bulbs are colorful as well. You'll need to warn people, however, that hyacinth bulbs handled with bare hands may have a tendency to make one itch. You also get a pretty bloom from the slightly smaller (less expensive) hyacinth bulbs-- they just don't have as long a stem, which tends to fall over anyway.

In my experience, hyacinths are less likely to be eaten by squirrels than crocus, unless you use Tommies if you're giving spring crocus. You might research fall crocus; they are shipped in early September. Shipping dates may be a concern, too.

Gladioli in May or June would work well. I've had good results from glads from the dollar store at 4/$1, so you could use inexpensive glad bulbs and expect good results. They're easy; plant and water. Glad bulbs are colorful too if you choose dark colors.

I hope you find a bulb that will meet your needs and budget and give your guests something to look forward to bloom and remind of you for years.

Nell

Thanks Nell! I love hyacinths, so thanks for the recommendations. The ones I planted at home, I had to stake too because they fell over so it's nice to know to buy smaller ones to avoid that problem. MMm they smell so beautiful, and like you said- I was thining of something that could be forced indoors too, which was another reason they were up on my list! :)

Make sure that when you plant large size Hyacinths in the garden, you plant them about at least 7-8 inches deep. Also in a place where there is a lot of light...shaded places makes them grow taller and then the flowers become too heavy for the stem. Also do not plant them too far apart, so they will "help" each other stay straight.

Tiger Lilies are lovely, easy, inexpensive, and have a long shelf life if you have the early summer wedding. Also, white rain lilies (Zephyranthes candida) are often available at the big box stores and they can be planted in early summer. They would be unusual and they are one of my favorite southern bulbs. Check out Brent and Becky's Bulbs. They grow in an area not too far south of you, and their prices are reasonable.

I read that if you don't like long floppy leaves on paperwhites, give them a little booze. Google to find out how much. The alcohol is not good for them actualy, so stunts their growth a bit--which on them is a blessing!