A typical jai mala is made using jasmine flowers along with roses or marigold. The choice of flowers for the garland may vary across regions. In the North, they prefer red roses and white flowers while in the South marigolds and orange colored flowers are traditional preferences.

Classic jaimalas are often made of red roses - either in bud or full bloom. If you want to give them a contemporary look, take notes from the Virushka and Milind Soman wedding where white, pink and yellow roses brought out the best of both couple's attire.