Bird Of Paradise: A Guide To Bridal Bouquets

The bird of paradise flower, also known as the crane flower, is a popular choice for weddings due to its bright, exotic colours and unique shape. These flowers are perfect for a tropical wedding, adding a vibrant and colourful touch to your special day. Birds of paradise can be used in every wedding detail, from centrepieces to cakes and, of course, bridal bouquets. In this guide, we will focus on how to make a bird of paradise wedding bouquet, helping you to create a stunning tropical display for your big day.

Choosing the right flowers and colours

Firstly, birds of paradise are known for their vibrant and exotic colours, typically blooming in purple and orange, but also found in white, red, pink, and yellow. When creating your bouquet, you can choose to work with these colours or opt for a more subtle approach by using complementary flowers in softer hues. The bird of paradise flower itself is a beautiful contrast to the evergreen stalks and leaves that surround it, so you may want to include some of these elements in your bouquet to showcase the striking beauty of the flower.

Secondly, consider the symbolism of the bird of paradise flower. These flowers represent joyfulness and paradise, making them a perfect choice for weddings. If you want to enhance this symbolism, you can combine birds of paradise with other colourful flowers like orchids, creating a graceful and elegant display that complements the tropical vibe of your wedding.

Thirdly, think about the overall aesthetic of your wedding. Birds of paradise are dramatic and eye-catching flowers that can stand on their own or be paired with complementary greenery. They add a touch of tropical flair and are perfect for outdoor weddings. If you're having a beach wedding, for example, the simplicity and natural elegance of birds of paradise can enhance the relaxed atmosphere.

Finally, keep in mind the size and shape of the bird of paradise flower. These flowers can grow up to five feet tall, so they are usually the centrepiece of any arrangement. When placed in a vase, they tend to fall over due to their lack of balance, so their stems are often tied together for support. This can be something to consider when creating your bouquet, ensuring that the bird of paradise flowers are securely arranged and don't overwhelm the other elements.

Remember, you can always consult with a florist or wedding decorator to help you choose the right flowers and colours for your bird of paradise wedding bouquet.

Ordering flowers online

Choose a Reputable Online Florist:

Look for a company with a good selection of flowers, positive customer reviews, and a guarantee of fresh, high-quality blooms. Some popular options include FiftyFlowers, Blooms By The Box, and The Bouqs Co.

Consider Your Timing:

Most online florists will require you to place your order at least two weeks in advance. However, some companies offer next-day or same-day delivery for last-minute orders. If you're ordering Bird of Paradise flowers, keep in mind that they are typically in season from September through May.

Understand the Options:

Online florists may offer pre-arranged wedding packages or DIY options. If you're creating your own bouquet, you'll need to decide on the types and colours of flowers, as well as any additional greenery or fillers. Consider the size of your bouquet and order accordingly.

Plan for Delivery:

When ordering, select a delivery date 2-3 days before your wedding to give the flowers time to rehydrate and bloom. You may also need to unpack and arrange the flowers upon delivery, so ensure you have the necessary space and time to do so.

Read the Fine Print:

Before placing your order, review the company's policies on substitutions, delivery fees, and customer satisfaction guarantees. Understand the process for cancelling or modifying your order, as well as their refund or exchange policy.

Bird of Paradise boutonnière

A bird of paradise boutonnière is a distinctive and exotic choice for a groom's wedding ensemble. The elongated shape of the bird of paradise bloom adds drama, while its vibrant colours create a bold statement against the groom's lapel. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating a bird of paradise boutonnière:

Materials:

• Bird of paradise flowers: Fresh or artificial flowers can be used. If using fresh flowers, source them from a local florist or grow them yourself if possible.
• Floral wire: Thin, flexible wire used to secure the flowers and foliage in place.
• Floral tape: This is used to cover the floral wire and provide a neat finish. Choose a colour that matches the stems of your flowers, such as green or brown.
• Foliage: Complementary greenery, such as fern leaves or small palm fronds, can be added to the boutonnière for extra texture and colour.
• Ribbon or twine: A small piece of ribbon or twine is used to create a loop that will pin the boutonnière to the lapel.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Prepare the bird of paradise flowers by trimming the stems to a suitable length, approximately 4-5 inches long. Remove any unwanted leaves from the stems, leaving only the desired blooms and foliage.
• Add the complementary foliage by placing it alongside the bird of paradise flower(s). You can use a single type of greenery or mix different varieties to create a textured look. Secure the stems together using floral wire, wrapping it tightly around the base of the stems.
• Wrap the floral tape around the floral wire, starting from the base of the stems and working your way up. This will help to cover the wire and give a neat, finished look to the boutonnière.
• Create a loop with the ribbon or twine by folding it in half and placing it against the stems. Secure the loop by wrapping floral wire around it and the stems, ensuring it is firmly in place. The loop should be positioned so that it sits flat against the lapel when pinned.
• Adjust the placement of the flowers and foliage to ensure they are securely attached and facing the correct direction. You may need to trim the stems further at this stage to ensure the boutonnière is not too long.
• Moisturise the bird of paradise flowers and foliage by misting them with water or a floral preservative spray. This will help to keep them looking fresh and vibrant, especially if using fresh flowers.
• Store the boutonnière in a cool place until it is ready to be used. If possible, keep it in a small vase or container with a small amount of water to help maintain its freshness.

Additional Tips:

• When choosing the bird of paradise flowers, select blooms that are fully open and free from any damage or blemishes.
• Practice creating the boutonnière a few days before the wedding to ensure you are happy with the design and technique.
• If using fresh flowers, prepare a backup boutonnière using artificial flowers in case any last-minute issues arise.
• For a cohesive look, consider creating matching bird of paradise boutonnières for the groomsmen and other male members of the wedding party.

The bird of paradise boutonnière is a unique and memorable addition to a groom's wedding attire, reflecting the joyfulness and exotic flair of the bird of paradise flower itself.

Bird of Paradise wedding cake

The bird of paradise wedding cake is a true showstopper, bringing a tropical twist to the centrepiece of your wedding celebration. This cake is a feast for the eyes, adorned with fondant or sugar-paste replicas of the iconic bird of paradise flower, known for its resemblance to a bird's beak and head plumage.

The vibrant orange and blue hues of the bird of paradise blooms create a captivating display against smooth fondant, and the flower's elongated shape adds an element of drama to the overall design. For a unique and exotic touch, consider using crackle-lined embossed fondant or gum paste to create the bird of paradise flowers.

Whether you choose to feature the flowers as the main decoration or as subtle accents on each tier, the bird of paradise wedding cake is a bold statement that reflects the couple's adventurous and vibrant spirit. It is a perfect choice for couples seeking an unconventional and memorable cake that delights both the taste buds and the eyes.

The bird of paradise theme is a wonderful way to incorporate a touch of the tropics into your wedding, with its representation of joyfulness and exotic allure. The cake is a true masterpiece, adding to the extraordinary memories of your special day.

Bird of Paradise bridesmaid bouquet

The bird of paradise flower, also known as the crane flower, is a popular choice for weddings due to its bright, exotic colours and unique shape, resembling a bird's beak and head plumage. They are a great choice for an outdoor, tropical-themed wedding, adding a colourful and cheerful touch to the decor.

When creating a bridesmaid bouquet with bird of paradise flowers, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, these flowers can be quite large and heavy, so it's important to balance the bouquet with other flowers or foliage. Choose complementary colours such as oranges, reds, pinks, purples, and yellows, or go with a classic combination of bird of paradise and greenery. You can also add accents like black pearl pins or leaf paper to enhance the tropical theme.

Bird of paradise flowers can be difficult to source, as they take up to two years to mature and bloom, so consider ordering them in bulk from a florist. When arranging the bouquet, cut the stems as far back as possible to encourage stronger growth, and remove any old or dead leaves.

For a simple and elegant bridesmaid bouquet, consider pairing a few bird of paradise flowers with tropical foliage like banana leaves or palm leaves. This will create a natural, effortless look that complements the beauty of the bird of paradise.

With their vibrant colours and unique shape, bird of paradise flowers are sure to create a memorable and joyful addition to any wedding.

Frequently asked questions