Lyla Dejesus
A cascading orchid wedding bouquet is a natural, trailing arrangement of flowers that creates a waterfall effect as the bride walks down the aisle. This type of bouquet was popularised by Princess Diana and has been making a comeback with modern brides who want to add drama to their wedding day look. In this guide, we will show you how to create your own cascading orchid wedding bouquet using simple materials and easy-to-follow steps. Whether you choose fresh or artificial flowers, this DIY project will allow you to design a sophisticated and elegant bouquet that perfectly complements your wedding gown and style.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Phalaenopsis Orchids, Lamb's Ear leaves, Hydrangea, Roses, Bind Wire, Floral Tubing, Iron Wires, Green Tubing, Pliers/Wire Clippers, Chiffon Ribbon |
| Colours | Pink, White, Ivory, Coral, Peach, Lilac, Blush, Neutrals |
| Style | Cascading, Waterfall, Organic, Tropical, Bohemian, Wild, Romantic, Modern, Asymmetrical, Ombré, White, Cream, Green, Red |
| Flowers | Orchids, Roses, Lilies, Stephanotis, Garden Roses, Dahlias, Peonies, Poppies, Tulips, Polo Roses, Eskimo Roses, Israeli Ruscus, Fatsia Leaves, Galax Leaves, Calla Lilies, Scabiosa, Gardenia, Ranunculus, Butterfly Ranunculus, Honey Dijon Roses, Lisianthus, Black Scabiosa, Ruby Silk Grass, Dahlias, Scabiosa, Foxgloves, Fritillaria, Hellebore, Jasmine, Berries, Baby's Breath, Carnations, Calla Lilies, Tulips, Gardenias, Smilax, Peonies, Anemones, Ivy, Lace Fern, Butterfly Ranunculus, Honey Dijon Roses, Lisianthus, Black Scabiosa, Ruby Silk Grass |
| Greenery | Lamb's Ear, Eucalyptus, Leaves, Grasses, Wild Grasses, Autumnal Foliage, Smilax, Lace Fern, Ivy, Vines, Palms, Fern, Olive Branches, Bay Branches, Spirea, Japanese Lisianthus, Scabiosa, Sweet Peas, Roses, Anemones, Hellebores, Eucalyptus, Euonymus, Chrysanthemums, Umbrella Fern, Privet Berry, Viburnum Foliage, Wild Vines, Silver Dollar Eucalyptus, Bay Leaves, Clematis, Jasmine Vines, Astrantia, Dusty Miller, Olive Foliage, Trailing Jasmine, Polo Garden Roses, Bay Leaf Foliage, Clematis, Olive Foliage, Dusty Miller, Trailing Jasmine, Clematis, Quick Sand Roses, Sahara Spray Roses, Ranunculus, Veronica, Poppies, Garden Spray Roses, Tuberose, Jasmine, Eucalyptus, Pittosporum, Jackson Vine |
What You'll Learn
Choosing your orchids
The type of orchid you choose for your cascading wedding bouquet is important, as it will be the focal point of your arrangement. Phalaenopsis orchids, also known as "moth orchids", are a popular choice for their regal, bold, and long-lasting appearance. They come in a variety of shades, so you can choose one that complements your wedding colour palette.
When working with Phalaenopsis orchids, keep in mind that they may develop light spots or blemishes. To conceal these, use a flat white paint on the back of the petals; this will bleed through and cover any spots without affecting the front of the flower.
If you're looking for a more unique and dramatic option, consider the Cymbidium orchid. These orchids have large, showy flowers that come in a wide range of colours, including shades of pink, purple, yellow, green, and white. They are also highly fragrant, adding another dimension to your bouquet.
For a more subtle and elegant option, Oncidium orchids, also known as "dancing lady orchids", feature small, delicate flowers that grow in clusters along a stem. They come in a variety of soft colours, including yellow, white, and pink, and their graceful shape adds movement and interest to your bouquet.
No matter which type of orchid you choose, be sure to select flowers that are in bloom or just about to bloom for your wedding day. This will ensure that your bouquet looks fresh and vibrant, and will also extend the life of your bouquet, allowing you to enjoy it even after your wedding day.
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Preparing the leaves
Take all your materials out of their boxes. Gather your Lamb's Ear leaves and tie them into a bunch, securing them with wire. You can use any type of leaf here, such as fatsia leaves, galax leaves, eucalyptus, willow, or clematis vine, depending on your preference and the overall style of your wedding.
Separate the leaves so that they spread into a natural, open shape. This will form the base of your bouquet and guide its overall shape. It's important to sculpt and form the greenery first because it will be easier to place your flowers in an aesthetically pleasing way.
You can also remove any foliage and thorns from the leaves at this stage, so that all you need to do later is arrange the stems and flowers without any interference.
Now that your leaves are ready, you can move on to adding the flowers.
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Arranging the flowers
Start by taking all your materials out of their boxes. Tie your Lamb's Ear leaves into a bunch, securing them with wire. Separate the leaves so that they spread into a natural, open shape. This will form the base of your bouquet.
Now it's time to bring in the orchids. Be mindful of where you place them, as their cascade will form the main shape of the bouquet. Think about where you'd like them to fall as you walk down the aisle or pose for flowers. We placed our orchids near the bottom of the bouquet and offset them to the side for visual interest.
Once you've arranged your main flowers, it's time to accentuate them with the smaller flowers and accessories in your box. Use these to draw the eye towards your favourite flowers or add height to the design.
Finally, make a handle. Tie another wire around all your stems for added security, then use wire cutters to snip the ends, leaving them all one uniform length. Take the floral tubing from your DIY tool kit and insert the stems inside to conceal any stray wires and protect your hands. Wrap your stems in green floral tape for a professional finish.
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Adding accessories
Ribbons
A ribbon is a classic accessory to add to your bouquet. Choose a colour that complements your flowers and wedding theme. You can tie a bow around the handle, leaving the ends of the ribbon cascading down for a romantic, billowy effect. This will enhance the graceful flow of your bouquet and is a simple way to add a finishing touch.
Pearls and leaves
If your orchid box comes with small accessories, such as miniature pearls and leaves, use them to draw attention to your favourite flowers or add height to the arrangement. These little details can make a big difference in the overall look of your bouquet.
Greenery
Consider adding different types of greenery to your bouquet, such as eucalyptus, lamb's ear, ivy, or trailing jasmine. These can create a wild and organic feel, adding movement and texture. Let pieces of greenery hang loose and trail outside the centre of the bouquet for a modern, natural look.
Baby's breath
Adding baby's breath to your bouquet lends an unusual, airy texture. It pairs beautifully with blush and mauve blooms, like carnations and roses, for a unique and fresh arrangement.
Silk ribbon
For a little extra drama, add a few strands of silk ribbon to your cascading bouquet. This will create a lengthening effect and make your arrangement even more striking.
When adding accessories, remember that less is more. You don't want to overwhelm your beautiful orchids, but rather enhance their natural elegance. Play around with different accessories and trust your creative spirit to guide you in designing the perfect cascading orchid wedding bouquet.
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Making the handle
Now that the main design for your bouquet is done, it's time to make a handle so you can carry it down the aisle.
Start by taking a wire and tying it around all your stems for added security. Then, use wire cutters or pliers to snip the ends, leaving them all at a uniform length. Make sure you leave enough of the stems intact for a comfortable handle, but not so much that the bouquet is difficult to carry.
Next, take the floral tubing from your DIY tool kit and insert the stems inside. This will neatly conceal any stray wires and protect your hands while carrying the bouquet. You can then wrap your stems in green floral tape for a professional finish.
Finally, add a ribbon for a polished look. Take a chiffon ribbon in a matching colour and tie a bow around the handle. Leave the ribbon ends cascading to complement the billowy, flowing effect of your orchid bouquet.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a Phalaenopsis Orchids Designer Flower Box, a Flocked Lamb's Ear Greenery Spray, iron wires and green tubing, a pair of pliers or wire clippers, and your creative spirit.
The first step is to prepare your leaves. Tie your Lamb's Ear leaves into a bunch, securing them with a wire. Separate the leaves so that they spread into a natural, open shape, which will form the base of your bouquet.
To make the bouquet look full and natural, weave together three stems of orchids, hydrangeas, and roses. You will need help from another person to hold and weave the stems together. Then, wire the stems together.
To finish the bouquet, tie a wire around all the stems for added security, and then use a wire cutter to cut the stems to a uniform length. Insert the stems into floral tubing to conceal the wires and protect your hands. Wrap the stems in green floral tape, and then add a ribbon for a polished look.
Phalaenopsis orchids, also known as "moth orchids," are large, bold, and long-lasting flowers that can be intimidating to work with. To conceal any lighter spots or blemishes, paint the back of the orchids with Design Master flat white. This will cover any translucent spots without affecting the front of the flowers.
