Crafting An Orchid Wedding Bouquet: A Step-By-Step Guide

Orchids are a popular choice for wedding bouquets due to their versatility, exotic tropical vibe, and long-lasting nature. They come in a wide range of colours, shapes, and sizes, making them suitable for weddings of any style, whether classic, contemporary, or tropical. They are also wilt-resistant and pair well with other flowers, making them a great choice for DIY brides. When creating an orchid wedding bouquet, it is important to consider the overall look and feel you are aiming for, whether you want a bold statement or something more delicate, and choose colours that complement your wedding palette.

Orchid bouquet shapes: from cascading to contemporary

Orchid bouquets can be designed in a variety of shapes, from cascading to contemporary styles. Here are some ideas to help you create a stunning orchid bouquet with a unique shape:

Cascading Orchid Bouquets:

Cascading bouquets, also known as waterfall bouquets, are designed to flow downwards like a graceful waterfall, complementing the bride's gown and overall look. To create a cascading orchid bouquet, consider the following steps:

• Choose orchids with cascading blossoms, such as Phalaenopsis orchids, as your focal flowers.
• Prepare your greenery first by arranging a base of leaves or foliage to guide the shape of the bouquet.
• Mindfully place the orchids to create the desired cascade effect. Offset them to one side for added visual interest.
• Accentuate the orchids with complementary flowers or accessories, such as miniature pearls or leaves.
• Secure the stems with wire and floral tubing, creating a comfortable handle.
• Finish the bouquet with a matching ribbon, adding to the flowing effect.

Contemporary Orchid Bouquets:

Orchids are incredibly versatile and can be styled in a variety of contemporary ways. Here are some ideas for modern orchid bouquet shapes:

• Create a sleek, modern version of a cascading bouquet by using white orchids and anthurium, as seen in a Brooklyn warehouse wedding.
• Opt for an all-white orchid bouquet, which offers understated elegance and pairs well with any wedding dress.
• Combine orchids with natural hues like pampas grass and dried ferns for a contemporary outdoor summer wedding.
• Experiment with unique pairings, such as orchids with dried florals, to create a modern, artistic statement.
• Play with structural elements and pair orchids with bold flowers like anemones for an arrangement that feels special yet not overly fancy.

Whether you choose a cascading or contemporary style, orchids provide a sophisticated and unique touch to any wedding bouquet. Feel free to experiment with different shapes, colours, and complementary flowers to create a bouquet that truly reflects your style.

Orchid colours: from classic white to vibrant fuchsia

Orchids are available in a wide range of colours, from classic white to vibrant fuchsia, and everything in between. The most common shades for wedding bouquets are pure white and deep purple, but there are plenty of other options to choose from.

For a soft and romantic look, opt for pastel pink or blush orchids. These shades are perfect for a wedding bouquet with a delicate and ethereal feel. You can also find orchids in bolder shades of pink, such as fuchsia, which make a vibrant and eye-catching statement.

Orchids also come in a variety of other colours, including yellow, blue, grey, and mocha. These unique shades can add a modern and unexpected twist to your wedding bouquet. For a truly dramatic look, consider pairing orchids with dried palms, pampas grass, or other dried foliage.

If you're looking for something more traditional, white orchids are a classic choice that will pair beautifully with any wedding dress. For a touch of glamour, consider adding some gold or rose gold accents to your bouquet, such as metallic sprayed leaves or a rose gold leaf accent on your wedding cake.

No matter which colour you choose, orchids make a versatile and elegant addition to any wedding bouquet.

Orchid varieties: from Phalaenopsis to Dendrobium

Phalaenopsis orchids, also known as "moth orchids", are a regal flower that makes for a bold and long-lasting statement in any wedding bouquet. They are versatile and can be used to create a big impact in a variety of floral designs. Their front-facing forms provide an eye-catching moment in a bouquet and are a favourite of many brides. They come in a range of colours, from white to yellow, pink, and purple, but pure white and deep purple are the most commonly selected colours for orchid wedding bouquets.

Phalaenopsis orchids are also surprisingly resilient and can last for two weeks or more in a vase of water. They are perfect for tropical-themed weddings or beach weddings, but can also be paired with dried florals for a modern, artistic celebration.

Dendrobium orchids, on the other hand, are known for their hardiness and exotic tropical vibe. They are a popular choice for tropical wedding themes as well as sophisticated aesthetics. They are also long-lasting in arrangements and are considered a luxury accent flower. Dendrobium orchids are capable of propagating from stem cuttings, especially the Noble Dendrobium variety. They are one of the more resilient types of orchids but still require a bit of delicacy when attempting to grow new orchids from cuttings.

Orchid costs: from budgeting to splurging

Orchids are considered a luxury flower and are prized for their elegance, durability, and exotic, tropical vibe. They are also one of the longest-lasting flowers, which makes them a popular choice for weddings.

The cost of orchids can vary depending on the type and colour, with some varieties being more expensive than others. Phalaenopsis and cymbidium orchids are two of the most popular types of orchids for weddings and typically range from $15 to $35 per stem. Cymbidium orchids are larger and have more robust stems, while Dendrobium orchids have smaller blooms and more slender stems.

If you're looking to save on costs, consider using a single bloom orchid bouquet or opting for a wrist corsage or floral hairpiece made with orchids for your bridesmaids instead of bouquets. You can also mix orchids with other flowers to create a lush bouquet without needing as many orchid stems.

For a budget-friendly option, you can create your own DIY orchid bouquet by ordering bulk orchids online. This can save you money per stem and give you creative freedom to design your own arrangements. When creating your own bouquets, it's recommended to place your flower orders 2-3 months before the wedding to avoid last-minute stress.

The cost of an orchid bridal bouquet can range from $85 to $250, depending on the type and number of flowers used, as well as the labour involved in creating the arrangement. For example, a wired bouquet tends to cost more than a hand-tied bouquet.

If you're looking to splurge on orchids, you can incorporate them into your wedding decor beyond just the bouquets. Orchids are perfect for ceremony backdrops and floral installations, such as arch arrangements and hanging installations. You can also use orchids for boutonnieres, centrepieces, and reception table arrangements to create a cohesive look throughout your wedding.

Orchid care: how to keep them fresh and gorgeous

Orchids are not difficult to care for, but they do have specific requirements that are essential to understand if you want to keep them looking fresh and gorgeous. Here are some detailed instructions to help you care for your orchids and ensure they thrive:

• Light: Place your orchid in a bright spot, but avoid direct sunlight as it can burn the leaves. An east-facing or north-facing window is ideal, but if you only have access to a west- or south-facing window, use a sheer curtain to filter the light. You can also use grow lights placed 6-8 inches above the plant and kept on for 12-16 hours per day.
• Watering: One of the most common reasons orchids don't survive is overwatering, so be sure to let the potting mix dry out slightly between waterings. Water your orchid liberally, allowing the water to run through the potting mix and out of the drainage holes. Avoid using water that is colder than 50°F (10°C) as it can damage the roots. Clear pots can help you see when the potting mix is dry.
• Fertilizer: Feed your orchid regularly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a fertilizer specifically designed for orchids. A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 is ideal, diluted to quarter-strength. Stop fertilizing during the winter when the plant is dormant.
• Temperature: Orchids are typically classified as cool-, intermediate-, or warm-growing, depending on their temperature requirements. Cool-growing orchids prefer temperatures between 60-70°F during the day and 50-55°F at night. Intermediate-growing orchids like temperatures between 70-80°F during the day and 55-65°F at night. Warm-growing orchids thrive in temperatures between 80-90°F during the day and 65-70°F at night.
• Air Circulation and Humidity: Orchids benefit from gentle air circulation, which can be provided by a fan or an open window. Maintain a humidity level between 40-60% for optimal orchid health. If the humidity drops below 40%, use a humidity tray or place the plant near a water source to increase moisture in the air.
• Pruning: Prune your orchid stems once they finish flowering to encourage reblooming. For moth orchids (Phalaenopsis), cut the stem just above the bottom 2 nodes. For other varieties, cut the stem as close to the potting media as possible. Always use clean, disinfected tools for pruning to avoid spreading diseases.
• Pests and Diseases: Check your orchid regularly for signs of pests or diseases. Common pests include aphids, mealybugs, and scale insects, which can be controlled with rubbing alcohol or horticultural soap. Remove infected leaves, stems, or flowers to prevent the spread of fungal or bacterial infections. If the infection is severe, it may be necessary to dispose of the entire plant.
• Repotting: Orchids should be repotting every 1-2 years, or when the roots have outgrown the pot. Use a bark- or moss-based potting mix, as these drain well and prevent overwatering. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the previous one and be sure it has drainage holes to prevent root rot.

Frequently asked questions