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

Orchids are a popular choice for wedding bouquets due to their versatility, resilience, and ability to create a big impact. They come in a wide range of colours, shapes, and sizes, making them suitable for weddings of all styles, from classic and understated to bold and modern. In this guide, we will take you through the steps to create a stunning DIY cascading bridal bouquet using orchids and complementary flowers and foliage. We will also offer tips and ideas for incorporating orchids into your wedding, from bouquets to centrepieces and beyond.

Orchid bouquet shapes: cascading, petite, round, or wild

When it comes to wedding bouquets, the shape you choose will depend on your wedding dress silhouette and your wedding style. Here are some different shapes you can opt for when creating an orchid wedding bouquet:

Cascading

A cascading bouquet, also known as a waterfall bouquet, is an arrangement of flowers that trail from the bride's hands, creating a natural, flowing effect. This style can add drama and elegance to your wedding look. Orchids are a natural choice for this type of bouquet due to their waterfall-like, cascading blossoms. When creating a cascading bouquet, consider the placement of the orchids to form the desired shape. You can place them near the bottom of the bouquet or offset them to one side for added visual interest.

Petite

If you're looking for something more understated, a petite or nosegay bouquet might be a better option. These bouquets are typically small enough to be held in one hand and can feature a single type of flower, such as mini orchids or a combination of orchids and other blooms. Petite bouquets are perfect for brides who want a more delicate and subtle look.

Round

A round bouquet, also known as a natural bouquet, is arranged in a voluminous ball of blooms. It is typically designed to be viewed from all angles, with no distinct front or back. While it can be made with a single type of flower, using a variety of blooms, such as orchids, roses, and peonies, can create a dynamic and textured look.

Wild

For a more organic and natural look, you can opt for a wild or crescent-shaped bouquet. This style mimics the shape of a horizontal crescent moon, with a tight arrangement at the top and a slight cascade on both sides. Wild bouquets often feature a mix of flowers and greenery, such as orchids, roses, clematis, and eucalyptus, creating a loose and effortless aesthetic.

Orchid types: Phalaenopsis, cymbidium, cattleya, oncidium, pea, mokara, and dendrobium

Phalaenopsis orchids are a popular choice for wedding bouquets, with their front-facing forms providing an eye-catching moment. They come in a variety of colours, including white, green, pink, and fuchsia, and pair well with roses, lisianthus, spray roses, and calla lilies. Cymbidium orchids, with their hardy blooms, are also a favourite among brides. These orchids range in colour from light to deep burgundy and can lean purple or reddish. They add texture and movement to any bouquet and are known for their long-lasting nature.

Cattleya orchids, with their unique form and structure, are a less common but striking option. Oncidium orchids, available in yellow, add a cheerful touch to any arrangement. Mokara orchids, with their star-shaped blooms, are said to symbolise love, beauty, and refinement. They come in a range of colours, including orange and white.

Dendrobium orchids, with their long, strong stems, are a hardy and long-lasting choice. They are a bold yet classy statement for tropical wedding themes and sophisticated aesthetics. These orchids are typically white to cream in colour and are known for their durability and modern elegance.

Orchid colours: white, pink, purple, blue, green, yellow, or burgundy

Orchids come in a variety of colours, ranging from white to yellow, pink, purple, blue, green, and burgundy. They are available almost any time of year, but certain colours may need to be ordered ahead of time and some species are only available seasonally.

White orchids are a staple of wedding bouquets and can be paired with almost any flower. They are a common choice for brides due to their versatility and timeless elegance. A white orchid bouquet is super simple, yet exudes understated elegance and pairs perfectly with any wedding dress.

Pink orchids are perfect for a romantic, modern, or eclectic wedding. They can be used to create a bold and bright bouquet or a softer, more delicate arrangement. For a perfect shade of blush, soft pink orchids can be combined with full garden roses.

Purple orchids are commonly selected for orchid wedding bouquets and can be used to create a bright and dramatic bouquet or a more understated arrangement. Phalaenopsis orchids, also known as moth orchids, are a popular choice for their wide flat flowers and long, tall stems.

Blue orchids are a stunning choice for a tropical-inspired bouquet. They can be paired with white roses and accented with peacock feathers and ferns for a luxurious look.

Green orchids are a unique and unexpected choice for a wedding bouquet. They make a statement and are perfect for a spring wedding. Green orchids can be combined with deeper, lush greenery to create an impact.

Yellow orchids add a cheerful touch to any wedding bouquet. They are a great choice for summer weddings and can be paired with peonies, ranunculus, and summer roses for a vibrant arrangement.

Burgundy orchids are a bold and dramatic choice for a wedding bouquet. They can be paired with other dark colours, such as black or burgundy lilies, or contrasted with lighter colours like white or yellow. Burgundy orchids are perfect for fall and winter celebrations.

Orchid pairings: roses, lisianthus, ranunculus, pampas grass, anthurium, or peonies

Orchid and Rose Pairings

Orchids and roses are a match made in heaven for a wedding bouquet. The front-facing form of phalaenopsis and cymbidium orchids provides an eye-catching moment in a bouquet, while roses add a romantic touch. For a modern twist, opt for an all-white arrangement of phalaenopsis orchids and roses, or add some colour with peach or pink roses. If you're feeling extra adventurous, try pairing orchids with red and pink roses for a wild, just-picked look.

Orchid and Lisianthus Pairings

For a unique and elegant wedding bouquet, pair orchids with lisianthus. This combination is perfect for brides who love the look of orchids but want to add a little something extra. The lisianthus adds a delicate touch to the bold orchid, creating a stunning and unexpected combination.

Orchid and Ranunculus Pairings

For a soft and romantic wedding bouquet, pair orchids with ranunculus. The two flowers complement each other beautifully, with the round petals of the ranunculus softening the structured look of the orchid. This combination is perfect for a spring or summer wedding, as ranunculus is in season during these months. Add some greenery for a pop of colour, or keep it simple with an all-white bouquet.

Orchid and Pampas Grass Pairings

If you're looking for a unique and trendy wedding bouquet, pair orchids with pampas grass. Pampas grass is making a comeback in the wedding world, and it's easy to see why. It adds instant texture and is available in a variety of colours, including white, beige, and pink. Pair it with orchids for a chic and modern look that will wow your guests.

Orchid and Anthurium Pairings

For a tropical-themed wedding, pair orchids with anthurium. The bright and bold colours of anthurium, such as pink and burgundy, will make your orchid bouquet pop. Add some palm leaves and ginger flowers for a truly tropical feel, or keep it simple with just orchids and anthurium for a modern and artistic look.

Orchid and Peony Pairings

Orchids and peonies are a classic combination for a wedding bouquet. The soft, full petals of peonies contrast beautifully with the structured look of orchids. This combination is perfect for a romantic, elegant, or garden-themed wedding. For a playful touch, add some colourful peonies to your bouquet, or keep it simple with blush or ivory peonies.

Orchid care: cutting stems, water temperature, floral preservatives, and sunlight

Orchid Care: Cutting Stems

Before cutting orchid stems, it's important to assess the health of your orchid's spikes. Healthy spikes are typically green and firm to the touch, while unhealthy spikes are brown or yellow. It's also worth noting the type of orchid you're dealing with, as some have single spikes, while others are double-spiked. Once you've gathered the necessary tools, be sure to sterilise them by washing with hot water and soap, and rinsing to remove any soap residue.

For healthy, green spikes, locate the node under the lowest flower bloom and trim about an inch above it. For unhealthy, brown spikes, cut them back to the base of the plant. If you're dealing with a double-spiked orchid, cut one spike at the base and the other about an inch above the node under the lowest flower bloom.

Cutting Stems: Pro Tips

• Trimming orchid spikes encourages reblooming.
• Exposing your orchid to cooler temperatures can also stimulate reblooming. Avoid cold drafts and keep it away from vents.

Water Temperature

When watering orchids, it's crucial to use water that feels neutral to the touch. Avoid using cold water. Additionally, it's important to understand the roots of orchids. In nature, orchid roots are often exposed directly to air, so be sure to use a well-drained soil high in organic matter, like sphagnum moss. Avoid letting the soil become too wet, as orchid roots are prone to rot when sitting in water or wet soil. Ensure any excess water drains away, and never let water accumulate in the drainage saucer or the pot.

Floral Preservatives

While commercial floral preservatives are available, you can also create your own at home. A study by the University of Swaziland found that a combination of lemon juice, Sprite, and Ritebrand bleach; or lime juice, sugar, and Listerine mouthwash extended the vase life of Epidendrum orchids.

Sunlight

Orchids are shade-loving plants and do not respond well to excessive sunlight. Direct exposure to strong sunlight during hot summers can cause significant harm. Place your orchids near windows to provide ample light, especially when blooming. East- and south-facing windows are best, but other directions work as long as the sun isn't too intense. Keep orchids away from hot and cold drafts that may come from heaters or other sources. Closing the blinds at night can help reduce cold air exposure, but be sure to open them during the day to let in light.

Frequently asked questions