Orchids have been a wedding favorite for many, many years.
They make an absolutely gorgeous and very memorable bridal bouquet.
There are thousands of large and small varieties of orchids.
They can make spectacular table displays for your reception, as well as altar flower arrangements, accessories for the pews, and arbor decorations.
There are many color choices in the orchid family, so no matter what the time of year or the colors of your wedding, you can use these wonderful flowers to celebrate your special day.
Your bouquet can be dainty and all white, or it can make a dramatic and colorful statement as you glide down the aisle.
Orchids are ideal for a wedding for several reasons.
First, they have an exotic look and feel, which gives everyone at the wedding a feeling of "specialness.
" At one time orchids were quite expensive to raise and to buy, and this aura of exclusivity still clings to this flower.
This adds to the excitement that you want your guests to experience.
Second, there is so much variety among different types of orchids that you will be able to achieve any look you want for your wedding.
For example, if you want a dainty feeling, you can use the dainty Phalaenopsis trailing from your bouquet.
For a bold impression, use some large, vibrant Cattleyas in your table decorations.
A mix of large and small orchids draped on an arbor or the church pews would be stunning.
Third, orchids are beautiful in any setting.
They work equally well in an ultra-formal atmosphere, in a free-and-easy beach wedding, and in any other venue you can imagine.
If you're looking for a delightful touch for each guest, put a single bud or flower at each place setting for the reception.
One of the most popular orchids used at weddings is the Cymbidium orchid.
These orchids have a very large, open flower head.
When a big, open flower is used in the bridal bouquet, it sets the tone for the entire event.
These orchids give an impression of openness, relaxation, exclusivity and generosity.
Also, these orchids are very resistant to wilting, so their beauty will last throughout your entire day.
Cymbidiums are also ideal for use in the table decorations, because they pair very nicely with crystal elements such as cut-glass vases and glass marbles.
Cymbidiums can be formed into very elegant candlestick wraps or bobeches.
Candlestick wraps made of elegant living flowers are simply stunning.
The candlelight shines through the delicate petals and adds to the glow at the reception tables.
Since the open and delicate Phalaenopsis orchids look a bit like a butterfly or moth in flight, these flowers are also called moth orchids.
They come in quite a variety of colors, so they could be used in your wedding no matter what the color scheme.
Phalaenopsis also come in striped or spotted varieties, which would make remarkable bridesmaid bouquets, mothers' corsages or the men's boutonnieres.
No matter how they are used in a wedding, the special beauty and elegance of orchids add something very special.
With a bit of research, a bride will be able to find the perfect orchids for her unique wedding.