Photography: Emily G Photography
If you're looking for flowers with symbolism and durability, senior floral designer and art director of Floral Architect Chiu Chun Pao, recommends orchids. "White orchids are popular with our clients as it represents love and purity and looks elegant," he says. Specialising in hotel décor, event-décor services and weddings, Floral Architect's strength is in its unique blend of Japanese ikebana and European floral designs. They grow their own phalaenopsis species – the most preferred orchid variety for weddings – which are also exported to many parts of Europe, UK, Australia and Japan. Here are 5 reasons why you should go with orchids for your big day.
They are hot weather flowers
Orchids not only look tropical (perfect for summer or outdoor weddings) but they are made to withstand heat and are resistant to moisture loss. These sturdy flowers are perfect for weddings that run over a long weekend. According to Chun Pao, orchids are very hardy and can last for up to three weeks!
They hold symbolic value
While Asians value the orchid for its aesthetic beauty and medicinal value, the Romans and Greeks consider orchids a representation of love, sexuality and potency. Confucius compared the orchid flower to the superior man, and its fragrance alludes to the pleasures of friendship.
They come in all sort of colours
Orchids can be found in white, red, orange, blue, purple, yellow, pink, and also differing tones of each of the shades. Some of the more popular shades for weddings are purple, green and white – the last two are ideal for a beach wedding or all-white affair!
They look good in any type of arrangement
The unusual shape of an orchid makes it an alluring bloom and looks gorgeous in full arrangements or minimalist-style single stems. We love them pinned to the bride's hair, on the wedding cake, at the church altar, or as large table centerpieces.
They come in a variety of scents
Yes, orchids do smell as wonderful as some other well-known blooms. Cattleya for example, has a relaxing cinnamon and vanilla fragrance, Phalaenopsis has a subtle spicy, cinnamon fragrance, while Cymbidium gives off a refreshing lemony scent. Some other breeds have alluring chocolate or coconut aromas, if you're into that sort of thing!
