Weddings are a time of joy and celebration. They are the merging of two heats and two families, and as such take a great deal of planning so that every detail is perfect. One of the most important parts of the beautification process is finding the right flower. While many couples often choose to go with roses or carnations, you can really set your event apart by decorating with wedding orchids.

Orchid Symbolism

Orchids symbolise love, beauty, refinement, many children and thoughtfulness making them the ideal choice for a wedding. Known for their colorful buds and intoxicating fragrances, orchids come in a wide number of sizes and varieties. There are some twenty thousand species of these flowers and they can be found almost everywhere in the world. So chances are good you'll find the perfect blooms for you. Given that these plants used to be rare, they were also quite expensive at one time. Now they are much more affordable. However, it should be noted that certain varieties are still pricey. Here are a few ways to use them in your nuptials.

An Orchid Bouquet

Flowers are very important to the bride, especially in her bouquet. For a truly eye-catching look, use the Phalaenopsis plant. Their leaves have been said to look like moth wings in flight, and give the plant its nickname of Moth orchid. They have an intense color, and come in a striped and spotted variety. Your bridesmaids will surely turn heads with a bouquet made of these blooms.

Which Orchids make Great Wedding Orchids?

The focal point of every table at the reception hall is the centerpiece. A good flower to use is the Cymbidium as they pair nicely with candles or glass marbles. They also come in a few different colors - white, pink, yellow, and pale green - so they can easily coordinate with your main colors. Another option is to place a single bud at each setting for your guests for an elegant touch.

The beauty of these flowers is that they are so unique and spectacular on their own, they don't need a lot of accessories to show them off. They bring life to every table they grace. And, since they're very sturdy flowers, they will last a long time without wilting or drying out before you get through your event.

Need something special for the mother of the bride's corsage? How about the groom's or groomsmen's boutonnieres? The Cattleya have frilled buds that smell delightful, and the Dendrobium have oval shaped leaves that grow all over the stem. Either of these would go remarkably well on a lapel.

Any type of flower you choose or your ceremony is bound to be pricey, and even more so with these special blossoms. If you're working within a budget, perhaps the best option is to go for silk blooms. You get the look of the real thing at more than half the cost. And there's no fear of them wilting or dying so you can take them home to cherish long after your day is over.

No matter what use you put them to, wedding orchids add that special something extra to your day. They bring beauty, fragrance, and elegance. With a little research you can find the perfect variety for you and make your ceremony truly memorable.