There's a wonderful little flower shop called
Vida Flores in Newmarket, a trendy neighborhood in Auckland (all images from their
website). Davina, the owner, is super nice and has a great modern style. Right before Christmas, I collaborated with them on a wedding at
Hopetoun Alpha. The bride, a friend of ours, wanted a classic, elegant 50's theme. I created this phalaenopsis bouquet with little rhinestones and silver ribbon in a simple teardrop shape.
To make a similar bouquet wire whole draping stems, individual blooms, and green buds of white phalaenopsis orchids with florist's wire and white waxed tape. Gather the longest stems together and add the shorter ones on top, tucking in individual blossoms and buds, making sure all the holes are filled (check the shape in a mirror as you hold the bouquet at waist level).
The petals tend to bruise very easily, so working slowly and gently is essential. Wire and add the rhinestones, and firmly wrap the handle with waxed tape. To hide the taped stems add a few loops of silver ribbon at the top of the handle. To wrap the handle start from the bottom, wrapping the ribbon over the end, then tightly encircling the loose end as you work up. Secure with a pearl-headed pin at the top.
Since the blooms won't be getting any more water, it's a good idea to do this type of bouquet the day of the wedding, storing it in a cool place until the ceremony.
*If you want to do a round bouquet instead of a teardrop shape, it's easy to start with a white hydrangea head and thread wired phalo's through it; this provides good support.
I'm a huge fan of using unusual foliage mixed with flowers... and it doesn't have to be flown in from an exotic place. Chances are you've got some things growing in and around your home that would look stunning either alone, or mixed with a few blooms. Images from MSLiving.
