Exotic Blooms

Blog:

Roses are a tried and tested wedding flower – they are classic and lovely but perhaps a little overdone? Exotic flowers are definitely one way to shake things up and add a punch of the unexpected to your bouquet. The problem is that, as with domestic flowers, not all are suited to jostling that a bouquet or boutonniere goes through at a wedding. Here is a list of some of the heartier and durable flowers you should consider, if you are looking at exotic flora for your big day.

Lady Slipper Orchids: Although these are native to North America, certain genus are found in subtropical Asian rainforests. Orchids have a reputation for being dainty, but the great thing about Lady Slipper Orchids is that they are such a show-stopper, you only need a few of them to obtain the desired effect.

Ranunculus: These come in a wide variety of species and are easy to get your hands on. They make for a great filler flower as they can add depth and bulk naturally. Primarily available in yellows and whites, these are a great neutral flower that could make for a splendid stand-alone bouquet, or to compliment other flowers in a bouquet without overshadowing them. Their smaller size makes them less likely to get banged up during transportation or passing of the bouquet.

Dendrobium Orchid: This beautiful flower has adapted to be able to grow in the high altitudes of the Himalayas, but is also found in tropical rainforests. If you need a bloom that is a survivor, this is it. These flowers are available in a great range of colors due to hybridization and popularity of the species. This flower could be suitable for a wedding bouquet in any season or any climate.

Musas: This is actually the flower that spawns bananas and plantains – but it looks fabulous! It has a wonderful ornamental shape but is not suited to cold temperatures. This is a striking bloom that would be perfect for any season, except winter (where winter involves frost).

Dhalia: This native Mexican flower is simply stunning. Its tuberous design and variety of color make it stand out in any bouquet, and its structure makes it strong and less like to squish or fold amongst other flowers in a bouquet. The flowering head comes in several different sizes making it versatile in everything from bouquets to boutonnieres.

If you have been trying to come up with a way of making your floral arrangements really stand out on your big day, consider less traditional flowers. Exotic flowers are an easy way to add architecture, unique color and scale to your bouquet, or centerpieces (or whatever else!) The great thing about them is that they are often so flashy that you don’t need to overdo it. Often just a few of each bloom are sufficient to achieve the look you are after, making it an affordable option, and one you can incorporate into a bouquet that also features more traditional flowers, like roses, mums or daisies.