Here are some tips and suggestions for incorporating tropical flowers into wedding bouquets, veils, hair decorations and other floral arrangements.
Orchids are somewhat easier to find than the ilima or kukui blossoms and come in a variety of colors. The most famous is the purple and white orchid which makes a memorable bouquet when combined with pink ginger and baby's breath. Add strings of white, silver or gold beads to the bouquet to give it glitz. Or, have the flower girl drop orchid petals on the floor as she walks down the aisle. Gladiolas are a tropical flower which grow on a stalk and are great for large floral arrangements at the altar. Tiger lilies and torch lilies can be added in for color. Pink plumeria is a good choice for a wedding bouquet. Wrap several groups of the plumeria with fern leaves, then tie with satin ribbon. Additional touches of plumeria can be sprinkled around the room and tied into the bridesmaids' hair.
Some weddings take place at the beach, barefoot and in native attire. If this sounds perfect to you, don't forget to wear an anklet made of something luscious like bougainvillea and white oleander. The groom can wear a matching anklet, and you can make a similar bouquet to carry. The groom can also wear a lei made of these flowers, while the bride wears a hair lei. If you want lots of color in your bouquet, try combining white plumeria with bird of paradise, heliconia and red ginger. Mix in some greenery and let satin ribbons cascade down from the bouquet. Make similar table bouquets, but add one additional flower or color to set them aside from the bridal bouquet. Drop plumeria, orchids or red ginger into the punch bowl for an even more tropical setting. Dahlias, in your choice of wedding colors, can be mixed with roses and baby's breath for the bouquet, then attach more baby's breath to the veil. Many brides would never dream of including the color red in their decor, but after viewing a bouquet made of red Ixora, you could change your mind. These are lovely mixed with yellow or white additional flowers and lots of greenery. Tropical flowers may be difficult to find in your area at certain times of the year, so check with your florist several weeks in advance to make sure that they are attainable. Also, talk to your florist and get recommendations for color selections, available varieties and possible other suggestions on choosing your wedding day tropical flowers.
