Orchids for Wedding Flowers NZ: Quick Answer
Orchids are one of the most misunderstood wedding flowers. They don’t have to mean tropical, exotic or over-the-top. In the right hands, orchids can be some of the most elegant, modern and luxurious flowers you can use for a wedding.
The most commonly used orchids in wedding floristry include Phalaenopsis, Cymbidium, Dendrobium, Oncidium, Vanda, Mokara and Cattleya, with more than 25,000 orchid species estimated to exist worldwide.
In New Zealand, Cymbidium orchids are a particularly special choice because they’re grown commercially here and are at their best through the winter months. Phalaenopsis orchids are another wedding favourite, especially for those iconic cascading white orchid bouquets and arrangements.
And as someone who has worked with orchids extensively in both New Zealand and Los Angeles, I have a lot to say about them.
Orchids Are Misunderstood
Let’s rewrite the script. When people hear the word orchid, I think a lot of them instantly picture something tropical. And I get it. But that’s not how I see orchids at all.
To me, orchids can be architectural, elegant, editorial, sculptural and incredibly chic.
They can be minimalist. They can be romantic. They can be dramatic. They can be playful.
And yes, they can be tropical if that’s what you’re going for. But they absolutely don’t have to be.
If you’re planning a wedding and you’ve dismissed orchids because you think they’re not your style, I would encourage you to look at them again. You might be surprised.
How Many Types of Orchids Are There?
A lot. Like, a LOT.
There are more than 25,000 recognised orchid species around the world, making Orchidaceae one of the largest families of flowering plants.
For wedding floristry, some of the most commonly encountered commercial orchids include:
- Phalaenopsis
- Cymbidium
- Dendrobium
- Oncidium
- Vanda
- Mokara
- Cattleya
- Paphiopedilum, also known as slipper orchids.
You don’t need to know the difference between all of them to choose your wedding flowers, but knowing a little about the main types can be helpful. Because when your florist says Cymbidium versus Phalaenopsis, they’re talking about two very different looks.
Cymbidium Orchids: The New Zealand Beauty
Cymbidiums have a very special place in my heart. Not just because they’re beautiful, but because of a moment I had while working in Los Angeles.
One day, a colleague walked into the studio carrying a box that made me leap with joy. I instantly recognised the boxes. NEW ZEALAND CYMBIDIUMS.
I couldn’t believe I was standing in Los Angeles, working with orchids that had been grown in my homeland. It was such a strange little full-circle moment.
And then I discovered just how much Americans were paying for them. My jaw hit the floor.
New Zealand produces premium-quality cut Cymbidiums for export, with around 90% of the commercial crop historically exported, particularly to markets including Japan, the United States and Australia. The industry once exported around 300,000 boxes annually, although that figure has since fallen to around 120,000 boxes. And honestly, I could understand why. The quality was exceptional. The best stems, including some of the rarer colours, are highly prized in export markets.
So there I was, in LA, looking at beautiful New Zealand Cymbidiums and thinking: “These came from home!”
When Are Cymbidium Orchids in Season in NZ?
Here’s something that surprises a lot of people:
Cymbidiums are a winter flower.
Their main New Zealand season runs from late May through winter and into around October, with their natural flowering period centred around late winter to spring. The Orchid Council of New Zealand describes Cymbidiums as cool-growing orchids whose flowers open from late winter into spring, and notes that their cut stems last a long time in a vase. Which makes them an excellent choice for a winter wedding.
And when they’re growing in abundance during their peak season, they can actually be one of the better-value flowers you can buy.
A good Cymbidium can last for a couple of weeks in a vase, making them one of those flowers that gives you a lot of bang for your buck. There is, however, a catch. Not every Cymbidium is inexpensive. The more unusual colours, particularly those deep chocolate and burgundy shades, are much more specialised and can command a premium price.
Cymbidium Colours
Cymbidiums come in an amazing range of colours.
Some of the colours you’ll commonly encounter in New Zealand include:
| Colour | Florist Notes |
|---|---|
| White | Several variations exist, including pure white, white with a pink throat and white with a burgundy throat. |
| Green | Green varieties can have either a red or yellow throat. |
| Pink | Soft through stronger pink shades. |
| Yellow | Bright and cheerful, with beautiful markings. |
| Burgundy | Deep, dramatic and often more premium. |
| Dark Chocolate | Rare, moody and incredibly luxurious. |
| Other Mixed Tones | Cymbidiums can have fascinating markings and colour combinations depending on the variety. |
Phalaenopsis Orchids: The Ultimate Chic Wedding Flower
Then we have Phalaenopsis.
If Cymbidiums are the beautiful winter workhorse, Phalaenopsis are the fashion girl. Nothing screams premium chic quite like a white cascading Phalaenopsis orchid. They’re one of the most popular orchids for wedding bouquets, and I completely understand why. Those long, elegant stems. Those sculptural flowers. That beautiful cascading movement.
They look incredible tucked into a bouquet, trailing from a ceremony arrangement or used completely on their own. And yes, you can absolutely have too much of a good thing when it comes to the price.
Phalaenopsis are expensive pretty much regardless of the time of year.
They’re also generally imported into New Zealand, unlike our commercially grown Cymbidiums.
Phalaenopsis Come in More Colours Than You Might Think
White is the classic, and it’s hard to beat.
But imported Phalaenopsis orchids can also be found in some beautifully dyed colours.
And before you picture something garish, let me stop you.
They’re actually really beautiful and surprisingly tasteful.
Some of my favourites include:
- Caramel
- Blush
- Apricot
These softer dyed tones can be gorgeous for weddings where you want something a little different without going completely wild with colour.
Why Are Orchids So Expensive?
This is where it helps to understand that “orchids” aren’t one single price category.
A Cymbidium in peak New Zealand season can actually be a very reasonable flower.
A rare dark burgundy Cymbidium? Different story. A Phalaenopsis? Different story again.
And imported orchids such as dyed Phalaenopsis, Dendrobiums, Vandas, Mokaras and Oncidiums are generally sourced specifically for an event rather than simply sitting around at the flower market waiting for someone to buy them. They’re typically imported year-round, but they need to be ordered in advance.
This is important if you’ve fallen in love with a very particular orchid. Don’t leave it until the week before your wedding and assume your florist can just pop down to the market and grab some. Orchids don’t really work like that.
The Single Orchid Trend
You’ve probably seen it. A gorgeous mixed bridal bouquet with one long Phalaenopsis orchid casually cascading through the flowers. It looks effortless.
And of course, effortless is often the result of a florist doing something quite specific behind the scenes. Suppliers commonly sell Phalaenopsis by the box rather than allowing florists to order one or two individual stems.
So what happens when you only want one orchid in a bouquet? I’ve got a little hack.
Sometimes I’ll use a stem from a potted orchid plant rather than ordering an entire box just to get one flower. You’re welcome.
How I Like to Style Orchids
You may have noticed a theme developing throughout these flower guides. I really like flowers on their own. And orchids are no exception. A mass of one type of orchid can be incredibly chic.
But if we’re mixing them with other flowers, here’s where I love going:
Cymbidiums + Tropical Foliage
Let the Cymbidium be the star. Add beautiful tropical foliage and perhaps anthuriums for something sculptural and statement-making. You can even bring another orchid variety, such as Vanda, into the mix.
Phalaenopsis + White Flowers
For something seriously elegant, try white Phalaenopsis with white roses and white dahlias. Add some green hanging amaranthus for movement and suddenly you’ve got something that feels incredibly editorial.
Orchids + Minimalism
Don’t underestimate what happens when you give an orchid space. One beautiful stem placed deliberately can have far more impact than cramming an arrangement full of flowers. Sometimes the most luxurious thing you can do is let the flower breathe.
Are Orchids Tropical?
Some are. But orchids as a whole aren’t synonymous with tropical flowers.
There are orchids that thrive in cool climates, including Cymbidiums, which grow successfully in New Zealand. The Orchid Council of New Zealand notes that Cymbidiums are cool-growing and can be grown outdoors in many parts of the country.
And that’s one of the reasons I think they’re so interesting. The word orchid conjures up one particular image in people’s minds. But the reality is much bigger.
There are thousands upon thousands of shapes, colours and growing habits. So if you’ve been thinking: “I don’t want tropical flowers at my wedding.” Don’t automatically cross orchids off your list. You might be missing out on one of the chicest flowers around.
Orchids for Winter Weddings
Cymbidiums are particularly exciting for winter weddings.
While many of the flowers people associate with weddings are at their peak in spring and summer, Cymbidiums are having their moment during the cooler months. That means they can be a beautiful way to embrace the season rather than trying to recreate a summer wedding in the middle of winter.
Deep burgundy Cymbidiums with rich foliage? Gorgeous.
White Cymbidiums with white roses? Classic.
Green Cymbidiums with anthuriums and sculptural foliage? Very cool.
And if you’re getting married in winter, there’s something rather special about choosing a flower that’s naturally having its moment at exactly the same time as your wedding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are orchids good for wedding flowers?
For sure! Orchids are incredibly versatile and can work beautifully in modern, elegant, romantic, minimalist and tropical wedding styles.
What orchids are best for weddings?
Phalaenopsis and Cymbidium are two of the most popular choices. Phalaenopsis are particularly beautiful for cascading bouquets and elegant arrangements, while Cymbidiums offer incredible value and longevity when they’re in season in New Zealand.
Are Cymbidium orchids available in winter?
Yes. Cymbidiums are a cool-season flower in New Zealand, with their main season running from late May through October and their peak generally occurring through winter.
Are orchids expensive for weddings?
It depends on the type. Seasonal NZ-grown Cymbidiums can be surprisingly affordable, while rare Cymbidium colours and Phalaenopsis orchids tend to sit at a higher price point.
How long do Cymbidium orchids last?
They’re one of the longest-lasting cut flowers, and a good Cymbidium can easily last for a couple of weeks with proper care. The Orchid Council of New Zealand also notes their long vase life.
Can you use just one orchid in a bridal bouquet?
Absolutely. A single cascading Phalaenopsis stem can create a beautiful statement in a mixed bouquet. Because suppliers often sell them by the box, your florist may have a few tricks for sourcing individual stems.
Are orchids only suitable for tropical weddings?
No. This is one of the biggest misconceptions about orchids. Cymbidiums in particular are cool-growing orchids and are commercially grown in New Zealand.
Alyssa’s Verdict
I have a confession. I don’t have a favourite orchid. I know, shocking.
Purple Phalaenopsis were actually one of my very first favourite flowers when I started working in floristry. I loved them so much that I had them tattooed on my arm. These days, I’d probably choose peonies or dahlias if you forced me to pick a favourite flower. But orchids still have a very special place in my heart.
I also have a slightly ridiculous number of orchid plants at home, so clearly the obsession still exists. And that’s the thing about orchids. They’re misunderstood.
They’re not just tropical. They’re not just exotic. They’re not just expensive. They’re incredibly versatile, surprisingly diverse and, when they’re styled well, ridiculously chic.
So if you’ve been overlooking orchids for your wedding because you thought they weren’t your style… I’d say it’s time to rewrite the script.
Planning Your Wedding Flowers?
If you’ve fallen for orchids, or you’re not quite sure which flowers will work for your wedding, I’d love to help.
I create bespoke wedding flowers for couples across Auckland, from intimate celebrations to large-scale ceremony installations and reception flowers.
Explore my Auckland Wedding Florist services
And if you’re working with a particular budget, my Affordable Wedding Flowers guide has ideas for creating beautiful wedding flowers without compromising on style.
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