When I asked about the inspiration for these designs, Hitomi replied, "These bouquets were created to be part of the 'Tropical Romance' look. All the flowers in the bouquets are tropical. The intent is to show that tropicals do not always result in a hard-edged look."

Why were tropicals chosen for the bouquets? "An appropriate mix of Anthurium, various types of orchids, tillandsia and tropical vines (such as Passion vine) in softer colors can result in amazingly romantic and exotic bouquets." Hitomi continued. "For destination weddings in the tropics, these soft cascade bouquets of exotic flowers would really fit the bill."

The two bouquets were designed on OASIS Grande WEDDING BELLE® Bouquet Holder with Slant Handle.

These stunning bouquets are perfectly proportioned. To keep the design in proportion, the length and width of your bouquet should be in scale with the height and overall body shape of the bride. While we love to take our bouquets to new lengths, a size that is too large for the bride can overwhelm or hide her dress.

It is important to keep the cut and detail of a dress in mind when designing your bouquet so that the two compliment each other. The bouquet should enhance the lines of the dress without hiding the dressmaking details or ornamentation.

One of the first florist truisms I learned upon entering the industry over forty years ago was that 'mechanics are everything'. I have heard that statement often repeated.

This is especially true of cascading bouquets. The weight of flowers descending from the holder must be carefully balanced and the stems securely in place for the bouquet to remain intact.

For this purpose, I cannot recommend OASIS FLORALOCK Plus Stem Adhesive strongly enough. To secure flower stems in the bouquet holder once the design is fully completed, insert the red straw into the foam, then press to spray the liquid adhesive into the foam in several places. Let dry. When the spray adhesive is absorbed into the foam, the flower stems are locked securely in place.

Be certain the design is completed before adding Floralock. Making flower additions or moving stems is not possible once the adhesive sets and the foam is firm.