Advice on orchid as wedding gift

[gift_orchid]

I'm not an orchid grower myself but a very old friend is getting married and loves them, so I've been considering getting a relatively rare one as a wedding gift. As I said, I know nothing about this, so I thought this forum might have some suggestions about whether this idea is practical and/or good options for plants or where to find them. I'm in the Northeast corridor so I could travel in to the orchid show at the NYBG or such fairly easily, if that helps at all?

[Marci in SoFL]

Your gift idea is very thoughtful. That said, information about your friend's climate (NE corridor?) and growing conditions (indoors? outdoors? greenhouse?), would be helpful in order to make suggestions. Of course, if you do attend the NYBG show and speak with any of the growers, they may be able to guide you, given the information above. You might also check out orchid nurseries in their area. Do you know what genera they favor, such as Cattleyas? Perhaps your friend is a member of an orchid club? Members would likely be aware of what your friend collects. As an afterthought, you might consider a gift certificate and catalog from a nursery, giving them the opportunity to chose that special orchid. You can find a list of nurseries on the American Orchid Society main website at aos.org. Just my thoughts. I hope some of this is helpful. Good luck!