To stake or not to stake?

[pbphut]

One of my Cattleyas (Final Touch "Mendenhall") it finally producing a bud. Do you typically have to stake the flower once it starts to bloom or is the plant and stalk sturdy enough to carry the bloom by itself. This is my first ever Cat. bloom and I'd hate to loose it. Or is this a case of observe and stake as necessary. Also, I was under the apparently mistaken impression that Cattleyas always bloomed through a sheath. This one didn't so I guess I was mistaken but no matter, I must be doing something right!