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Here is a selection of Q&As from An Essex Wedding magazine whether it be about flowers, hair and makeup, fashion, wedding themes, health & beauty, cakes, stationery, legal advice. If you would like your question answered by our experts, please email it to editor@anessex.wedding
To view more expert advice on a different topic, please select one from the list below.
In an English country garden
Q. We're having a quintessentially English spring wedding. How do we make the most of the season with our flowers?
A. Karen Borden says: Spring is such a beautiful time of year for flowers; you still have some late-winter varieties as well as early-summer flowers alongside the main spring blooms. It's so important for quality and cost to work with as many seasonal flowers as you can. At this time of year you have an array of options such a tulips, irises, ranunculi, hyacinths, sweet peas, anemones, syringas and stocks, along with year-round florals such as roses, lillies, gerberas and many more.
I would suggest a mix of flowers, such as the traditional garden rose with blousy peonies, along with more cost-effective seasonal flowers such as tulips to even out prices. Spring has an array of colours to choose from, so multi or single tones can be used. I'd also be sure to use plenty of pretty foliage such as green bell, eucalyptus and ruscus.
Karen Borden,The Flower Mill
www.theflowermill.co.uk
Small but perfectly formed
Q. We're having a smaller celebration than originally planned because of restrictions on weddings, but we still want to make a statement with our flowers. How can we do this?
A. Victoria Makepeace says: With weddings in the immediate future being much more intimate than expected, it is only natural as a florist to expect that less flowers will be required. However, the final big-day style still needs to look fabulous for those photographs that will be treasured for years to come.
My advice is to opt for floral arrangements within vessels, such as rustic crates, ornate urns or elegant vases, which can be moved from place to place throughout the day and create the wow factor each time. I'm always happy to factor in a small extra charge to remain at the venue to assist and oversee any room changes.
Victoria Makepeace,Simply Stunning Flowers
www.simplystunningflowers.co.uk
Fantasy florals
Q. How do we get wow-factor flowers that will leave an impression on our guests?
A. Alison White says: Flowers are one of the central elements for successful wedding design; they can transform any venue. The fabulous array of colours and textures available can be used to enhance any theme and say a lot about your personalities. Florals can be anything from dramatic and romantic to fun, modern, vintage or chic. There are many blooms to choose from and they should reflect your taste and style, so as soon as your guests walk into the venue, they'll see it's so you.
The biggest wow factor usually comes with an unusual design or statement piece. If your budget doesn't stretch to grand arrangements everywhere, then investing in one big piece will make a statement without breaking the bank.
Florals work with any theme; however crazy it is I can design arrangements and decorations to suit, so don't be scared to ask. I love a challenge and inventing new and exciting displays to suit my couples.
Alison White,Alison White Wedding Flowers
www.alisonwhiteweddingflowers.co.uk
Natural beauty
Q. We're having a very relaxed wedding. How can I reflect a natural feel in our florals?
A. Charmaine Taylor says: Flowers are a brilliant way to evoke the feel you want for your big day. In a naturally styled wedding, seasonal flowers will help you achieve that just-picked look, and keeping your bouquets and arrangements loose will add to the chilled-out vibe.
I'd recommend lots of foliage, and there are so many gorgeous types to choose from. Dried materials such as pampas grass are hugely popular for this look too; it will create a statement in your display while tying in with your theme. Talk to your florist and get their expertise for the best flowers to use to create your floral vision.
Charmaine Taylor,C Taylor’s Floristry
www.ctaylorsfloristry.co.uk
Boho-chic
Q. What flowers and styles work best for a bohemian wedding theme?
A. Victoria Makepeace says: For this, I envisage big blousy blooms in beautiful colours, designed with natural free-falling foliage. I'd create a bouquet on a light, oval-shaped grid on to which I'd add individual stems and greenery to add different textures and dimensions.
This relaxed vibe looks wonderful all year round just by adjusting the tones and flowers to fit the season. A spring wedding lends itself to tulips, hyacinths, freesias, peonies, irises and anemones for a splash of colour and heavenly scent. In summer, imagine a bouquet bursting with roses, hydrangeas, dahlias, and asters in gentle pastels or vibrant pink, purple and red.
Don't even get me started on autumn and winter weddings! I love a look that's full of ranunculi, proteas, thistles, berries, roses and trailing amaranthus in deep red, pink and burgundy with a hint of orange for the brave.
A flower crown is the icing on the cake for this theme and is a great alternative to the traditional veil. I hope this free-spirited theme will last as the possibilities are endless and I can let my imagination run wild.
Victoria Makepeace
www.simplystunningflowers.co.uk