Question 1

How have couples changed their approach to wedding planning for 2022 and beyond?

Accepted Answer

Naturally, we are working with a lot of brides that have had wedding dates changed or delayed over the last couple of years. For many brides, this has made them more relaxed; rather than worrying about every single detail, brides are just so delighted to finally be getting married. It has also allowed some couples to save up a bit more ahead of their big day and so they are investing in bigger floral installations and statement pieces that really provide the wow factor. Ceiling fixtures with flowing foliage have grown in popularity, particularly for wedding breakfasts in big barns or grand function suites. More and more, weddings are focused on the celebration of getting together as friends and family in a way that reflects the personalities of the happy couple, so parties with a casual, festival vibe continue to be really popular. Couples are changing up the flowers they feature in their displays now too. There is an emphasis on choosing seasonal bouquets that are native to the UK, which I think is a combination of people thinking about the environmental impact of the choices they make and also fears over supply chains from overseas. Roses, sweet peas, dahlias and tulips regularly appear in bouquets as people find inspiration from things they have seen in their own garden, in the countryside around them or what they see on their social media.

Question 2

We're having a colourful summer wedding. What florals do you recommend for this?

Accepted Answer

Summer is the best time to embrace bright and beautiful flowers. You could consider a tropical design filled with anthurium, ginger flowers, orchids and protea all finished with palm leaves and monstera. This would create a vibrant palette of hot pink, coral, peach and white. For the more rustic couples, it has to be sunflowers – the bigger, the brighter, the better! A cluster of these yellow giants softened with gypsophila and gorgeous grey-silver eucalyptus is all you need. For late-summer weddings, it has to be the quirky dahlia. With so many colours and styles, they give the ultimate wow factor all by themselves. The colour trend for 2022 is orange and peach, and I can't wait to get stuck in. So summer couples, be brave, be daring and add a splash of colour to your day!

Question 3

We're having a quintessentially English spring wedding. How do we make the most of the season with our flowers?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

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?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

How do we get wow-factor flowers that will leave an impression on our guests?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

We're having a very relaxed wedding. How can I reflect a natural feel in our florals?

Accepted Answer

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.

FAQs and expert advice about flowers & bouquets