Tips on Wedding Flowers over the Festive Season

Thinking of Getting married over the Festive Season

It is so lovely to be getting married this time of year bringing all the family together choosing a lovely cosy venue etc.

But when choosing your wedding flowers there is certain factors to consider: Is the florist available on your chosen day? Can the florist get the flowers from their supplier? Are there certain varieties of flowers available etc... will they be expensive?

First if all check with your florist if they are available on your chosen date some florists can be closed during the week after Christmas to New year as Flowers are not available from the markets etc.

Then you need to check if they are able to get the flowers on time for your wedding from their supplier. Some markets will only have chosen dates of delivery etc, you need to make sure that your flowers will be fresh for your wedding. 

There is many varieties of flowers available Orchids, Roses, Lizyanthus, Gerbera's Callas, Spring flowers such as Tulips and anemones are also available. Just remember Red flowers such as Roses can be a bit more expensive purely down to demand and that is for any flower that is Red. 

Unfortunately yes the flowers will be a bit more than average especially anything that is RED. But there is other colours and varieties of flowers that will give as much impact that may be slightly cheaper. Like whites roses and green foliages, gypsophila filled jam jars etc. The key is to be simple and effective with your displays.

Also my final bit of advice is to make sure you have a good relationship with your florist. It's a very stressful time of year especially with the weather against you. Just ringing and checking things are ok just to keep your mind at rest and if there is any change of plans for delivery etc please let your florist know.

I hope you found this helpful? 

You can always contact myself with any enquiries about your wedding on my website www.boutiquepaeony.co.uk I offer free quotations and advice.

Also watch this space next year I will be holding a very special competition to Win your wedding flowers….

Look forward to hear from you

Lauretta Paeony Floral Design

Classic to Rockabilly at Cusworth Hall

I was absolutely thrilled to be asked to be apart of this amazing shoot organised by Elite Bridal in Doncaster for her "All things Bride and Beautiful" shoot.

Along with some other fabulous local suppliers we took over Cusworth Hall in Doncaster and came up with 4 different themes, Royal, Classic, Rockabilly and Quirky.

I'm going to talk about how I came up with the style for the flowers and details of the dresses used.

Royal Theme

When I was given the details of the dress used for this theme I instantly thought of making an Overarm Bouquet. 

The dress Pauline by Elite Bridal Wear 

As you can see this style suited this dress and theme I didn't want the flowers to completely take over but to be elegant with twist.

Flowers Used

Crystal Blush Calla lilies  White dendrobium orchids, Grasses, rolled leaves and bear grass finished with diamonds and lace ribbon.

 Classic

For this classic look all I could think of was Hydrangeas and roses especially to go with this style of dress by Elite Bridal Wear

Flowers used

Green Hydrangeas, White Roses finished with a black satin ribbon

 Rockabilly

This was such a fun style to make my favourite style. So we went Pink to go with the sash on the brides dress. 

Flowers Used

Pink Avalanche Roses, Dille, Green Hydrangea, white Roses and rolled leaves finished with Pearls and white satin ribbon

Quirky

Now for this Quirky style the dress was the main feature, we decided to go with Purple theme especially for the room settings.

The dress is very different showing your legs with a long trail on the back.

The dress Angnes from Elite Bridal Wear.

Flowers Used

Purple Calla Lilies, Lilac Roses and purple Lizyanthus rolled leaves and looped grass.

It was great working with

Photographer Andy Bradley, 

Elite Bridal Wear, 

Paeony Floral Design, 

Silver Star Wedding Cars,

 Hair & Make-up Aimee Le Masurier, 

Kelly Barnes and Viva La Vintage, 

Cake by Cupcakes 2 Love Ltd, 

Table Dressing Glamour Puss Weddings

Models Aimee Le Masurier (Bride), 

Charlotte Lister (Bridesmaid in Yellow Dress), 

Kat Whitwell (Bridesmaid in Red Dress), 

Bernard Laurette (Groom)

 Oliwia Fabiszeske (Bridesmaid in Blue Dress),

 Venue Cusworth Hall 

What Flower Style are you?

The Classic

There are large and more intricate variations of this classic style including posies made of one flower type such as roses or peonies and posies with a variety of different blooms. They tend not to have much foliage and instead feature long cut stems tied, most usually, with ribbon. Stems can be hidden completely by ribbons or left natural with just a ribbon tied around the top into a bow.

Oversized ribbons are the latest trend with different colours of silky ribbons tied into a large, eye-catching bow, trailing down from the tied flower stems.

The flowers and colours you choose for your bouquet will depend on your wedding colour scheme and overall theme. You could have one colour for a simply classic look or a mix of contrasting or complementary colours.

To add interest to a posy bouquet a florist can position leaves at regular intervals to each flower to create a pattern. Twigs and grasses can also be used to great effect to create shape across the round posy just as ribbons, pearls, crystals and gems will add sparkle.

The Quirky

Unique Wedding flowers aren’t for everyone, but mixed with some familiar floral suspects like roses and peonies, offbeat blossoms can be a great way to create a one of a kind look for your bouquet. 

The Natural Overarm Bouquet

The Overarm bouquet first became popular in the early 1900’s under the name of Bernhardt bouquets, inspired by the presentation bouquets given to the actress of the day Sarah Bernhardt. They are long stemmed flowers and foliages that the bride carries cradles in her arm, also known as a presentation Bouquet

It is a stunning alternative to more traditional styles of bouquets, it is very chic, and best suited to modern style weddings. Tastefully designed to be cradled in the brides arm and can be as simple or as elaborate as she likes.

They can be single-ended, with stems showing at one end, or double-ended with no stems showing. A gorgeous ribbon provides the finishing touch. Popular flower choices for arm bouquets are callas lilies, gladiolus, orchids, long stemmed roses, delphiniums, and larkspur.

The Romantic

When roses are grouped together in many different shades of one colour, you get gorgeous dimension. Romance is in the air with the clutch bouquet of Avalanche Sorbet roses, green hydrangea in blush tones. Accents of rolled leaves to give it a modern spin.

Keely and Mark

I've been so looking forward to designing these flowers for Keely. 

Keely knew exactly what she wanted which was Dark Red Roses and Burngurdy callas.

The dress was unusual in Pewter so I finished the bouquet in this fantastic ribbon with pewter pins. 

Flowers used was Black Baccara Roses, Hot Chocolate Callas touched with some red/pink cymbidium Orchids and Hypericum Berries.

Stunning simple vase displays of Roses, Hydrangeas and Amaranthus standing on mirrored plates and tiny vases of roses.

Working with fabulous suppliers

Toast Venue Stylist

The English Rose Cake Company

Butterworth Photography

Megan and Andy

Megan and Andy's April wedding at Dronfield Church followed by the reception at LooseHill House Hotel in Hope Valley.

Megan's Flowers

Megan new exactly what she wanted which was Spring, Vintage style.

So I included Ranunculus, Tete Tete's, Yellow Freesia, White Veronica, a couple of yellow roses, touched with Viburum Snow Ball and foraged blossoms.

You can see how I got all these ideas together from Megan's Pinterest http://pinterest.com/boutiquepaeony/megan-and-andy-s-spring-wedding/

The Bridesmaids

All 5 of them to be smaller versions to the brides.

Ranunculus, Tete Tete's, Yellow Freesia, White Veronica, a couple of yellow roses, touched with Viburum Snow Ball and foraged blossoms.

The Buttonholes

Simple Tete Tete's with Ivy

The Church

Gorgeous Pedestal Arrangement of Lilys, Ranunculus, Tete Tete's, Yellow Freesia, White Veronica, a couple of yellow roses, touched with Viburum Snow Ball and foraged blossoms.

The Photography

All these gorgeous images were kindly given to me by Sarah from 

Key Reflections

A lovely photographer from Sheffield who prides herself with the ability to capture your day as it unfolds in an unobtrusive way.

Thank you to Megan and Andy on choosing me to be part of her special day.

If you like my style and would like to book for a Consultation then please contact me via my website Paeony Floral Design

Sharron and Adam

Well what can I say.... so loved this Wedding and Sharron and Adam was such a lovely couple to work with.

After meeting me at Cusworth Halls Wedding Fayre back in 2012 Sharron saw the very Bouquet she wanted which was made on the stand. She adored the Yellow Tulips and wanted a vintage theme.

When I came to deliver the flowers at her parents house I had a reaction I will never forget. All the girls were screaming with excitement and Sharron gave me such a big hug. 

This kind of reaction is just every Florist's dream and this is exactly why I love my job.

The Flowers

Sharrons Spring Wedding Bouquet of Yellow Roses, Tete's, Yellow Freesia, White Lilac, white Veronica  Yellow Ranculus, Viburnum Snow Ball and forged foliage of blossoms.

The Bridesmaids

Mainly Creams Roses with a touch of Yellow Freesia, White Lilac, white Veronica  Yellow Ranculus, Viburnum Snow Ball and forged foliage of blossoms.

All the beautiful photography was by Victoria Parson at http://www.photospherephotography.co.uk

who has kindly given me these images Thank you x

You can view how I came up with the flower design her on Sharrons pinterest board here http://pinterest.com/boutiquepaeony/sharon-s-april-wedding-2013/

A huge Thank you to Sharron for choosing me to be part of their day I fully enjoyed making every bit of these flowers. What a JOY :) Lauretta x

Paeony Floral Design

Questions to ask your Florist

Top 10: questions to ask your florist

The key questions to ask before ordering your bouquet!

Do you dither when choosing a bunch of flowers, let alone ordering your wedding bouquet? Just make sure you ask these key questions...

1. Which flower will suit the style of my day?

Whether you're going for a modern or a traditional look, your choice of flowers should suit the style of your wedding. The expertise of your florist is vital here. Make sure he or she understands the atmosphere you want to create, so they can suggest flowers to match. At your first consultation with your florist, take along any ideas you have and pictures of your dress and the bridesmaid dresses, to help them build up a detailed picture of your day.

2. Can I see examples of your work?

Looking through a florist's portfolio is a good way to get an idea of their style. However, it's even better to see real samples of their work. Watch out for attention to detail - are the flowers fresh and is the ribbon binding the bouquet stems tight? This level of care is vital and will make all the difference to your wedding flowers.

3. Can you advise me about which colour scheme to choose?

This largely comes down to personal preference, but your flowers should also co-ordinate with your venue. For example, if your venue has a distinctive red carpet you'll probably want to avoid bright pink flowers. If you're undecided, white is a safe bet as you'll have a huge range of flowers to choose from, and it's a classic choice.

4. Which flowers will be in season on my wedding date?

Locally grown, seasonal flowers are better value and quality than those flown in from abroad. So, the time of year you're getting married will determine the flowers that will be available. If the blooms you want aren't in season, your florist should suggest alternatives.

5. What bouquet shape will suit my dress?

The style you choose should complement your figure and the shape of your dress. A good florist will have images of the most popular bouquets, from trailing shapes to neat hand-tied posies. If you're unsure of the best shape for you, ask your florist's advice and try holding a few samples to see which feels the most comfortable.

6. How can I stick to my budget?

A good florist will know how to produce designs you can afford, rather than insisting you spend more. Ask them to give you a detailed quote at an early stage so you can negotiate if necessary.

7. How much time do you need to decorate the wedding venue?

Your florist may need access to the your ceremony and reception venues much earlier than anyone else. If they plan to assemble large arrangements at the venue, it's also a good idea to ask if they'd like a room or space of their own, well away from where your other suppliers might be setting up.

8. Can you transport my ceremony flowers to the reception?

Altar displays, pew-ends and other ceremony displays can often be re-used very effectively at the reception, and doubling up like this is a great way to save money. Ask if this will work with your wedding flowers and, if so, make sure there's a firm plan in place for transporting them.

9. When will the flowers be delivered?

It's important to talk about timings and addresses of where you want your flowers delivered. Is there a maximum distance they will travel? If you want your bouquet and buttonholes delivered to different locations, make it clear.

10. When and how do I pay?

Payment methods vary, so it is best to discuss the details with your florist. Most companies require you to leave a deposit, with the remainder of the payment due about a week before the big day.