It’s likely that you’ll purchase more flowers for your wedding than any other occasion in your life, so if you’ve started the planning and prep for your big day, it makes sense to enlist the help of a knowledgeable florist.
Whether you’re a horticultural enthusiast or not, the role of the florist should never be overlooked and getting a good understanding of the services and advice they can provide is important.
We caught up with two award-winning UK florists to find out more about their day-to-day responsibilities, what inspires them and the advice they’d give to anyone considering their wedding floral arrangements.
Meet the experts
Kerry, Tineke Floral Designs
Having been involved in the industry for over 20 years, Kerry has become a leading figure in floristry, so much so that she won the title of ‘UK’s best wedding florist’ in 2013. Her company, Tineke Floral Designs, specialises in creating luxury wedding flowers and attracts a variety of customers from across the UK.
‘I have been avidly interested in flowers since the age of 11 and simply adore flowers. The business organically grew with weddings and now they are our speciality.’
Paula, Paula Rooney Weddings & Events
Paula has over 20 years’ experience as a florist and is renowned for her distinctive designs and acute attention to detail. Although Paula has worked in all areas of floristry, weddings have gradually become her passion and her business has a reputation for excellence within the bridal and event industry.
‘I trained at 18 and just fell in love with flowers and their beauty. The business came about because I wanted to be able to give brides 100% of my time and commitment on their event and create something stunning and bespoke for them.’
Where do you go for inspiration for new designs for weddings? Who or what is inspiring you at the moment?
Kerry: Brides and grooms inspire me greatly. I like to evolve their ideas together to create their dream wedding flowers. The workspace where we create the flowers is also very inspiring – we’re surrounded by the Derbyshire countryside. The metallic trend is included in some of our weddings for 2016.
Paula: I like to look at catwalks and the fashions for each season, along with the colour trends for the upcoming year. We are lucky as our Flower Barn is tucked away in the middle of the Hampshire countryside, so we are often inspired by the natural surroundings every day. At the moment we are really using spring as our muse because it is the start of wedding season, new beginnings, new life, some sunshine, gorgeous spring flowers. It’s a really fresh season and with it come fresh ideas.
What is trending right now in wedding floral design? What flower types would you recommend for a bride’s bouquet this year?
Kerry: We are seeing copper and metallic tones featuring in floral design by the use of containers and foliage; blousy blooms such as hydrangeas, peonies and roses will always be a recommendation for a bridal bouquet if the season allows.
Paula: The 2016 colour trend is rose quartz and serenity, which are a gorgeous blush pink and a pale blue with a hint of lavender. For a bridal bouquet this year we would usually use roses, but it often depends on the season. There are different shades of roses appearing every few months and at the moment the grey shade is a big colour. There is an Earl Grey rose which is really different and beautiful. For a spring bouquet we would use ranunculus, muscari, roses and different types of tulips.
Are you looking for more inspiration for your wedding? Check out the latest issue of Squaremeal Weddings here.
What has been your biggest challenge as a floral designer?
Kerry: I would say a recent wedding in Tuscany: it was all set for an outdoor ceremony, and then at the last minute the heavens opened. Absolutely everything had to be moved and re-set with no time to spare!
Paula: Each wedding is a challenge nowadays because everyone wants something bigger, better and arrangements no one has seen before (that one statement piece which will add the wow factor to their wedding). However, we relish the challenge that each wedding brings and we’re constantly keeping our ideas fresh and innovative.
What advice can you give to brides-to-be who are currently considering their flower choices for the big day?
Kerry: Always look at the flowers in season as these will be the best quality and price. Remember to book your favourite florist as soon as possible. Final details can be tweaked closer to the time but you don't want to lose your date.
Paula: Stick to what they want and their vision, not what mum or other relatives want! Try not to have too many little things, but style your wedding to your tastes and personality. Having that one statement piece that makes your wedding unique is also something that will live long in the memory.
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