DARLING BUDS of May

We reveal the budding flora and fauna varieties and ideas for spring weddings

What’s new?

Why not commission Caroline Evans from Gloucestershire-based Forever Bouquet Fine Art to create an oil painting of your big-day bouquet? Caroline tells us, “You’ve spent months researching in wedding magazines and on Instagram and Pinterest for wedding flower inspiration, considering colours and symbolisms, collating images on a moodboard and having endless exchanges with your florist in a bid to bring your floral vision to life. Finally, it’s your wedding day and your stunning bouquet is in your hands and it’s love at first sight – your flowers are everything you’ve dreamt of and more. Then the inevitable happens - the very next day, the blooms are already past their best and you know that it’s only a matter of time before they’re gone. Thankfully, however, these days there are lots of fabulous ways to preserve the beauty of your wedding bouquet, from popular resin castings to capturing it in a painting.

An oil painting is not just a keepsake, it’s a heirloom which you will enjoy for a lifetime. Having a painting created just for you is exciting! It will enhance your home without cluttering surfaces. Commissioning a painting is straightforward and non-time-sensitive. It does not require you to send your bouquet off anywhere because a good photograph will do the job and if you’d rather wait for your first anniversary, that’s fine too!

Your flowers will look exactly like they did on your wedding dayperfect and in context. It makes the perfect wedding gift and an ideal gift list item. Why not ask your family and friends for an FBFA gift card or to contribute to an online GiftFund?

At Forever Bouquet Fine Art you can commission your bespoke artwork with confidence knowing that you will receive excellent personal service and commitment from an experienced artist who appreciates and values your custom. You will be consulted on composition and kept informed throughout the making process.

For further information, to book, or request a gift card please visit www.foreverbouquet.co.uk or email Caroline at hello@foreverbouquet.co.uk www.facebook.com/foreverbouquetfineart; www.instagram.com/foreverbouquet_art

Variety is the spice of life

Talented florist Susanne Kennedy is the talent behind Milston Flower Barn based in Salisbury, Wiltshire. Here, she reveals what colours and varieties are set to be the most popular now that wedding season is almost upon us. She tells us, “Ivory, beige, yellow, caramel and toffee tones remain extremely favourable as flower shades with our 2023 brides looking to create a contemporary, yet romantic look by mixing rich colours, patterns and textures.” She adds, “Statement arrangements feature different types of dahlias, lisianthus, roses, grasses and bunny tales.”

07881 930 677, www.milstonflowerbarn.co.uk; www.facebook.com/milstonflowerbarn; www.instagram.com/milstonflowerbarn

Hugo is a gorgeous vintage HY van. We cook sweet and savoury crêpes, suiting all dietary/age requirements, and supply everything for your guests. All you need to do is choose the menu. As a premier food outlet, all our utensils

Something green

The talented Lesley Cooke from Occasions Freelance Florists & Venue Stylists based in Upavon in Wiltshire reveals her flower trends for weddings for the year ahead. These include plenty of lush greenery filling wedding arrangements, from eucalyptus to herbs. She tells us, “Pittosporum with hints of flowers look natural and work well when mixed with cool, contemporary tones of white and ivory.” 07876 740 676, www.flowersbyoccasions.co.uk