FLOWERS

How long have you been a wedding florist, when did your passion begin?

I’ve worked as a wedding florist for the past five years, but prior to that, I was employed with a fresh cut flower buyer. My typical day would begin early in the morning, where I would unload trolleys of flowers straight from Holland and fulfil customer orders. It was during this time that my love for flowers grew and my passion began. I was captivated by the variety of blooms and marvelled at how the skilled florists would turn them into beautiful wedding arrangements. This inspired me to learn floral design and pursue a career in this field.

What’s your favourite floral element of the wedding day to create?

I love creating larger installations such as floral walls, staircase arrangements, archways, and suspended arrangements. These pieces usually serve as the focal point of the wedding ceremony or reception, the mechanics behind it and the process of crafting them with a variety of flowers and foliage is a fulfilling challenge.

How can couples ensure their choices are sustainable during a time when everyone is conscious of their green credentials: Couples can choose to use compostable or reusable floral arrangements instead of using floral foam, which is not biodegradable and can harm marine life. There are many different alternatives to floral foam such as chicken wire, moss and reusable floral netting.

It’s hard to choose, but do you have a favourite flower? My favourite flower is a hydrangea, but sweet peas are a close second!

Longacres Garden Centre, Bagshot, Surrey 01276 486 428 | www.longacres.co.uk

POPPY EMUSS, OWNER POPPY WILD FLORAL

How long have you been a wedding florist, when did your passion begin?

I enjoyed playing with flowers from a young age, my parents had a beautiful garden providing me lots of material to practice with. I officially began training in 2018 while living in Australia.

I started with basic evening classes followed by a wedding flowers course which I completed alongside learning ‘on the job’ at a large retail and event florist. On my return to the UK in 2019 I attended Tallulah Rose Flower School in Bath, before setting up my business Poppy Wild. My business has always been mainly focussed on wedding and event flowers.

What’s your favourite floral element of the wedding day to create? I love making large-scale doorway installations as I’m able to get really creative with them, each piece of work is completely unique, the seasons change as do the doorways at different venues. I also love creating large freestanding arrangements such as urns and floor meadows.

How can couples ensure their choices are sustainable during a time when everyone is conscious of their green credentials: Arrangements that sit directly in water mostly eliminate the need for floral foam, I’m able to use chicken wire to anchor stems in vases and large urns and I aim to replace floral foam with moss which retains moisture in a similar way and can be reused multiple times. I can also help my couples choose elements that can be relocated throughout the day which also saves financially!

I know it’s hard to choose, but do you have a favourite flower? It’s impossible to choose, but I will always love Chocolate Cosmos, the bounciest, dark red flower which actually does smell of chocolate.

www.poppywildfloral.com

Sunday 29 th October 2023 11am to 3.30pm

One of the largest wedding shows to be held in the South of England. A huge number of wedding specialists on hand to inspire and advise on how to bring your wedding dreams to life.

PLUS! Special offers on the day • The chance to win a luxury honeymoon

• Entertainment • Refreshments • and more...

For your FREE tickets and the chance to win a £250 voucher courtesy of SpaBreaks.com pre-register at: www.countyweddingevents.com/registration

by Karen

Sunday 1 st October 2023 11am to 3:30pm

One of the largest wedding shows to be held in the South of England. A huge number of wedding specialists on hand to inspire and advise on how to bring your wedding dreams to life.

PLUS! Special offers on the day • The chance to win a luxury honeymoon

• Bridal fashion shows

• Entertainment • Refreshments • and more...

For your FREE tickets and the chance to win a £250 voucher courtesy of SpaBreaks.com pre-register at: www.countyweddingevents.com/registration

Something New

The Bobby Pin has launched its 2023 collection of fashionable wedding accessories influenced by some of the year’s hottest trends. These dreamy finishing touches include intricately detailed hair vines, pins and combs in silver or gold metal finishes, plus a range of beautiful bridal earrings. Many designs are adorned with contemporary white clay and pretty porcelain blooms alongside delicate leaf and botanical motifs, while others feature luxurious pearl sprays or glistening crystal stones. To shop, visit https://thebobbypin.co.uk

EDITOR’S FAVOURITE

This special occasion smock is from the new collection by Smock London. The dresses, which are perfect for flowergirls, are made from the finest fabrics. Hidden within the exquisite designs are secret messages and symbols including a row of hearts, a different flower in each dress plus two eternity symbol motifs symbolizing longevity and good luck. To shop, visit www.smocklondon.com

River Island’s first wedding occasion collection has launched offering a selection of mix-and-match bridesmaid dresses and flowergirl styles. There’s a range of silhouettes in a dreamy colour palette and fashionable fabrics include soft satin and tulle. There’s also stylish suiting for men and boys. To shop, visit www.riverisland.com