PICK OF THE BUNCH

Pick of the bunch Local florists share their seasonal favourites

ELOISE MCKINNA, GARAGE FLORALS

“Using branches and twigs really adds to the wintry feel, especially the ones covered in lichen with tiny cones. Gorgeous birch branches manipulated into shapes, rosehips, gnarly willow, burnt ferns, berried and trailing ivy and waxy greens amongst light and deep browns really brings the vibe of forest walks and winter scenes. At this time of year we get some hardier but stunning blooms that really can push through the cracks. Hellebores, scented narcissi and incredible anemones to name a few. The blend of these incredible woodland flowers and foliages, gives a stunning natural feel without your bouquet being too typical or ‘Christmassy’.

Pine is a go-to for a seasonal feel, mixed with ivy, variegated holly, hardy eucalyptus and copper beech. We’re so lucky to have these incredible, wintry florals on our doorstep. Drying out grasses and ferns from the autumn will add to that seasonal, organic vibe and give your flowers a real woodland feel.” www.garageflorals.com

SAYEH RAFIEI, SAYEH & GALTON FLOWERS

“For me there are two looks for winter weddings – cool and contemporary or rich and traditional. I love an all silver or antique gold colour with white flowers like amaryllis, dahlia and phal orchid or copper and gold together with deep red amaryllis and rich dahlia. Another favourite of mine is a dark pink phal orchid with red baccarà roses. Add in asparagus in silver, gold and copper for the finishing touch and if you’re wanting a real Christmas look, why not add in some baubles to your tablescape to complement your florals!” www.sayehgaltonflowers.com

LAURA GRAY, GRAY & GREENERY FLORAL DESIGN

“I love to use deep, moody shades as we move from autumn into winter. Dark reds and pinks take on a velvety texture which just looks so gorgeous and luxurious - especially once you add candlelight into the mix! I add dried elements along with grasses and berries to fresh flowers and foliage, for movement and lightness and to offset the deep shades.” https://grayandgreenery.com

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RUTH DONOGHUE, MIMI FLEUR

“I love creating an imaginative winter wonderland centrepiece for the most impressive tablescape. To create drama, combine elevated candles with seasonal flowers and foliage. Use accents of silver foliage with flowers, such as scented winter stock, snowy white amaryllis and fragrant narcissism and place all them in multiple bud vases to showcase their delicate qualities.

For a more traditional festive extravaganza, use lashings of evergreen winter foliage to decorate the rooms or spaces in your venue where your guests are most likely to be and add some traditional festive decor in your getting-ready room for those all-important bridal prep photos. Green festive garlands with deep red roses can be placed on surfaces, such as fireplaces, wrapped around pillars and bannisters, draped around mirrors, and hung above tapestries and paintings. Then for a luxurious feel, hang a statement wreath on your venue’s front door that makes a welcoming first impression for your seasonal celebrations.” http://mimifleur.co.uk

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CATHERINE FOXELL, FLORAL EVOLUTION

“My favourite winter flowers are anemones, ranunculus and paperwhites. I love these blooms as they’re delicate, ethereal and stunning. The ranunculus gets better with age and the masses of ruffled petals is unlike any other.

To finish the look I’d use eucalyptus. Its blue-green colour and wonderful smell makes this a versatile popular foliage for winter weddings. There are many varieties and one of my favourites is eucalyptus parvifolia, which is a bit greener in appearance and has smaller leaves.” www.floralevolutionflowers.com

MICHELLE BROOM, OCCASIONS AND CELEBRATIONS

“As a florist in the winter months I love using rich mulberry tones with dusty pink to add a softer touch. Teaming the flowers with scented foliage such as eucalyptus and pine cones creates a timeless yet modern look.” www.occasionsweddingflowers.co.uk

AMANDA AUSTIN, AMANDA AUSTIN FLOWERS

“Seasonal foliage is huge! Imported varieties are very expensive, so my advice is to mix lots of English foliage to create the look you want. I love a pale grey theme in winter, as it gives you the feeling of snow and cold – my favourite is secnnecio. If we’re doing something a little more classic I add skimmia, the lovely red berries, to give a feeling of richness and Christmas without too many cones. I also love colour at this time of the year and using viburnum guelder shouts party to everyone.

My favourite seasonal flowers are lilac, anemones, ranunculus and tulips. These are all classics that are full of life and hope.” https://amandaaustinflowers.co.uk

ELAINE GRAHAM, PESH FLOWERS

“White and lush dark greens are fabulous for winter weddings. Add in some texture with berries and silvery grey foliage for the perfect mix. If you want to warm it up a little add in a touch of blush nude using roses like quicksand. My favourite winter foliage is berried ivy for its shiny dark green leaves and rich green and black berries and eucalyptus for its silvery matt leaves.

If you want to make it feel more festive you can add in some pine or conifer. These will also give you a wonderful scent.

Some early spring flowers start to become available in December so we often add these as a nod to the coming season - amemone with their dramatic black centres are perfect alongside delicate bell shaped flowers of helebores.” https://peshflowers.co.uk

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HELEN ELLIS, SHIDA PRESERVED FLOWERS

“When we think about winter and Christmas weddings, we turn traditional upside down and add a modern twist for beautiful florals that’ll last long past your special day. We like to focus on colours and texture and in the preserved world, all manner of flowers are available all-year-round. We love our white wedding range, which encapsulates the essence of glamour in an understated feel. Beautiful, preserved roses, textured cotton and tactile white foliage make this bouquet truly stunning. We’ve also recently designed a seasonal wedding bouquet with traditional reds and greens but adding peaches and black for a modern look.

Preserved ivy with berries is a great option in table posies for winter with deep greens that you could add any coloured element to. We love using preserved and dried flowers as table settings as well as focal points in your venue. Styled stems can be so versatile – why not use your bridesmaid bouquets as centrepieces for example.” www.shida.florist