PICK OF THE BUNCH

Tips for fi nding the perfect fl owers A BUDDINGromance FLOWERS

Since the pandemic started, we’ve seen a change in styles, trends and colour schemes. To help get an idea of what future weddings may look like, we asked some of the best Surrey-based suppliers for their advice.

BOUQUETS AND BUTTONHOLES

“There is a defi nite trend towards fl owers that mean something to the couple personally. Many are also more aware of the environmental impact and are moving towards locally sourced options and an abundance of greenery. Brides are keen on a natural style for their bouquet, with some opting for smaller arrangements and a natural bohemian look with a combination of dried and fresh fl owers.” – Lottie Hawkins from Ruffels Flowers.

“I’ve had very few weddings in the last 12 months since most brides have postponed to 2022 and even 2023! The ones I have done required the bare minimum of a bridal bouquet and a few buttonholes. As far as colour trends go, they were all white/blush with one stand our exception of sunfl owers for a woodland reception. I have found that my brides rarely follow trends and often have their own strong sense of style.” – Paula Reeks from Floral Alchemy.

www.ruffelsfl owers.co.uk

“We’re so excited to be helping our clients plan their big days again. We’re found that little has changed in their tastes, there’s no individual theme trending, but we have noticed our brides and grooms seem all the more determined to make everything romantic. After such a year, perhaps it’s the vibe that matters more than the visuals.” – Elise Ciampaglia from Florescence.

www.fl oralalchemy.co.uk and www.queenbeaphotography.co.uk “I’m predicting that the pocket square boutonnière is going to be the next big trend, and it’s something I absolutely love.” – Paula from Floral Alchemy.

“We’re defi nitely seeing smaller but more intimate weddings at the moment. We’ve seen a lot of very whimsical, fl owing and natural blooms with an earthy and calming colour scheme.” – Sharon Monk from Longacres Garden Centre.

www.longacres.co.uk and www.gmgcreative.co.uk www.thecoventgardenfl owershop.co.uk “When restrictions were in place, brides were asking for small bouquets, but now things are getting back to normal we’re seeing more voluptuous versions. The trending style is still a more natural look using seasonal fl owers. I like to include larger blousy blooms such as peonies, roses, dahlias or hydrangeas along with smaller delicate versions, often with a lovely scent like lisianthus, freesias, astilbes and gypsophila. I usually add pale green eucalyptus instead of strong green leaves as it gives a softer look.” – Annabel Grange from Butterfl ies and Bows.

“Micro weddings are becoming more popular due to COVID-19, but I’m fi nding that my couples are doing the total opposite and are going for extravagant big, bold fl owers in classic pinks and whites.” – Maxine Cole from Chair Cover Dreams.

“The moongate archway has defi nitely taken over from the fl ower wall but in a more intimate way with lots of foliage.” – Sharon from Longacres Garden Centre.

“I think that couples are moving away from the statement fl ower walls and are looking for more natural garlands and arches. Living trees of branches interwoven with blooms and lights make a beautiful organic statement.” – Lottie from Ruffels Flowers. “Backdrops are defi nitely a big yes at the moment. Couples are looking at fl ower arches and walls with soft, fl owy drapes.” – Maxine from Chair Cover Dreams.

www.ruffelsfl owers.co.uk www.longacres.co.uk and www.gmgcreative.co.uk

“Drapes and fairylight backdrops are still very popular, especially for autumn and winter weddings. They’re also really useful in village halls to hide equipment and notice boards or in properties without a focal point.” – Annabel from Butterfl ies and Bows.

“I’m seeing a move towards free-standing arches. These can be used for a civil ceremony then behind moved behind the top table for photographs. They’re generally easy to move to different locations, which can make your pictures far more interesting. We decorate them with silk and/or fresh fl owers and greenery, but we also do sculpted balloon arches which can have fl owers added.” – Annabel from Butterfl ies and Bows.

“As a result of COVID-19, we’re doing more outside weddings, so we’ve seen lots of lanterns, moss and tea lights used to create a very romantic setting.” – Sharon from Longacres Garden Centre.

“Our clients continue to ask for a variety of styles. Some want bright, bold statement fl owers, including brazen oranges and striking deep purples, while others are opting for more soft, pale and almost watery tones. A mixture of textures seem to matter to everyone, and many clients are asking for dried or preserved elements to help reduce their environmental impact.” – Elise from Florescence.

A boutique florist offering a bespoke, supportive and friendly service that goes the extra mile to help you create your dream flowers

Barnfield, Kingsley Green, Haslemere, West Sussex, GU27 3LH T: 07947 610 592 E: ruffelsflowers@gmail.com ruffels_flowers ruffel_flowers

“Hanging installations have a huge wow factor and create a stunning focal point. There are so many looks that can be created using dried fl owers and grasses, trailing ivy or blooms hanging from the ceiling.” – Lottie from Ruffels Flowers.

www.ruffelsfl owers.co.uk

www.thecoventgardenfl owershop.co.uk “Bold stands where fl owers can create a luxurious feel and bring opulence into the room is a great idea. Think about hanging fl owers from the ceilings or beams.” – Maxine from Chair Cover Dreams.

“Sustainability and personalisation of the wedding fl owers is another area that’s becoming popular. Placing potted plants on tables that both the couples and friends and family can take home with them is a great way of making your wedding day live on.” – Lottie from Ruffels Flowers.

www.butterfl iesandbows.co.uk www.longacres.co.uk and

“We have seen lots of pastels coming through with pinks, whites, peaches and pale blues. Brides are going for a large variety of fl owers rather than sticking to just a couple of choices.” – Sharon from Longacres Garden Centre.

“Older venues or barns have pillars, post railings and alcoves which can be decorated. Opt for fl owers and greenery, these will look gorgeous, especially when you add LED lights to them. Trees and bushes also look pretty at night and can be decorated with lights or uplighters.” – Annabel from Butterfl ies and Bows.

www.fl orescence.org

“Whatever our clients choose, we just love how everyone likes such varying things. You never know what your next couple will like, and it’s truly wonderful to help them create their special days.” – Elise from Florescence. “Modern venues and marquees will have less natural features, so to create a strong impression use large centrepieces. Often less is more, and just using a voluminous centrepiece with a large top table fl ower display and pedestal fl owers on each side will create a real showstopper. Where there are fi xture points available, consider a large horizontal fl ower hoop as a focal point.” – Annabel from Butterfl ies and Bows.

CONTACT THE EXPERTS

The Covent Garden Flower Shop, www.thecoventgardenfl owershop.co.uk Ruffels Flowers, www.ruffelsfl owers.co.uk Longacres Garden Centre, www.longacres.co.uk Floral Alchemy, www.fl oralalchemy.co.uk Chair Cover Dreams, www.chaircoverdreams.co.uk Butterfl ies and Bows, www.butterfl iesandbows.co.uk Florescence, www.fl orescence.org