FLORAL PARADISE

A FLORAL 15 ways to feature flowers in your wedding paradise

1BOUQUETS Petra Beaton at Sussex Florals (www.sussexflorals.co.uk) says, “The bride’s bouquet is to me probably the most important element to get right before we plan the rest of the wedding flowers. It not only sets the tone for the décor, but is also the first thing guests see when the bride walks down the aisle. There’s so much to think about: the style (wild and loose, rustic...), colours and which flowers to choose. Once the bouquet is sorted everything else falls into place.”

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2BUTTONHOLES Don’t forget the gents when planning your flowers. Buttonholes are a great way to tie the wedding party together thematically and can help the groom stand out with a showstopping variation.

www.gemmamount.com 3BLOOMIN’ BACKDROP Flower walls offer a breathtaking focal point for the top table and a background for the speeches. Reposition later as a backdrop to your guests’ super-fun red-carpet arrival style shots.

4MAKE AN ENTRANCE Petra says, “The aisle is a great place to make an impact. The ceremony space, whether it be a church, gorgeous outdoor area, rustic barn or beautiful stately home is the perfect place to set the scene.

“Pinks and whites were the brief for this September wedding at Field Place. The lanterns were filled with an abundance of roses and we repurposed them as centrepieces dotted around the reception space.”

5CHIT CHAT At a banqueting-style reception with long tables, a floral runner laid down the centre makes a gorgeous alternative to traditional centrepieces, and means guests can be sociable. If you’re sitting at round tables however, you can still ensure unimpeded chit chat by opting for raised arrangements with bases your guests can see through.

6NEAT PETITE Alternatively for long tables, using small vases or jars filled with flowers is a super-cute way to go. Pack each vase with an array of different blooms or create a repeat pattern of vessels each containing a posy of one feature flower.

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7CORSAGE YOU CAN Corsages offer a great bouquet alternative for your bridesmaids, bringing a little something different. They’re also a great way to make mum feel more involved in the bridal party, with a design to complement your bouquet.

8MAKE A STATEMENT Petra says, “If you’re planning an openair wedding it’s a great idea to have a large focal statement piece that’s sure to stand out. As the areas are large and mainly outdoors, the flowers tend to compete with nature, so bold colours work best. Think flower arches, decorated trees and interior poles for example.”

9HANG ABOUT! If you don’t have room for table centres or need to fill a vast overhead space consider a hanging floral installation. Totally on trend and a fabulous focal point. Check out this stunning version by Sussex Florals.

www.gemmamount.com 10 BE SEATED Add some floral fascination to your place names. Let your theme guide you to a choice of rose head or sprig of foliage, lavender, pampas grass or even succulent wedding favours – all offer a gorgeous finishing touch making your guests feel extra special.

11 FULLY DRESSED

Petra says, “We get all sorts of areas we’re asked to decorate. This vintage tractor at the entrance to a ceremony is still one of my favourites. We later repositioned the wild flower meadow from the tractor to decorate a vintage Land Rover at the drinks reception.”

13SELF-RAISING FLOWER Decorating your big-day bake with blooms to match your arrangements ties it together nicely with the rest of your styling. If you’re nervous about using fresh flowers, why not ask your cake-maker to replicate them in sugar paste or adorn the cake table with an arrangement transferred from the ceremony?

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12 CROWNING GLORY Given their whimsical feel, flower crowns are the staple of bohemian weddings with dried flowers now making a splash. If your style is more traditional though, ask your hair stylist to tuck a few blooms into your up do.

14UNDERNEATH THE ARCHES Ceremony arches and moon gates are growing in popularity, symbolising the home you’ll create together.

15 PEW COMPLETE ME Sweet little posies of flowers tied to pew ends in a church or aisle ends in your venue’s ceremony space are a lovely finishing touch.