Question 1

What is your advice on overcoming the most common planning concerns?

Accepted Answer

Planning a wedding involves numerous decisions, and selecting your flowers is one of the most visually impactful. You don't need to know everything about flowers, that's why hiring an experienced florist is invaluable. Here are three tips to help you get started before meeting your expert. •Set the atmosphere: Envision the mood you want to create and think of a few words to describe it. Is it extravagant and enchanting, intimate and magical, or vibrant and fun? Whether you're dreaming of a romantic garden-themed celebration or a chic, modern event, flowers set the tone and enhance the ambience. •Make it personal: Incorporate your personality into your floral arrangements. You're the secret ingredient to the day of your dreams. Be confident and authentic, weaving your personality into your florals. Draw inspiration from your favourite colours, outfits, or hobbies to create a unique and authentic vibe. •Design consultation: Schedule a chat with your preferred florist. This will give you a better idea of their costs and style. Florists provide a personalised service, listening to your ideas and offering expert guidance.

Question 2

What is your advice on planning a sustainable wedding?

Accepted Answer

Sustainability is at the forefront when we curate wedding flowers. From the blooms themselves to the mechanics used to make installations, we consider the environmental impact every step of the way. Using British-grown seasonal flowers ensures no air miles are used in the supply of your flowers. So, when you're thinking about when to get married, consider blooms you particularly love and wed during their growing season. A majority of flowers in Britain are available throughout the summer months but beauties like peonies, which have a short life span in June, and muscari aren't. I explain the benefits of repurposing venue flowers to my clients during consultations, where we discuss creating versatile pieces to transport from ceremony to wedding breakfast to reception. Repurposing a small number of designs is much better for the environment than buying a collection of them. The fewer statement pieces, the less to dispose of after the wedding. Throwing flowers away leaves a large footprint as they'll often end up in landfill. To reduce your fresh flower waste, you can have your flowers pressed and preserved to enjoy for years to come or you can add them to the compost heap, providing they haven't been sprayed or dipped in chemicals during the growing and conditioning process.

Question 3

What should we look out for in the world of weddings in 2024?

Accepted Answer

As our 2024 couples start to get into the detail of their floral design we're seeing a definite trend for understated elegance coupled with the inclusion of a key statement design. Imagine an opulent archway or dramatic urns filled with an abundance of luxury materials that can be cleverly created to be repurposed throughout the whole of your wedding celebrations. Couples are looking at spending their budget wisely and are opting for a truly memorable floral display that will act as a backdrop to their day while toning down their guest table designs to a smaller more understated version with elegant arrangements in chic, ceramic, footed bowls or a tablescape. We're also seeing more and more couples opt for floral-only designs using statement blooms that create the wow factor with little fuss. Also set to be popular are timeless florals that will stand the test of time. So, neutral, muted tones or whites with greens will still be super-popular as we head into another fabulous year of weddings.

Question 4

What is your advice on planning an outdoor wedding?

Accepted Answer

To create enchanting wedding florals with wow factor why not consider the following? • Style. Let your wedding theme and style guide you towards the right colour palette, flower varieties, and arrangements that complement the décor. • Location. The landscape, surroundings, and setting of the venue can influence your flower arrangement choices. A garden venue might need different floral choices than a beach as you set the right tone for your special day. • Time of year. Some blooms are only available during certain seasons, and it's important to check availability before making any decisions. For example, peonies are usually available end of May/early June, which is when they're at their very best. • Fragrance. Select scented blooms, and they'll enhance the overall ambience of your outdoor wedding, evoking memories of the day for years to come. • Weather conditions. It's important to choose flowers that can withstand heat or wind. You'll also need a backup plan in case of bad weather. That's why having an expert florist on your team helps as they can advise you on the best course of action. • Local sourcing. Consider sourcing your flowers locally. They're perfect for eco-conscious couples who want to reduce their impact on the environment and support their local economy. • Budget. If you have a limited budget, ask your floral designer to prioritise your must-haves, and those that make the most visual impact. You might need to consider where you're willing to compromise. By considering these factors, you can create a beautiful al fresco floral experience that will leave your guests talking about your wedding for years to come.

Question 5

This issue we asked the experts how to inject your wedding days with the spirit of spring.

Accepted Answer

Spring is the start of a fresh, new beginning, just like the journey you're taking together. This time of year resonates warmer, longer days, beautiful florals and hope of brighter things to come, and the season's flowers are nature's most fragrant charms. Here at Lilac and Thyme, we believe through the grace, flow and colours of spring flowers, we can bring a romantic and elegant addition to your day.

Question 6

How can we give our reception flowers a Christmassy vibe?

Accepted Answer

Christmas is truly magical and, like many couples, I love it! If you're after a festive vibe, draw inspiration from how you decorate your own home during the holiday season: the palette, style and scent. Take the elements you love and ask your floral designer to combine them for your special day to make it truly personalised to you. I'd also suggest embracing seasonal florals such as berries, waxflowers, and lush foliage, which look amazing with candles or twinkly lights. This is the idea we went with for the wedding pictured. We layered the tables with drapes, foliage garlands, pea lights and candles to create the mood, keeping it cosy. The favours were dried lavender garlands with handmade clay stars, which guests could hang on their trees for years to come, remembering the special occasion. If you get married at Christmas, it's important to consider the flower cost, as they're in demand at this time of year, so prices can increase significantly. It's also worth checking your venue's colour palette, and ensure it complements your chosen scheme. There's nothing worse than clashing styles.

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