| |
Here is a selection of Q&A's from Your Berks & Bucks Wedding magazine. If you would like your question answered by our experts, please email it to editor@yourberksbuckswedding.com.
To view more Q&A's on a different topic, please select one from the list below.
|
| |
 Hot topic: Flowers |
|
| Our experts answer your questions about everything floral |
| |
 |
| |
Décor on a budget
Q. I love everything vintage and would like to surround our big day with touches of vintage flora. Can you suggest ways we could achieve this on a limited budget?
A. Joanna Carter says: The vintage look is best done with really informal and eclectic bunches of flowers in jam jars, old teapots or galvanised steel pots on the tables. I would recommend picking a range of six to seven different types of blooms in your colour palette and then arrange them randomly, making sure each table has a slightly different mix of flowers.
Use blooms that might be found in a meadow or English country garden, such as antique style roses like amnesia, sweet avalanche, talea, old Dutch or dark hypnose, as well as stocks, antirrhinum, ammi majus, astrantia, scabious, sweet peas, trachelium, hydrangea and veronica. These flowers are all perfect for bridal bouquets as well. The key is to pick soft or slightly faded colours and a nice mix of textures and shapes. |
|
| |
|
Vintage look
Q. Our summer wedding is themed around country vintage, so I'd like to have a floral-inspired look for my outfit to complement this. Can you suggest a few ideas?
A. Anna McDonald says: Wearing a vintage wedding dress and adding floral accents is very feminine and particularly fabulous for spring. You could wear a soft satin sash with a flower around your waist or choose a dress with floral detail to create a vintage feel. Charlotte Balbier's creations such as Pearl, Clementine (pictured) and Tabitha are beautiful examples. To complement your dress using flowers, choose from a range of elegant hairpieces such as hair barrettes, accent clips, hair wreaths and tiaras. |
|
| |
|
Fresh or artificial?
Q. We want a three-tier cake decorated with flowers to match my bouquet, which will consist of exotic blooms such as bird of paradise. What is the most cost-effective way to do this? Should we opt for sugar or fresh flowers or can we combine both?
A. Susan Samways says: The most economical way to achieve this is to use fresh flowers or good quality silk variants. If you decide to go for the fresh option there are a few points to consider. Research the blooms in your bouquet to ensure none are poisonous, as these would not be appropriate to use on the cake. You should also check with your florist that no toxic pesticides have been used on the flowers. Thought should be given to the longevity of the bouquet. Vials can be used to keep the flowers fresh, but care should be taken as any contact between water and the icing will spoil the finish on your cake.
Most flowers can be crafted from sugar, so this option enables you to incorporate all the blooms from you bouquet, plus you can save the arrangement as a keepsake after your big day. Ask to see examples of your chosen cake designer's sugar flower work to ensure they can create the look you want to achieve. |
|
| |
|
Modern and minimalist
Q. My fiancé and I have decided to hold our celebrations in a boutique hotel where the décor is mainly white and minimalist. We really love the contemporary look but would like to know what type of floral arrangements would best complement our venue.
A. Susan Cordery says: It can be quite tricky imagining how colours will look in a minimalist environment. Bright focal shdes can look stunning provided they are incorporated into designs which suit the surroundings. You could try using a single flower and colour such as tulips, calla lilies, roses, gladiolus, gerbera or amaryllis in contemporary vases of varying height and width to create interesting clusters in key areas.
You can also incorporate your colour scheme with interesting non-floral items such as stems of bold orange gerbera in vases lined with zingy lime slices. I would also recommend sticking with whites and use differing shades and textures of green foliage to add interest. |
|
| |
|
Decisions, decisions
Q. We have a shortlist of venues, some of which have in-house florists. We're in two minds as to whether we should find our own or go for a venue's supplier. Can you help?
A. Candice Thomas says: There are advantages for doing both, but what you should remember is it's your day and nothing is set in stone. Create the wedding you want within your budget. Sometimes it could be advantageous to use the venue's recommended supplier because they tend to work closely with the venue, which means they are familiar with the layout and know what works and doesn't work. On the other hand, if there's a florist you like and get on with, there is no reason not to use them. You may still get a discount and they may know your chosen venue anyway. |
|
| |
|
Contact our experts... |
|
|
Anna McDonald, Bridalwear
www.anna-mcdonald.com |
| |
|
|
Candice Thomas, Wedding planning
www.cerendipity-events.co.uk |
| |
|
|
Joanna Carter, Florist
www.joannacarterflowers.co.uk |
| |
|
|
Susan Cordery, Florist
www.flowers2impress.co.uk |
| |
|
|
Susan Samways, Cake maker
www.inspiredbyu.co.uk |
| |
