Question 1

As the groom I'd like my buttonhole to stand out from my groomsmen and be something special. Do you have any recommendations?

Accepted Answer

Whether it's a big blousy peony, a classic carnation or a delicate bundle of foliage, buttonholes are an age old tradition at a wedding. Often, the groom and groomsmen, witnesses and parents of the bride all pin one on on the morning of the big day. Once everyone is in similar suits it's nice to be able to stand out. Having a variety of flowers and leaves to create your buttonhole make it slightly more fancy and eye-catching. If you have quite a simple suit, using bright colours such as yellow craspedia balls alongside eucalyptus or striking blue thistles can really help the buttonhole to pop. Dried articles are something I always use. Not only are they visually interesting, they're also hardy so there's no risk of wilting on a hot day. Boutonnieres are becoming more of a talking point at weddings and can be created using almost anything to hand to suit your theme or venue. Autumn berries, extravagant feathers and even brass charms can all make you stand out from the crowd.

Question 2

We've chosen a dusky blue colour palette for our wedding, but aren't sure how to incorporate that into the flowers. Can you offer any advice?

Accepted Answer

Blue is one of the most popular colours when it comes to wedding palettes, in particular dusky, baby and powder hues. Not only are they romantically soft and subtle, they also suit any season from icy whites and frosty stems, to the brighter spring and summer seasons. However, blue isn't a natural colour that bouquet focal flowers often come in, so it's all about the foliage and filler flowers with this palette. Using silver-toned eucalyptus such as cinerea or populus brings an overall blue hue to a bouquet and this is something that's readily available throughout the year. Dainty blooms such as oxypetalum can also be used in designs to create brighter flashes next to ivory or white. You'll even find that some anemone varieties have blue tones at the very centre. If finding fresh flowers proves tricky though, think about the receptacle they'll be going in – pale blue glass vases or bottles can bring colour to the table even if the petals are neutral.

Question 3

I adore fresh flowers and would love some ideas for my bridesmaids and flowergirls outside of the usual bouquets. Can you help?

Accepted Answer

I always try to think outside the box with new ideas and these stylish wedding-day clutch bags are a fabulous alternative to a traditional bouquet for the modern bridesmaid. Covered in organic, textured moss they're adorned with the prettiest scented fresh flowers in your colour choice, as well as foliage. A beautiful alternative with endless possibilities.

Question 4

What floral centrepieces would best suit a  rustic-themed wedding?

Accepted Answer

Why not use wood slices stacked on top of each other to give the tables a rustic feel? These can then be decorated with woodland-themed flowers and foliage such as anemones, foxgloves, Solomon's seal, narcissi, ferns and ivy. Depending on the time of year, you could even use plants and flowering blubs tucked into the display. Moss can be utilised to hide pots and soil, and by incorporating pine cones, bark pieces, decorative twigs or lichen you can create a lovely textured scene that really looks the part. Small log slices can be used on guest tables with bigger versions stacked up around the venue framing the doors or placed in a bare corner.

Question 5

Faux or fresh flowers, which should I opt for and why?

Accepted Answer

Considering the beauty and opulence flowers add to your wedding day, they're a huge element of the planning process. So, along with colour and design, it's not surprising you've found yourself asking about the benefits of fresh versus faux. There's no denying that fresh blooms are beautiful. Their myriad forms, colours and scent cannot be truly replicated by their artificial counterparts. However, there are a few points to consider before you make the final decision. - Cost. Fresh flowers are becoming more expensive due to global supply issues and uncertain weather patterns. If you'd like the wow factor, but lack the budget, faux centrepieces can be hired at a fraction of the cost. - Seasonality. Many favourite wedding varieties such as peonies have a very limited season. By opting for faux flowers you can choose the ones you love whatever the time of year. - Allergies. If you or your partner suffer from hay fever, faux is the way to go. - Quality and freshness. Good quality faux blooms can look and feel very natural as quality has improved greatly over the years. In fact, it's unlikely your guests will be able to tell the difference. However, their fresh equivalents can wilt in the heat and are susceptible to bruising. - Weight. Artificial flowers are much lighter than fresh and don't require a water source making them ideal for garlands, arches and hanging installations. - Keepsakes. Your faux bridal bouquet can be treasured forever. Finally... why not mix and match? My recommendation would be to have a fresh flower bouquet with faux table centres and décor – the best of both worlds.

Question 6

I had my heart set on having peonies in my bouquet, but at the time we're getting married they won't be in season. What can you suggest as alternatives that will have a similar look and impact?

Accepted Answer

As soon as peonies go out of season the input of beautiful garden roses is absolutely perfect. There are so many different varieties and the wonderful Alexandra Farms offers a wide selection of colour palettes and shapes, with many of the roses beautifully scented too. In fact, there's such a wide range that roses can be used according to any season. Quite a few varieties do have a similar look to peonies and they last for a long time since they arrive in a tight bud before opening fully to show you how gorgeous they are just in time for your big day with glorious layers of colours, textures and scents unlike any other. Also boasting a similar cup shape to peonies, along with an irresistible fragrance, they make a showstopping focal point in your bouquet. With ample charm, these roses can also transform a space and create the most enchanting ambience, weaving their magic throughout your special day.

Question 7

How can we reflect the wonderful feel of springtime in our wedding flowers?

Accepted Answer

You can evoke the carefree airy feeling of the season in your wedding flowers whatever your chosen style. It's more of a mood than a theme. Spring blooms are a magical mix of delicate textures, sublime colours and symbolism. For example, tulips represent perfect love. In addition to beauty, spring flowers have an abundance of scent, which you'll forever remember. Think about choosing flower varieties that are available only during the spring. There are more than you think with plenty of unusual options too such as fritillaria, muscari and jasmine. Make the most of the seasonality as this is when they'll be in prime condition, better value for money and more sustainable. For the pure essence of spring, choose vibrant colours such as crisp white, sunny yellow, zingy lime green and sky blue. Alternatively, embrace delicate pastel shades of palest pink, lilac and peach for a gentle romantic feel. Think light textured foliage, delicate branches of blossom, mimosa and trailing jasmine. There's a spring answer to any style. A wrap of pure white tulips for a classic look, to a riot of colour and texture using lilac, ranunculus, clematis and anemone for a boho feel. Why not incorporate planted spring bulbs into your table centres, tucked into wooden crates or vintage glassware? Guests can take these home at the end of the eventing to plant in their own gardens and remember your day.

Question 8

We're dreaming of a fabulous winter wedding. What can you suggest for our flowers?

Accepted Answer

For me, winter weddings come at such an enchanting time of year. The season conjures up images of warmth, with jewel-toned hues, rich textures and luxurious fabrics. Rich, opulent, deep red roses and amaryllis flowers really evoke images of winter for me. I'd team these with icy colours and frosted foliage. Eucalyptus, succulents, hypernicum berries and ranunculi are beautiful at this time of year too. Textures can be brought into play through your tablescapes. Think feasting tables laden with flowers mixed with furs, velvets and luxurious fabrics. Pheasant feathers bring a touch of the countryside rustic look to the heart of Kent. Add a touch of copper, red and green for a real wintry-warm vibe. Candles add a touch of warmth and light when it's cold outside, and dark afternoons at venues with a roaring log fire mean you can cosy up with those closest to you.  I love incorporating seasonality into wedding themes, by looking at the natural beauty surrounding us. Think pinecones and moss to add a natural element to your day, bringing the outside in.

FAQs and expert advice about flowers & bouquets