Here is a selection of Q&As from Your Kent Wedding magazine whether it be about flowers, hair and makeup, fashion, wedding themes, health & beauty, cakes, stationery, legal advice. If you would like your question answered by our experts, please email it to editor@yourkent.wedding
To view more expert advice on a different topic, please select one from the list below.
Festive florals
Q. We're dreaming of a fabulous winter wedding. What can you suggest for our flowers?
A. Hannah Withington says: 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.
Hannah Withington,Patina Petal
ww.patinapetal.co.uk
Crowning glory
Q. I love the look of flower crowns, but I'm worried it may be too much against my heavily embellished dress. Do you have any idea how I could wear one without overdoing it?
A. Hannah Withington says: Many brides are exchanging a traditional veil or jewelled headpiece for a flower crown, as a finishing touch to their wedding look. One of the greatest things about these is just how versatile they can be. Your florist should be able to create a crown to complement your dress. So, I'd suggest finding a style that's quintessentially you. Consider using beautifully elegant foliage with a few simple white flowers - this would look stunning with your embellished gown.
The charm of flower crowns could also follow through to your bridal party, even to the smallest of flowergirls. Dried and preserved greens are also a lovely addition, and are totally on trend. But remember, whatever flowers you use they need to be sturdy and less thirsty varieties.
Hannah Withington,Patina & Petal
www.patinapetal.co.uk
Flower friendly
Q. How can we be more eco-conscious when it comes to our wedding flowers?
A. Elizabeth Morgan says: When planning your wedding florals you'll be thinking of that wow factor to achieve a stunning impact to be remembered. Now, more than ever, you can work with your florist to ensure ecological impact is considered and reduced.
Your florist can source from local growers to ensure the freshest seasonal flowers. Also, think about how you can reuse blooms from ceremony to reception. This not only stretches your budget, but is a clever way to repurpose your arrangements. For example, chair ends can be hung in small reusable glass vases, then placed on reception tables, or within greenery garlands. Ceremony table décor can be designed to double up for the top table design. It's also a nice idea to gift all of your floral centrepieces and garlands to your guests and the end of the day. They go on to decorate homes and be enjoyed for weeks to follow. So, when planning your special day, everything can be done with eco-conscious thinking and can be enjoyed way beyond.
Elizabeth Morgan,Bizzy Lizzy Flowers
www.bizzylizzyflowers.co.uk
Bohemian dream
Q. We're going for a relaxed bohemian theme for our wedding, but we don't know where to start with our flowers – what would you suggest?
A. Jodie Tremain says: I'd recommend something really natural, rustic and textured, keeping it very free flowing and open to suit your surroundings. However, something a little different and unusual will work beautifully for the bohemian style too. Keep the colour palette simple to avoid clashes, but opt for an eye-catching design. Adding in extra touches such as pheasant feathers, gives an edge to any floral feature, making it completely bespoke to you. This stunning motif can be replicated in a variety of ways with different colours to achieve the exact look you're after.
Jodie Tremain,J L Floral Design
www.jlfloraldesign.co.uk
Floral harmony
Q. How can I make all of my flowers work together?
A. Ellouise Hasler-Stott says: This is an important question when considering how the theme of your day is reflected in photos. Making sure all of your floral arrangements tie together and that everything matches gives a continuity to the look of the day overall.
The bride's bouquet should be filled with all the colours and varieties of flowers making up the theme, with the groom's buttonhole having the same mix. The next layer down will be the bridesmaids and best men, who will have simplified versions, showing clear links to the couple. This way, when everyone is photographed together, you can see a clear link between the whole wedding party. The same rule would be applied at the reception, with the top table displaying a mix and individual tables containing more simplified versions.
If you have a theme you'd like to carry through to the flowers, let your florist know so they can work with you to incorporate those hints. For example, blooms could be enhanced with delicate shells to reflect a coastal theme. It's these little details that will be picked up by your photographer, completing a set of photographic memories to last a lifetime.
Ellouise Hasler-Stott
www.facebook.com/flowersbyeg
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