EXPERT ADVICE

FAQs and expert advice about flowers & bouquets

Here is a selection of Q&As from Your Cheshire and Merseyside 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@yourcheshiremerseyside.wedding

Understated Elegance

Understated Elegance

Q What should we look out for in the world of weddings in 2024?
A Rachel Peers says: 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.

Rachel Peers, La Beau Fleurs

The Natural World

The Natural World

Q What is your advice on planning an outdoor wedding?
A Jacqui Owen says: 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.

Jacqui Owen, Jacqui O Flowers

New life

New life

Q This issue we asked the experts how to inject your wedding days with the spirit of spring.
A Debbie Bennett says: 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.

Debbie Bennett, Lilac and Thyme

Festive flowers

Festive flowers

Q How can we give our reception flowers a Christmassy vibe?
A Jacqui Owen says: 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.

Jacqui Owen, Jacqui O Flowers

As you wish

As you wish

Q I'd love an alternative to a fresh flower bouquet. What can you suggest?
A Jane Taylor says: There are so many routes you can go down for your bouquet from artificial fabric flowers, dried florals, paper blooms, floral hoops and those made from an eclectic mix of quirky, cool elements. Some of my more elaborate bouquet designs have musical and light-up elements, such as an illuminated candelabra and flashing disco ball. I even have a bouquet that blows bubbles! Many of my clients come to me with very specific ideas and themes and by working closely with them, I'm able to create floral sculptures full of unique and individual elements that tell a visual story of their lives and love for each other.

Choosing non-fresh flowers also gives you the flexibility of being able to order blooms that may be out of season on your big day. It also allows you to select specific colours and gives you the further option of taking your bouquet with you should you wish to elope. Best of all, when the wedding is over you're left with a beautiful, everlasting, visual keepsake of your day, which can remain on permanent display

Jane Taylor, Maddison Rocks Floral Sculpture

Springtime vibes

Springtime vibes

Q We're having a springtime wedding with a relaxed vibe. How can we reflect our natural theme in our flowers?
A Gemma Wakerley says: We love to use locally-sourced meadow-style flowers for an effortlessly elegant spring wedding. Think ranunculus, parrot tulip and anemones in pretty pastel hues or bright colours if you're feeling bold.

For a bridal bouquet we'd arrange stems into a loose, hand-tied arrangement with wild foliage, including asparagus fern and pittosporum tied with natural hessian ribbon. For brides wanting an even more effortless look, a simple hydrangea bouquet in fresh or vibrant tones with limited foliage may be your thing.

Arranging loose stems into mismatched jars at varying heights is an inexpensive way to decorate both the top and guest tables when dispersed with mixed foliage and pillar tables to add height. Incorporating dried elements too such as pampas, birch and pussy willow is an easy way of adding texture and drama to your décor.

For those with a larger budget, we love using lush foliage garlands to decorate tables, seating plans and even pew-ends. For colourful couples, adding filler flowers such as tanecetum is a simple and cheerful way of introducing some vibrance.

Gemma Wakerley, Booker Weddings

Bloomin' lovely

Bloomin' lovely

Q I'm looking for an alternative to a fresh flower bouquet, what can you suggest?
A Gemma Kathleen Roberts says: I create paper flowers and the great thing about them is that you can keep them long after your wedding. Plus, you don't need to worry about allergies, or having them die on you towards the end of the day. You can order them as early as you like so there's less to worry about and they bring a lovely aspect to your nuptials with so many different types of paper to choose from, including lightweight crepe and tissue paper, to newsprint, glitter, patterned and card stock. The options for customisation are practically endless. I can do any flower or theme you require, even blooms with photos of loved ones on them, so they're by your side for such an important occasion. We all have a specific reason for loving a certain flower, and I create them in paper all year round so they'll last no matter the temperature outside.

Gemma Kathleen Roberts, Paper Blossoms

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