42 THE JOURNAL
FLOWERS
Beautiful blooming brides
M
ost brides can picture
their dream dress,
most couples already
have an "our song"
for their first dance,
and there are usually
too many bridesmaids to chose from �
but when it comes to flowers, many
newly-weds-to-be struggle to think of a
favourite bloom.
Flower picking isn't everyone's forte,
and the array of choice can lead to a
wealth of confusion for many wedding
planners � but flowers are one of the most
important, and most expensive, aspects of
the celebrations.
"Flowers play a big part in setting the
scene for the day, and depending on which
varieties are chosen, their colours and the
designs they are part of, can help to
conjure up any number of different styles
and moods," says Antonia Swinson, author
of new book, Wedding Flowers � which is
packed full of ideas and inspiring
photographs.
"Nowadays, there isn't a high street in
the land on which you can't buy a huge
range of flowers sourced from all over the
world. This breadth of choice opens up all
kinds of possibilities, but it can be hard to
know where to start, particularly if you are
unfamiliar with flowers and how they're
arranged," she says.
She points out that the first decision to
make is usually what the bride will carry,
as this can be the starting point for all the
other floral arrangements.
"Sometimes a bride will have particular
flowers in mind for her bouquet, such as
roses or lilies. Sometimes colour will be
key."
But before you make up your mind,
there are several things you need to bear in
mind, she advises.
"The style which the bride and groom
are aspiring to is crucial: For example, if
the wedding is to be modern and
minimalist, certain flowers will reflect this
better than others � calla lilies and orchids
have the right sort of structural quality;
carnations don't.
"If the wedding is a laid-back family
occasion at the local village church, with
the reception in the marquee,
cottage-garden flowers such as sweet peas,
pinks and stocks will be a charming
complement," she adds.
Think about the season too, she warns,
as you will be able to match the landscape
around you, and flowers will probably be
easier, and cheaper, to find.
She explains: "You can fly flowers in
from the southern hemisphere when they
are out of season here, if there is a flower
you have really set your heart on. However,
flowers bought in their natural season will
always be stronger, fresher and much better
value."
When it comes to design and picking a
theme, "inspiration can be found from any
of the umpteen florists around, go to the
shops and see what is available and look
through magazines," says Antonia.
"A massive trend in bridal flowers for
2008 will be flower jewellery, and the
delicate, tiny flower heads of hyacinths,
known as `pips', are perfect for creating
Brighten up your big day and say it with flowers. Nadine Utchigadoo reports
Little
Petals
High Street,Broughton,
Brigg.
T: 01652 653001
Floral Occasions
...Big or Small
We Can Do Them All

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