Welcome back to the Bodleian Library Weddings journal! Last time, we talked to Nong Smitinand, Zoe from Fabulous Flowers and Kirsty from Flowers by Kirsty all about dressing your dream wedding venue, the Bodleian! If you somehow haven’t read the previous post, please do. Previously, the florists talked us through their floral styles, and what couples should consider for their wedding flowers in the Convocation House and Divinity School.
This time we’ve asked Kirsty, Nong, and Zoe all about colour schemes, floral trends and of course creating the all important bouquet! The bouquet isn’t just an accessory which may-or-may-not be tossed outside at the end of the Ceremony, if you’re opting to wear a traditional white dress, the bridal bouquet is one method of adding a little pop of colour into your bridal ensemble. One other method is of course using flowers in a headdress to create a dramatic and vintage look to your day. But don’t take it from us, read below to hear more from the experts in wedding flowers!
Welcome back Kirsty, Nong, and Zoe! If you have a couple who haven’t decided on a colour scheme yet, how would you guide them?
Nong: Knowing what will work best with the seasonal flowers, for example, fun colours for Spring and Summer, and perhaps darker tones in the autumn and winter.
Zoe (Fabulous Flowers): Seasonality is key for us, so no matter your colour palette, we can create something fabulous. A colour scheme is something that we see change throughout the planning process frequently, whether this be tweaks or a full change of direction.
Kirsty (Flowers by Kirsty): Asking what flowers they love and dislike as they may steer them into a colour palette. Asking them about their personalities helps- do they like bright bold colours or prefer the classic neutrals. The seasons also help, the date of their wedding will guide them a little and do they wish to give a big nod to the season or do something different. Providing them with an in-depth design concept that has lots of images on will also help.
When designing a wedding bouquet, and other floral accessories to be worn on the day, what practical advice do you have for couples?
Nong: Keeping them unique to their style and personality, and having fun with the design. Don’t follow trends, instead, go with something you love, and trust your chosen florist for their expertise.
Zoe: Don’t over shadow the outfit! Your bouquet or accessory must be the second thing to be noticed, it’s important to reflect the style of the outfit. This must also compliment you as a person, for example the waistline should never be lost when holding a bouquet and height proportions should be considered.
Kirsty: We do like to ask to see a photo of the bridal and bridesmaids dresses as this helps us with the shape of the bouquets. If a bride is petit this also steers us to making a smaller style bouquet. Describing the different styles of bouquets can help a bride, as hand tied ones can be a little heavy if they want lots of flowers and greenery. Cascading can also swamp some brides. We also have to consider allergies so we ask if they are aware of any so we know what flowers to use. With button holes for females we can use magnets to attach however its so important to ask if they have a heart condition and it’s a big no-no if they have a pacemaker fitted.
If a bride wants something more bespoke such as a floral headdress, what advice would you give?
Nong: Go for it! Be you!
Zoe: We have created various wearable fashion pieces, such as floral veils, jewellery and headdresses. We love a project and can advise based on outfit choices what would compliment and make a fabulous addition.
Kirsty: Do not go to big as it could get heavy. Or wear it just for the ceremony if you do want something quite crazy and wild. Photos of what they have in mind is always useful and how their hair will be dressed.
In your opinion, which flowers and colours remain timeless?
Nong: IMO – No such thing as timeless flowers and colours. Think about what you love and what’s meaningful to you. Opt for beautiful seasonal flowers, chat with your florist for suggestions and what works best within the season.
Zoe: White and green will always be timeless, but I think try not to be too ‘faddy’ with your choices….pinterest is wonderful but must be used in moderation!
Kirsty: Roses and peonies are popular and because they come in so many varieties and colours they work with all weddings ( during peony season) White is classic and elegant with a dusky pink for that romantic look.
What floral trends have you noticed over the past year?
Nong: Many fun and bold designs, all while staying eco-friendly.
Zoe: Floral trends are something that tends to follow fashion and interiors, so for 2023 we are seeing a lot of monochrome, elegant and simple. Black tie weddings are making a huge comeback with a single flower type on mass.
Kirsty: Grounded installations- meadows for the aisles and larger ones for the front of the aisle. They give a polished but natural look like the arrangements are growing there. Natural installations- lots of greenery or trees to line aisles or placed in marquees. The garden look. Wild and irregular arrangements for the tables and aisle. Using unique vases, coloured glass, more ceramics
Finally, any tips for couples trying to keep to their budget?
Nong: Consider what’s important for your big day. Discuss your priorities and budget openly with your florist to determine what’s appropriate. Also, consider repurposing some if your floral arrangements.
Zoe: Personally, I would say communication and honesty is the best direction to go with budgets, if you can be open to us about your expectations, we can assist with managing what could be achievable within this, it’s easier for us to suggest and design when we know what the ideal budget might be.
Kirsty: Focus on key elements for the wedding flowers, don’t try to cover every area in the ceremony and reception with little token flower arrangements- go for the big hitters of an installation over lots of small table arrangements. Front of aisle arrangements or an arch rather than small aisle arrangements like chair ends and only a small front of aisle item. Don’t have so many bridesmaids or do but they do not have to hold bouquets, they can still be a big part of the wedding without the expense of 5 or 6 more bouquets. Spend that towards the flowers noted above. And utilise the flowers from the ceremony into the reception. Large arrangements can be packed by welcome signs paced either side of the top table.
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Thank you so much Kirsty, Nong, and Zoe! The entire team hopes that you found this two-part interview incredibly helpful – if you need any more inspiration for your Big Day, do grab your ticket for the Bodleian Library Wedding Spring Showcase on Saturday 2nd March!
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