When it comes to planning the perfect wedding, having the right flower designs are up there with the bride’s dress in terms of importance.
Not only do they set the scene, providing a ‘wow’ factor for guests as one of the first things they see, they’re also a constant backdrop for photos taken as the celebrations continue throughout the day.
But what are the latest trends? What colours are couples moving towards, right now? What makes the perfect venue when it comes to flower dressing?
Becky Franklin has seen many changes in the industry since setting up Floral Explosion – one of Cooling Castle Barn’s recommended suppliers - more than 15 years ago.
She said: “When we first started you had a florist that would do the flowers and a venue dresser that would do the dressing - but it was quite disjointed. Over time, florists became venue dressers as well, so we could design a wedding so everything flowed and colour schemes matched properly.”
With the ramifications of Brexit and Covid still in full flow, the industry is undergoing major changes once again.
Becky continued: “We are seeing a bit of a turning point in the florist world as we have been hit hard by severe price increases.
“We get our flowers from South America and Holland, but Covid and Brexit has really pushed the prices up. Because of Brexit there are now tariffs on importing flowers. Also, in some countries because they didn’t know what was happening with Covid, they didn’t plant anything. So, there was not a lot of flowers to cut, which is forcing the prices up at auctions.
“We are seeing major changes. A bride’s budget isn’t expanding in the same way flower prices are.
“One of the solutions we have come up with is a design – we call it our Enchanted Garden range - which are really good quality silk flowers with real foliage. This gives the ‘wow’ factor couples are after. Brides want their guests to walk in and be wowed. When you use these flowers with real foliage, you can’t tell the difference and it looks amazing.
“We think we will see a lot more brides going down this route. It has to done tastefully though, as you can get some terrible faux flowers. Our silk flowers look like velvet, you can’t tell they’re not real.”
Danny Watchorn of Danny Watchorn Designer Florist – another of Cooling Castle Barn’s recommended suppliers, is in total agreement.
He said: “Brexit has been a major concern for our industry, we have found the cost of some flower prices being tripled, before they even reach Covent Garden flower market.
“To be able to offer the best possible price for our couples, who wish to have large, elegant arrangements, we have designed our new Hedgerow Collection, for hire. We will be using fresh choice foliage and high-quality artificial flowers. This gives the opportunity to have the ‘wow factor’, without a big price tag.”
For couples not going down these routes, there are certain flowers and colours that always seem to be more on trend than others.
Becky continued: “There’s been a trend of blush and ivory for a couple of years and it’s not going away. Brides love peonies and hydrangeas and big open headed roses. A voluptuous look.”
Danny added: “We have found there is more emphasis on very loose, flowing, wild hedgerow design, bridal bouquets.
“We are also finding that we are using more woodland type designs, such as large log slices, candles in large jam jars, ivy trails, pampas grasses and wild country garden flowers.
“Lighting, candles and fairy lights are also hugely popular and we have lots of creative ideas for hire.”
But what about the venue? What do florists need to put their creative juices to best use? What sets Cooling Castle Barn apart from other venues?
Becky added: “Our job is to put the bride and groom’s stamp on the wedding. Our role is to transform a blank canvas into a wedding and bringing a bride and groom’s vision to life.
“The bridal bouquet is critical. They are in all of the photos. It has to go with the dress and the colour schemes so it all flows and the theme goes throughout.
“A blank canvas that hasn’t too much clutter makes a good venue. It’s really important, along with good lighting.
“Cooling is a darker venue, but really well lit. It’s big and has a real ‘wow’ factor with lots of space to fill. Its sister venue, The Vines of Rochester, is the polar opposite. The florist’s job is not to fight with the interior of the venue - The Vines is very colourful, so you want to complement it. But then the tee-pee is a lovely blank space to fill. You can use fairy lights and other lighting too.”
For Danny, the relationship with the staff at the venue is equally important.
He said: “We have had the pleasure of being a supplier to Cooling for the last 17 years, during this time we have built an excellent relationship with the owners, management and staff.
“As a recommended supplier of floristry, lighting and room dressing, we have also worked closely with the general manger making bespoke designs for their barns at Christmas. We also provided designs for the Vines.
“We just love working at these venues as they are as passionate as we are, ensuring couples have the day of their dreams. We find the management and staff extremely helpful kind and considerate in helping us to create and supply new designs for our couples and they go the extra mile, supporting us in providing an outstanding service.”
And last but not least, wedding floristry often conjures up romantic connotations. It’s seen as a dream job by many – something Danny and Becky feel lucky to be able to do.
Danny said: “Every bride dreams of the perfect day for her wedding and we love to ensure we work with them closely, so that on the day their ideas and thoughts come alive. I always, together with my team, go above and beyond to ensure every detail is covered.”
Becky added: “It’s magical. I can’t stress enough our job is to create a vision that they may have had since they were a little girl.
“The father-in-law of a wedding we covered recently was in the business and it meant everything to him to get this right. It brought a tear to his eye when he saw the arrangements.
“We have to bring that vision to life. When you see their reaction on the day it’s overwhelming. Their vision has come to life, they’ve never seen it altogether before, you feel really moved when you’ve got it so right.”
For more information on our super suppliers, contact Cooling Castle Barn.
