ROUND TWO – PUTTING YOUR STAMP ON IT THE FLOWERS When should you think about ordering your florist for your big day? We’d say try and think about getting your florist booked in as soon as possible, particularly if you have a specific one in mind. Like all suppliers, florists do get booked up really quickly, we specifically like to only take one or two weddings per weekend, particularly in peak season, so that means dates become limited quite quickly. Each florist is different, but we want to make sure we spend optimum time with our couples, chatting through ideas and making sure the initial consultation process is thorough so we can really get a proposal together that can help couples visualise their day. What should you bring to your appointment and what questions should you ask your florist? Anything and everything! The more information the better that helps you explain your vision about the whole of your day. Images of your dress (if you have it yet), the venue, stationery, suit ideas. This all helps us get an overall vision of what you’re looking for to help design your bespoke day. Any other suppliers you’ve also booked in already are good to know in case we can work with them, like a stylist. We advise you keep a Pinterest board or send us any images of the things you like too and ask us questions about what colours and textures you think might work with your ideas and inspirations. We’ll use these to spark our creative thoughts during your consultation to really highlight your original style. Sometimes it can also help to know what you really don’t want − as funny as it sounds − as that can then help us to design what you do like! It’s always good to ask questions around budget and be realistic, we have a minimum spend so that our couples are aware from the beginning where the starting range begins. It’s always good to have an open discussion around costs, your florist can really then tailor designs to your budget and let you know if things are out of season so might cost a little more or aren’t achievable. The most important takeaway is do your research on the florists you want to work with. Using platforms like Instagram is really helpful as you can instantly see what that florist’s style is like and if you love it. Check out their website, Facebook and Pinterest − if they have it. This will really give you a feel for them before you meet. I’d really advise you to choose a florist where you love their work. Every florist is slightly different and will interpret your brief differently working with their style. There’s a florist out there for everyone and it should feel easy and put you at ease. What trends will be big for floral arrangements and bouquets in 2022? Non-traditional floristry has been really popular for us and we think it’s due to continue − so things like using more dried florals or using a mix of fresh and dried together, it adds different textures and we’ve definitely found that our couples want more keepsakes from their day, particularly after the pandemic – with died florals they get to keep them forever! Asymmetrical-shaped bridal bouquets have also been popular, which we love – they are full of texture with beautiful design at the heart of them. Focal Installations: we’ve also found couples are wanting to spend more time thinking about certain areas within the venue they want to make a real statement feature of. Fireplaces, walkways, doorway arches. This means they are offering experiences for their guests too thinking about entrances and exits to really play with senses – using fragrant flowers can really add to this as well as bold colours. Nicola Robson | https://dittanyentwined.co.uk THE CAKE What should the bride and groom consider when deciding the style of their cake? The style of your wedding cake should reflect you as a couple. The style may be influenced by many aspects of your day, the venue, the colour scheme, the feel of the wedding, maybe a bride’s dress, or the wedding invites. All of these parts come together to form the perfect cake, that reflects your day and you. Don’t limit yourselves to a certain style, just because it’s traditional or what’s expected. My only other piece of advice is, consider the venue and the temperature the cake will be kept at on the day. Buttercream cakes in a tent in the middle of summer, may not be the best idea! What are new trends in wedding cakes? Two new trends I’ve seen developing over this year and into next season are cakes as separates and coloured cakes. More couples are opting for individual tiers on different stands, in place of the traditional tiered cake. I think this is an excellent option, especially when displayed as part of a dessert table. Each cake can match or be completely different. It definitely allows more room to make the cakes personalised. Coloured cakes are also big right now. Whether that be bright or pastel colours, or even neutral tones like beiges and stone colours. They look even more amazing when paired with a ribbon of the same colour. What flavour is always a good choice? My most chosen flavour is raspberry and white chocolate. Everyone loves the combination of the sweet and tart flavour. Most of my couples choose different flavours for each tier, this means you can pick a combination of flavours you think everyone will like and ones that you love the most. You can’t go wrong with the classics like vanilla and lemon, but why not combine them with something different like Cherry Bakewell? Katrina Armitage | www.katrinasbespokecakes.com www.keyreflections.co.uk www.charlotteelizabethphotography.com https://emmaryanphotography.co.uk 52
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