One of the questions we get asked constantly is what should be prioritised in terms of wedding spending – how on earth do you decide what’s most deserving of your hard-earned cash? Usually, our immediate answer is the big hitters, venue and photography, but what follows next is inevitably open to interpretation.
For me, it’s the flowers. I always urge couples to consider their blooms very carefully and dedicate a sizeable portion of their budget to the buds. Their power to transform a space is mind-blowing, while a bouquet bursting with colourful, blousy florals is the fastest way to add a richer quality to photographs and elevate your gown and bridesmaids’ dresses. Don’t underestimate the artistry of florals.
Florists, also, work harder than you could ever imagine. Just ask Adele Robertson and Michelle Stevenson of award-winning, Stirling-based Jennifer Morrison Flowers. Bending over backwards for brides is all in a day’s work. “We pride ourselves on our service and exceptional product,” they say. “Our flowers are transported directly from Holland to our shop in Stirling regularly, which means we can work very closely with our Dutch supplier.”
The challenge is working with, rather than against, the season. “There are a lot of sleepless nights!” Adele laughs. “The upside of autumn, for instance, is that while it’s a fantastic time of year for berries and foliage, the typical favourites, such as peonies and David Austin roses, are not available and you have to think of alternatives. Plus, flowers can vary greatly in shade from one week to the next! You’re at the mercy of the weather.” Poring over the following shots, you’d never know the hustle behind the scenes.
“Attention to detail is paramount,” stresses Michelle. “There are several types of bridal bouquet and the one you eventually opt for should be based on the style of your dress and what kinds of flowers you like. Hand-tied arrangements are designed looser and the florals are kept on their natural stems. They complement most gowns. Then there’s the shower bouquet – all the flowers are arranged and wired into a holder, with longer stems and blooms trailing down. This is better suited to a straighter silhouette, or a dress with a train, as it draws the eye downwards.”
Before you whip that credit card out, let’s get you inspired and clued up on what you could expect from your florist in the coming months. What trends do Jennifer Morrison Flowers predict will dominate in 2020?
Sustainability
“As we are all becoming more mindful of our environmental impact, thoughtful wedding choices will definitely be popular next year. An eco-friendly approach can easily be applied to your blooms, by making a few simple swaps: for example, incorporating some locally-sourced flowers in your scheme (such as the thistles above), or employing living plants as table settings, which will double up as favours to gift guests afterwards (note the potted succulents below). You could also forgo fresh florals for dried varieties.”
Personalisation
“In 2020, we’ll see more and more in the way of sentimental and unique wedding flowers. Brides will move away from traditional bouquet shapes and embrace unusual and statement blooms, which carry special meaning to them. This asymmetrical arrangement (below) perfectly encapsulates what will become more commonplace come next year.”
Flowers beyond the table
“Think bigger: typical wedding tabletops will be supplemented with creative decor in other unexpected areas of the venue, such as this showstopping floral chandelier (below left).”
Scented bouquets
“We’ve noticed brides are increasingly keen to have fragranced bouquets as we start to plan next year’s nuptials. Peonies are a popular choice for their dynamic look and decadent scent. But this can extend throughout the whole venue – light scented candles, like our limited-edition Jennifer Morrison Flowers Peony candle (above right), to ensure your day is filled with your favourite fragrance, long after you’ve tossed your bouquet.”