Choosing floral schemes to bring colour to your Spring wedding
As the days darken into winter and the clocks go back, we begin to look forward to signs on the Clevedon Hall estate that spring will soon be on its way. Often the first indicators are the insignificant flowers that push their way through bare soil like tiny jewels. If you’re getting married in the springtime, you will know that the abundance of seasonal flowers on offer makes this the most glorious time of year to marry.
Stephanie Saunders is a florist working in the south west and she tells us what she loves most about creating wedding flowers in the spring.
Probably the most recognisable spring flowers are the Narcissi (daffodil).
Ranging from subtle white and lemon hues, to strong, burnt yellows, they introduce a pop of colour to any design, as well as a heady scent. A cost-effective option, narcissi look lovely in spring bouquets.
Tulips are another typical spring bloom. They offer a massive colour range in both bright jewel-like colours as well as more subtle pastel shades: another cost-effective option. They can be difficult to work with, as the stems continue to grow once cut but they always look lovely.
Ranunculus is one of the loveliest spring flowers. A mass of papery thin petals tightly packed together that come in a wide range of colours.
Anemones resemble poppies - simple and delicate petals with a dark, velvety centre. They are at their peak season in spring and look lovely when combined with other spring favourites. Once again they come in a range of colours but I think they look their best in the richer tones.
Hyacinths are highly fragrant spring flowers, formed from a mass of waxy florets. Some of the delicate colours hyacinths offer make them a must for a spring wedding – including white, pink and blues, though my favourite is the soft lilac variety.
Muscari is a real spring gem. A pretty china blue flower variety with delicate clusters of teeny tiny bell shaped heads. A very pretty choice for a spring bridal bouquet, and looks lovely when combined with other spring favourites.
I've saved my absolute favourite for last... the Lily of the Valley. I’ve seen a recent rise in its popularity, since the Duchess of Cambridge chose it for her bouquet. Possibly the most beautiful, sweet scent, it is a real luxury to use this in your floral design. A cluster of dainty, pure white bells will add a fluffy texture to any bouquet and it looks lovely when combined with statement flowers such as Roses and Peonies. It’s a real treat and I would happily add it to every bouquet if I could. This is a touch of luxury though as it can be quite expensive, even when in peak season.
Stephanie advises that couples are honest with their florist about their budget, allowing him or her to guide you on where best to spend in order to create maximum impact. “Flowers in season are usually the most reasonable in price. We can source flowers out of season but the quality can be compromised and the price of them shoots up.”
It’s all about communication – if you see blooms that you like, let your florist know. Stephanie says, “Make sure you talk often with your florist about the overall look you’re keen on achieving. This may make the design change from time to time but if you see a particular flower used at your friend’s wedding or in an arrangement that you like, take a photo and send it across to them. They should be able to advise you about where it could fit into the design.
Remember it is your florist’s job to create a design perfect for your wedding that is exactly what you want. This is achieved with communication and changes to the design should be accommodated.”
A venue such as Clevedon Hall has scope for floral arrangements large and small – see our wedding gallery to source ideas for your wedding flower plans. If you like what you see and would like to book, please get in touch with our wedding concierge on 01275 778004.
Stephanie Saunders Floral Design