44 detailed flower proposal, vision board and current wholesale costing. If there’s anything that doesn’t sit quite right at this point, we work together to tweak things until you’re happy. I also like to meet my couples in person, so will often arrange a time to meet at the venue in the months leading up to the wedding. “Your flowers will be ordered around 10 days before your wedding and arranged by me and my team in the days leading up to your big day. “In terms of payments and logistics, I ask for an initial deposit to book me, which secures your date, and a final payment in the month before your wedding. Part of your flower proposal will also include what will happen on the day, i.e. set up, bouquet and buttonhole delivery and so on, as well as what to expect the day after. With so much to plan with a wedding, I try to make the flower process, as easy as possible, working with you every step of the way to ensure everything goes smoothly.” Steph Willoughby from Chirpee Flowers (www.chirpee.net) explains their process, which also begins with an initial call to discuss ideas and to see if you’re the perfect match. She says, “Couples often book a couple of years ahead but saying that, we did a wedding with two days’ notice last year! We’ll then send you an invite to our workshop in Hassocks where we can sit down with a very large cuppa and get to know you a little better. We talk through your ideas and come up with a vision in line with your budget. Yes please – we do need to know your budget! It’s amazing how many couples haven’t even thought about this. We’ll then send out an initial proposal based on the floral designs we’ve discussed along with images showing ideas and flower suggestions. “After you’ve thought through the proposal, we ask for an initial payment to secure your date. We review along the way with final reviews around the six-week stage before your big day.” HOW CAN WE ENSURE OUR WEDDING FLOWERS ARE AS SUSTAINABLE AS POSSIBLE? 'TIS THE SEASON Kerrie Bridger from Highgate Florist (www.highgateflorist.co.uk) says, “I’d recommend you start by researching what flowers are in season in the month you’re getting married. Your florist can help you with this. Using seasonal flowers won’t only mean there have been less resources used to grow them, but you’ll also get better quality, as they’re grown without force and as nature intended.” SOURCE LOCALLY GROWN Kerrie continues, “Choosing local flowers to save on your carbon footprint associated with transportation is another great way to make sure you’re being as sustainable as possible. Check out www. flowersfromthefarm.co.uk where you can find flower growers local to you. Many offer wedding services and PYO flowers. Bella says, “There are lots of British flower farms in the UK that grow a diverse range of beautiful, seasonal flowers and foliage that would suit any wedding style. Keeping it local not only supports small businesses but also keeps those pesky air miles down. Do check to see if they offer a wedding flower service or you can ask your florist to go down this route. I tend to use a mix of Dutch flowers and locally grown blooms, often from my own cutting garden. Petra Beaton from Sussex Florals (www.sussexflorals.co.uk) says, “When looking for your florist choose one that’s close to your wedding venue, as this significantly cuts down travel time and cost to and from your venue, not just on the wedding morning but also when visiting with your florist to plan your wedding flower arrangements.” CREATED WITH KINDNESS Dave says, “A big thing for me is using a couple’s budget with integrity and not over selling, so we’re not wasting flowers or using them willy nilly. I’ll always try to give couples ways of using floral displays in different capacities throughout their day, so they get the most out of their money. This then lowers wastage and saves you money in turn.” Kerrie says, “Finding a florist who works with sustainable methods such as using local and home-grown flowers and foam-free designs is the best way forward.” Bella is on the same page, “Talk to your florist about your arrangements and whether they’ll be using floral foam. Foam has many benefits, but it’s not eco-friendly and although suppliers are developing Sussex Florals © laurenbethphotography.co.uk Sussex Florals © laurenbethphotography.co.uk Arabella Floral © www.anitawatsonphotography.co.uk Arabella Floral Highgate Florist Highgate Florist
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