FLOWERS 45 better products all the time, if you can avoid and use alternatives that would be best. Most of my arrangements are now foam free, opting for things like chicken wire and Agra wool.” MULTI-PURPOSE Petra says, “One thing that we always recommend at Sussex Florals is to repurpose as many of your flower arrangements as possible. You can use chair aisle bunches or bridesmaids’ bouquets for guest table arrangements or if we’re doing larger scale installations, like arches, we always try to use ones that can be easily moved to the reception area after the ceremony. “Something that’s often missed is what to do with all of the flowers after your wedding day and we always suggest gifting them to guests to take home and getting some of your special arrangements like the bridal bouquet preserved so you can keep it as a keepsake forever.” Bella too shares this ethos, “Where possible think about how you can repurpose your flowers during your wedding, i.e. can your church flowers be moved to your reception venue? And after your wedding, gift your arrangements to family and friends to enjoy – your flowers will have a lot more life in them beyond your wedding. Any that I collect from my weddings are brought back here and composted. The compost created is then used on my cutting garden, so nothing goes to waste. The trend for using dried flowers is showing no signs of slowing down and florists are embracing these beautifully preserved blooms and creating absolutely stunning arrangements. “Not only do they last forever but you can repurpose them,” Bella tells us, “So from a sustainability point of view they’re right up there. Here at Arabella Floral, I love using fresh and dried together to give arrangements wonderful texture and depth. WHAT’S POPULAR IN THE WORLD OF WEDDING FLOWERS? Steph says, “Popular flower choices are somewhat timeless – roses, hydrangeas, peonies, ranunculus, veronica, dahlias, and sunflowers are perennial favourites. However, we love to suggest local seasonal florals to match the month of your wedding such as helenium, love in the mist, cosmos, tulips, agapanthus, and many more. “Flowers with a fragrance are popular, including freesias, lilacs, David Austin roses, stocks, and stephanotis. “When it comes to popular designs broken arches or floral columns are on trend and they’re are easily moveable, cascade wedding bouquets too are having a complete comeback along with spectacular aisle flowers. We’re also finding long banquet table runner designs are much requested. “Dried flowers such as bunny tails are continuing to be popular additions too but a definite no now is pampas.” Kerrie says, “I’m finding more of my clients are opting for the natural style with lots of foliage. As we’re also flower growers many of our brides and grooms like the just-picked-from-the-meadow vibe. “Floating archways are also very popular as this is a great statement piece for the ceremony but can also be moved to the reception and, as it’s in two parts, can decorate most entrances from a church to the front of a marquee.” Chirpee Flowers Highgate Florist Gubbins Sussex © www.amydianaphotography.com Highgate Florist
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