Your Devon and Cornwall Wedding - January/February 2021 (Issue 29)

Our regional experts share their top wedding tips HOT TOPIC  IN FULL BLOOM We’re planning a sustainable summer wedding and want some wow-factor flower arrangements using locally grown blooms - what can you suggest? Meet the expert: Lucy Cooper is the creative force behind Wildflower Floristry, a local, independent florist based in Plymouth. Lucy says: The first thing to bear in mind while planning sustainable summer wedding flowers is the varieties themselves. The summer season offers an array of beautiful blooms, all of which lend themselves to many styles and designs. From pretty wildflower daisies, delphiniums and lavender that help create a country garden feel to the beautifully scented garden roses, hydrangeas and peonies best suited to a more classic theme. My top tip when planning your wedding flowers is to pick them according to the season that you’re getting married in. As well as having a greater selection of flowers to choose from, you’ll also get more value for money because flowers grown and picked in season take fewer resources to grow, are much more sustainable and more reasonably priced than those forced to grow out of season. Finding flower suppliers and florists that sell locally grown flowers and plants (or even grow these products themselves) are always worth looking out for. With so many amazing local growers and florists all over Devon and Cornwall, not only do you get top-quality products but you’re also supporting smaller local businesses. Another thing to remember while researching sustainable flower arrangements is to bear in mind the different style of vases, jars and containers available because you can create wow-factor displays using any type of container. For example, you can form a stunning group of flowers and foliage in the middle of each table displayed in pots and jars that you might already have at home which are more sustainable because they’re being recycled. They’ll look effective surrounded by biodegradable natural confetti and strewn flowers that can be picked to suit any colour and theme. This is a great DIY idea if you wanted to have a go at creating some of the decoration yourself and if you select wildlife-friendly plants, then they can be planted in your garden afterwards as a lasting memory of your special day. If you wanted to add some larger arrangements to your ceremony or reception venue, why not ask your event coordinator or florist and see what they have available for hire? This way, you don’t need to buy anything and store it, and the items can be delivered to your venue on the day with no hassle. Larger scale arrangements such as archways, garlands and pedestals can all be made with eco-friendly materials and no plastic, featuring locally grown flora and foliage providing an Insta-worthy backdrop. Wildflower Floristry | 07523 880 568 | www.wildflowerfloristryplymouth.co.uk | www.facebook.com/wildflowerfloristryplymouth EXPERT ADVICE 67