Your Hampshire and Dorset Wedding - July/August 2020 (Issue 81)

PICK OF THE BUNCH We got engaged during lockdown and haven’t even thought about setting the date yet. I know I want masses of lovely flowers, especially peonies as they’re my favourite. I’ve no idea what type of blooms are available at different times of the year though. Can you help? Nicola says: Brides often set their heart on a particular flower only to find it ’ s out of season for the time of year they ’ re getting married. The peony is the queen of bridal flowers, with stunning layers of delicate petals, beautiful form and colours ranging from cream to blush pink and coral, it really does steal the show. The peony has a fairly short season though from May through to the beginning of July and once they ’ re gone, they ’ re gone!! Late summer through to autumn brings the dahlia, which in my opinion is just as stunning as the peony. It comes in more than 400 different types in all shapes, sizes and colours, including many brides ’ favourite the café au lait variety. It has lots of petals and beautiful soft warm tones ranging from cream to pink and apricot. It will blend and complement any of the blush colour palettes and is available from August through to the first frosts in late October early November. Spring provides us with the stunning ranunculus, another popular choice for weddings as it has lots of similar features to the peony, but on a much smaller scale. With very delicate layered petals, there are many different shades to suit most colour schemes and it ’ s available from early January through to April. These are three very popular varieties all very great for weddings and with very distinct seasons. So even if you can ’ t have peonies if you decide to get married in September, don ’ t worry as there ’ s always a lovely alternative to take its place. Nicola Waddilove | Florist | www.petalsandposies.co.uk SEASONAL SWITCHES Images: www.lahuweddingphotography.com We’ve rescheduled our June wedding for the end of the year and are feeling anxious about having to rethink the flowers and other details to fit with a winter theme. Where do we start? Jo says: Changing season for your wedding can feel daunting at first but my advice is to stick with what you like. For example, if you were planning a soft and romantic, blush-rose summer wedding, with a few clever tweaks your vision can be reinvented to provide a romantic mid-winter feel. Adding contrasts with deep red and burgundy tones, swapping foliage for richer deeper shades of greenery and incorporating berries to your décor can create an air of seasonal abundance. Candles will also add warmth to the tables. Your florist will be able to advise on seasonal flowers with similar textures to those you were hoping for and can help you retain many of the elements you first envisaged. Jo Hicks | Florist | www.johicksflowers.co.uk Flowers, johicksflowers.co.uk; Styling: www.linenandlacehire.co.uk; Venue: www.bellinn-newforest.co.uk EXPERT ADVICE 87