Your London Wedding - January/February 2024 (Issue 93)

74 Afia says, “When celebrating love amidst nature’s embrace, an outdoor wedding ceremony is a delightful choice. However, the whims of weather, especially in the hot summer, can pose challenges for floral arrangements. The vibrant hues of summer blooms can add unparalleled beauty to an outdoor ceremony, but the potential scorch of the sun demands thoughtful consideration. Opt for heat-tolerant flowers such as sunflowers, zinnias, and marigolds. Roses, dahlias and lilies are also excellent heat-resistant choices. These resilient blossoms not only withstand high temperatures but also have a lively charm that compliments the joyous occasion of a wedding. “Secondly, hydration is vital. An experienced florist will work hard to ensure the flowers are well-hydrated before the ceremony, soaking them in water for a few hours before arranging to help them endure the heat. With outdoor ceremonies, we typically arrange flowers in potted plants to retain moisture better. Pots also provide stability in wind and can be moved if needed. This works perfectly when floral arrangements are being repurposed for use in the wedding breakfast area. “Lastly, while you may hope for clear skies when wedding planning, nature has a way of surprising us – especially in Britain. A well-thought-out contingency plan is crucial, and you will need to be mindful that in such a situation, you may need to compromise on your original vision for the design.” Joanna says, “Matt and Shaleen had a lovely outdoor summer wedding at Bingham River House in Richmond. We suggest using lots of wild blooms and a mix of colours for this time of year. With the green garden setting, we could use a handful of June-themed colours. Delphiniums, lavender, roses, cosmos, sweetpeas and allium worked well. Consider using peonies instead of roses at this time of year, some Stocks as an alternative to delphiniums and some sunflowers to complement the summer outdoor theme. For some props, include some vintage doors as an effective feature.” AL FRESCO SETTINGS Bronte says, “For a dreamy outdoor wedding, we recommend selecting a cohesive colour palette that complements the natural surroundings of your wedding. Seasonal blooms enhance the overall aesthetic and match your chosen wedding setting. You can incorporate these chosen flowers into various installations, including arches, walls and centrepieces that can be placed throughout. When outdoors, a gorgeous wedding arch is often favoured as a stunning backdrop to the ceremony but can be just as effective as a part of the reception. Smaller arrangements are beautiful to add to the aisle or as statement pieces to the wedding tables.” © Flewid Marketing www.tomgrovesweddings.co.uk www.tomgrovesweddings.co.uk www.tomgrovesweddings.co.uk

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