Your West Midlands Wedding- Page number 47 - August/September 2021 (Issue 75)

Floral fancy Meet local florists MEET MEGAN BARRADELL FROM TWIGG FLORAL DESIGN LTD www.instagram.com/twiggflowers | www.twiggflowers.co.uk Q - Tell us about your background – how did you become a florist? I decided to do a City and Guilds Qualification in Floral Design after I was asked to do the flowers for my best friend’s wedding as her florist was taken ill last minute. I loved the creativity of it and working with such beautiful materials. At first, I became disillusioned with turning it into a full- time career as the industry’s poor ecological track record/impact on the environment just didn’t sit well with my own moral viewpoint. It was only after coming across the wonderful Flowers from the Farm Organisation that I began to understand that it was possible to work with only British grown seasonal blooms and foliage, so last year after being offered some land to rent, I decided to sent up Twigg Floral Design Ltd. I now grow around 80 per cent of my stock without using chemicals or single- use plastics and supplement when needed from other British growers. Q - What should couples expect when booking your services? I have a very relaxed, natural style, working with seasonal British flowers and foliage as well as using seed heads, grasses and dried versions to add texture and interest to the designs. I love being able to reflect the couple’s personalities in the blooms I create, using colour and wild elements to make the arrangement unique to them. Q - What’s your favourite wedding arrangement that you’ve made and why? My favourite arrangement to date has to be the eight-metre meadow scape I created for a top table a few years ago. The meadow style really appealed to me and created a talking point for the guests too. I had also been asked to provide some thank you bouquets, so I created the meadow in shorter sections, so each of the main bridal party got to take their very own slice of meadow home with them. Q - How long before the wedding should couples book? As early as possible. I already have bookings for 2023! For small weddings, I would usually need a minimum of one month’s notice, but it does depend on what the couple is looking for and my availability. It can be difficult organising everything, so I will always try to accommodate a last-minute request if I possibly can. Q - What’s your favourite part of the job? I love delivering the bouquets to the bridal party and seeing the bride’s face as she sees her flowers for the first time. It’s such a privilege to play even a small part in their day. I really enjoy it when the couple are open to being more adventurous, and I can get creative. I also like incorporating herbs into my designs and adding layers of scent to the arrangement. Q - Do you have any top tips for couples looking for a florist? Choose someone that reflects your style and understands the type of day you wish to create. Pinterest is great but don’t let those images dictate what you have – it’s your day, so let your flowers reflect that. W e love flowers here at Your West Midlands Wedding, but with so many talented suppliers to choose from it can be a bit overwhelming. To help, we’ve asked local companies more about their businesses. www.sara hbartleetphotography.co.uk Images courtesy of: www.sarahbartleetphotography.co.uk FLOWERS 47