Pantone’s Guide to the Spring Colours of 2016

Ready for a colourful Spring wedding?

Yes, we know that we are stuck in the middle of winter. But let’s turn a blind eye to the drop in temperature and look on the bright time of the year: Spring. And in terms of wedding decoration one thing is sure: It will be colourful – but soft. Our colour expert and trend forecaster Pantone Color Institute has recently named the top 10 Spring trend colours. With Buttercup and Peach Echo included, the bride will be spoiled for choice. And of course, we want to share the entire colour palette with you. Enjoy!

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Pantone’s Executive Director Leatrice Eiseman

Colours of the Year: Rose Quartz and Serenity

Always included in the Spring’s Fashion Color Report is the Pantone Colour of the Year. For 16 years the Pantone Color Institute has been annually selecting the Colour of the Year, a colour that reflects the global Zeitgeist. “What we do is try to read the pulse of the public,” says Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute. Therefore, a colour expert team led by Eiseman literally comb the world looking for new colour influences. And this year for the first time in history, Pantone has decided to shake things up and give us not one, but two Colours of the Year: Rose Quartz Pantone 13–1520 and Serenity Pantone 15-3919. As its name suggests, Rose Quartz is a gentle pink pastel tone that conveys compassion and composure. Serenity, as a pastel blue tone, comforts with a calming effect bringing feelings of respite and relaxation even in turbulent times.  According to Eiseman the two colours reflect well being, order and tranquillity: “With the whole greater than its individual parts, joined together Serenity and Rose Quartz demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace.”

And those pastel pink and soft blue are true wedding must haves: Their pastel transparency can be used in the selection of fantastic accessories to the wedding. Invitations, menu cards, flowers, room and table decorations can be optimally designed in the Colours of the Year. As an idea: Serenity can be drawn as a sky-blue string through the entire areas or as a background colour of the invitations. For those who like romance will immediately take the Rose Quartz flowery embroidery ideas on the tablecloth to their heart. Add silver for some splash and sparkle.

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Pantone’s Rose Quartz
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Pantone’s Serenity

Behind the scenes

The Pantone Fashion Color Report launches traditionally on the first day of New York Fashion Week and presents the ten most important trend colours of women’s and men’s fashion for the upcoming year, which the designers are using in their upcoming collections. As a tribute to the beauty of natural resources the colours of this year serve as a vehicle to promote relaxation, curiosity and exploration. “Yet with our culture still surrounded by so much uncertainty, we are continuing to yearn for balance by incorporating those softer shades that offer a sense of calm and relaxation,” explains Eiseman. “The colour palettes of this season transport us to a happier, sunnier place where we feel free to express a wittier version of our real selves.” The designers were inspired by the contrast of urban design and by vegetation. This results in surprising colour combinations. The collections remind of architecture and travel and bring a sense of nostalgia with it. Designers took for example inspirations from the destination Cuba to play with courageous colour statements and coupling these vibrant hues with quieting, classic and more natural tones. But here is no clear difference between the colour palette for men and women – Unisex is trend:

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Pantone’s Serenity

PANTONE 16­1548 Peach Echo:

The fashion and design communities, and consequently, consumers, have been in love with orange for several seasons. Coming to the fore this Spring: Peach Echo, a shade that emanates friendlier qualities, evoking warmth and accessibility. Whether you incorporate this beautiful orange hue as a subtle accent or as the dominant colour, it will be sure to add an on-trend and bright addition to your wedding decor.

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Pantone’s Serenity

 

PANTONE 19-4049 Snorkel Blue:

Playing in the navy family, but with a happier, more energetic context, the maritime inspired, Snorkel Blue implies a relaxing vacation and encourages escape – perfect for a destination or coastal wedding.

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Pantone’s Serenity

 

PANTONE 12-0752 Buttercup:

While the majority of the Spring/Summer palette trends toward calmness, a few diversions from the theme emerge that offer a contrast. With Buttercup, designers reveal a shining beacon transporting its wearer to a happier, sunnier place. The high energy Fiesta is a harbinger of excitement, encouraging free-spirited exploration to unknown but welcoming locales – perfect for that adventurous and energetic couple!

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Pantone’s Serenity

 

PANTONE 13-4810 Limpet Shell:

A shade of aqua that leans toward the green family, Limpet Shell is clear, clean and defined. Suggestive of clarity and freshness, its crisp and modern influences evoke a deliberate, mindful tranquillity. Limpet Shell would make an ideal colour for more intimate weddings with your nearest and dearest close.

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Pantone’s Serenity

 

PANTONE 17-1564 Fiesta:

The high energy Fiesta is a harbinger of excitement, encouraging free-spirited exploration to unknown but welcoming locales.

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Pantone’s Serenity

 

PANTONE 16-3905 Lilac Gray:

As in most any season, the need for neutrals in the beige and grey family arises. The subtlety of the lilac undertone in Lilac Gray adds a distinctive edge to this classic grey shade.

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Pantone’s Serenity

 

PANTONE 15-1040 Iced Coffee:

Iced Coffee is a transitional colour that will take us through the season as another strong neutral. With its natural earthy quality, the softness and subtlety of Iced Coffee creates a stable foundation when combined with the rest of this season’s palette.

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Pantone’s Serenity

 

PANTONE 15-0146 Green Flash:

Green Flash calls on its wearer to explore and escape the mundane, radiating an openness that combines with the rest of the palette in unexpected but serendipitous ways. The popularity of this brilliant hue is representative of nature’s persistent influence even in urban environments, a trend continuing to inspire designers.

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Pantone’s Serenity

 

 

Happy Planning! For more styling tips head over to our ‘Tips and Tricks’ page for more inspiration. 

Q & A With Kate Moss’s Florist Vic Brotherson

Vic Brotherson, owner and founder of the hugely popular London flower shop Scarlet & Violet, shares all her greatest tips and insights with Bridebook in this wonderful Q&A. From Star Wars buttonholes to ‘meadowy’ flowers to essential budgeting secrets – this is definitely one of our juiciest Q & As yet!

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All pictured flowers by Scarlet & Violet.

How would you describe your signature style?

Gosh I have answered this question a few times and I still find it hard to put into words! I hope our signature are flowers that feel natural, uncontrived and meadowy, using blooms and greens that are interesting, detailed and textural . We arrange them as much as we can as if they have been picked and gathered from the garden, selecting tones and shapes that work alongside each other to build up to the finished bouquet or arrangement. It’s a bit like painting or drawing – layering and making sure that each stem has an impact whether just a subtle shadow or a shot of colour – each bunch is different and every day has its new beauties. We definitely tend to favour the more feminine, softer colours if left to our own choices.

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Vic’s signature style is natural and meadowy… and we love it!

What is your #1 tip for a bride deciding on flowers?

I can’t resist giving more than one! My top tips include looking at everything you can and seeing what you love, and making sure that the flowers you adore are available at the time of year of your wedding before you set set your heart on them. Choose your dress and venue first as these may have an impact on the colours and style of the flowers. If you’re not sure look at both options made into bouquets – brights or softs – and trial them by taking them home and have a posing hour in front of the mirror! See which works with your skin tone and wedding dress colour. Take pics, see what looks good in photos – this is the crucial thing as so much of the day is about creating beautiful memories. Keep an open mind don’t be too set on specific flowers, as you may see something when you go to the flower store that changes everything. Don’t be nervous or scared of looking at everything as even the most novice of flower buyers suddenly has a favourite and it’s always surprising you have more of an idea of what you love than you would imagine.

How do you add character to a men’s buttonhole?

I’m probably not the best at this as I do favour timeless flowers – I definitely encourage the gents to get involved and choose what they love, be it a bundle of herbs or a rose bud colour that they love- again I am always surprised at how suddenly the choices are made once there are actual flowers to look at, hold and smell. It can all get quite specific for these tiny little bundles but then again they are the only male element to the flowers so most chaps suddenly speak out. We have used star wars characters, scrabble letters, badges, tied with a variety of ribbons and embraced a few different nations with a nod to various cultures with native flowers and foliages – men’s buttonholes can be fun but remember they should not be overwhelmingly large. (Read more about grooms attire in our article here).

What is your best flower budgeting tip?

Get everything else right first, chairs and tables, linens etc. Think about anything else that’s going on the table too and where you are up to budget and space wise and work backwards- there are lots of ways to economise on flowers – be clever with single stems, be inventive with inexpensive blooms and foliage, be careful about doing them yourself as it can be too much. Be upfront about your ideal budget and then its up to us to make sure that the flowers are the most beautiful and suitable to work within that.

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The free and natural style lends itself perfectly outdoor weddings

Can you describe the most challenging assignment you’ve had?

I can’t think of one where I have felt any more frightened than usual – I am still nervous every wedding we do – I take what we do very seriously and not until it is all under way does my Saturday turn into a relaxed afternoon and I can breathe again!

What was your favourite moment from Kate Moss’s wedding?

Seeing the bridesmaids walk down the meadow walkway outside the church, that was my breathe again moment.

Whose wedding would you most like to do the flowers for – past, present or future?

My daughter, Betsy- a while to go yet but then I’ll be able to make all my favourites – so she’ll have to get married early June!

What was your favourite moment from your own wedding?

I’ve been married for 20 years – I was a florist and we got married early July so we had boxes and boxes of English delphinium for the church all down the aisle – it was such a memorable moment- the rest of the flowers were pretty minimal which just goes to show really that it’s just picking the right bits to focus on as there are flowery moments and none flowery moments.

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Pair long stemmed and wild flowers with a variety of glass vases and you have the perfect vintage look

Happy Planning!

Etsy Spills Top Decorating Tips to Bridebook

So you’re planning your big day. With the help of Bridebook.co.uk’s super powerful Budget tool and über-comprehensive Checklist, you’ve got the key areas down: Venue, check! Car, check! Partner, check! Now it’s onto the fun bits, looking for those final touches to make your day unique and well… perfect. Etsy’s got your back – with an ever-growing selection of creative individuals designing some beautiful pieces to help dress your day, we’ve pulled together a mighty fine selection of bits and bobs to spark your imagination.

 

Edible wedding favours

Firstly, you want to leave a personal touch on the table for your guests. What better way to welcome them than with a delicious sweet treat? From gold leaf marshmallows from Yolk to luxury chocolates from Lynda Jane Cakes and the Whimsical Cake Company, it’s the perfect way to add a personal touch and give a taster of what’s to come!

Bridebook.co.uk Etsy picks wedding favours

Table Numbers

The table plans are complete – you’ve sorted out who’s sitting next to Uncle Fred and you’ve gone all Paddy McGuinness with pairing the singles. To make sure to avoid any unnecessary drama, accompany each table with table cards – and I’m not talking Sharpie on a Post-it note here. Feast your eyes on these pretty creations: these hand-calligraphed Kraft table numbers from Ivy & Inks are ideal for chic urban celebrations these tag shaped numbers from Creationery are perfect for rustic receptions, whilst this cute love-heart design from The Lovely Drawer is a super-easy design you can print at home!

Bridebook.co.uk Etsy table number picks

Confetti

Confetti is a MUST HAVE. However the days of cut tissue paper are long gone. Think Harry-Potter-pages-cum-confetti from Roseberry Store, dried flowers from Lotus Floral Art and heart shaped pieces of London Sparkle floating through the air . Take a look at the selection below.

Bridebook.co.uk Etsy confetti picks

Extras

I’m sure you’ve got plenty of ideas for your table but see below a few extras that would really add an extra special touch. Place a jar of boozy sweets from HollyLollies on the table, get creative with these table card holders from Handmade by Mamas and finish off the night with some celebratory sparklers with punny tags from Creative Paper Makes *safety first people*.

Bridebook.co.uk Etsy top Picks Extras 

 

Happy Planning!

Q & A With Legendary British Florist Simon Lycett

As the head of one of the UK’s most revered and popular floral decorating teams, Simon J Lycett‘s Q&A has everything a bride could possibly want – from ingenious inspiration to no-nonsense wedding budget guidance this is one piece you definitely won’t want to miss. 

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The legend, Simon Lycett himself

How should a bride begin identifying her style?

The diverse range of tastes and styles of our clients and their chosen wedding settings  provide a real “kick start” to ideas for décor and design for the individual event. It’s all in the detail and and I adore getting carried away so that the thoughts and dreams of the bride and groom are manifested in their special day with little touches in the decorations to reflect their lives which are now entwined.

Simple or grand is not important, quality is my motivating force in all things. And whatever your style, presentation is EVERYTHING! From the simplest stem of garden rose within an antique French confiture jar to a vast stone urn of orchids, keep the finish and the execution immaculate – although it may look casual and spontaneous, to achieve perfection, everything needs to be planned, practised and polished!

What are your recommendations for a bride choosing her colour scheme?

When choosing your colour palette discount NOTHING and enjoy everything, surprising combinations work really well. Never be shy of mixing colour and if someone tells you that certain colours do not work together, tell them to look to nature for inspiration, the wings of a butterfly or the plumage of a humming bird and then see what does or doesn’t work together!

Where do you think is the best place for a bride to find inspiration?

The incredible seasonal raw materials that we work with – namely the foliage, flowers, plants and fruits available to us provide endless inspiration and food for thought.

What’s your top tip for making a flower budget go further?

Celebrate with seasonal flowers which are more reasonably priced and always resonate within a setting so well. Sometimes less is more, but often masses is best! I like the flowers at a wedding to always give you a “floral cuddle” and minimal just never manages to do so! Broad brush-strokes are what make impact so go with one large decoration rather than three small ones and you’ll still achieve the Wow! factor!

Enjoy exploring the textures and tones of fruits and vegetables. A few architectural artichokes arranged within a bowl of roses give masses of style and substance and makes a clever statement without adding fortunes to the budget! Buttermilk and yellow spray roses, vibrant green alchemilla mollis and blousy cream peonies, when arranged within glass vases filled with fresh Amalfi lemons suddenly become a cool and contemporary statement, giving a fresh citrusy “pop” of colour.

Whatever your budget, plant material must be the best available in perfect condition. Damaged flowers look sad to the naked eye but within a photographer’s lens each imperfection will shout!

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Courtesy of Simon Lycett

What should brides consider when selecting their bouquet?

Be aware that many images within Bridal magazines have had colours tweaked in photoshop! So trust your florist when they say that certain coloured flowers are or are not available! And bear in mind that many photoshoot bridal flowers are a whimsical bit of fun which while looking good for a 10 minute photo-shoot, will not really last as a bouquet for an actual wedding because they will wilt and deteriorate quickly.

Bear in mind that a traditional, wired bouquet will take much longer to create than a tied bouquet, so will be considerably more expensive, however with no natural stems, there is no fear of marking a pale coloured dress!

As I hand over their bouquet on the morning of the wedding I always tell brides to carry their bouquet low, with relaxed arms, as it makes Brides look taller. And to walk slowly!

How important is scent when considering your wedding flowers?

The scent of herbs should never be overlooked when planning a wedding, especially in the bouquets and buttonholes. Few commercially grown flowers have a great deal of fragrance these days so add in some subtle scent with sprigs of rosemary and lavender, leaves of bay and sprigs of thyme.  Or conjure some romance with charming scented narcissi and hyacinths, tulips, hellebores and muscari.

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Courtesy of Simon Lycett

Happy Planning!

Love Simon’s tips? Check out his amazing work and book him for your own wedding through his Bridebook profile!

How to Save Money on Wedding Decor

The decorations you have at your wedding bring your venue and theme together and tie in the personalities of you and your spouse-to-be. The beautiful thing about wedding decor is that it can be as grand or as subtle as you like. You can choose anything from huge lettering that spells out your new shared surname, or something small like fairy lights around doorframes or découpage table numbers.

Whatever you choose to do, it’ll likely add at least a little to your overall budget. In the UK, couples spend an average of almost £1,500 on professionally-sourced wedding decor. This probably sounds like a lot, especially when you consider that the average total cost of a wedding in the UK is £20,775.

But, if you don’t have this much budget to dedicate towards decor, that’s ok – it doesn’t mean you’ll have to settle for the bare minimum, or worse , no decorations at all. There are plenty of ways you can cut costs while still having a fabulously decorated wedding venue. In this post, we’re going to explore the many ways you can save money on wedding decor so you stay on-budget. 

Do you need to spend a lot on your wedding decor?

Photo © The Rustic Wedding Company | See their Bridebook profile

No, you don’t need to spend a lot on wedding decor, especially if having an extravagantly-decorated wedding isn’t a priority for you and you’re on a budget. The average amount spent by couples in the UK may be almost £1,500, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend that much. Every wedding is different, from the venue to the theme, so you might not need or want to spend much on decor.

10 ways to save money on wedding decor

Photo © Emily K Weddings | See their Bridebook profile

As we’ve already highlighted, you don’t need to spend a lot to have a beautifully- decorated wedding venue if you can’t or don’t want to. Below are 10 tips and tricks for how to save money on wedding decor and still wow your guests.

1. Choose a venue that suits your theme and style

Photo © Luxury Events Group | See their Bridebook profile

When choosing your wedding venue, you should consider the style and theme you want to go for and how easy it’ll be to make sure they align. If you want a modern theme but hire a rustic venue, you’ll likely have to spend a lot on decor to make that happen. Choosing a venue that’s already in line with the look you want to go for will help cut costs when it comes to decor.

2. Choose a venue that doesn’t need additional decor

Photo © One Splendid Day | See their Bridebook profile

Some venues already ooze class and beauty, which means yours might not need additional decor at all – it might already have stunning floral displays. It might also have the perfect lighting or decor and be practically wedding-ready as it is. Choosing a venue that has plenty of natural beauty is one way to achieve this, such as a park, garden, beach or historical house.

Alternatively, search Bridebook’s comprehensive wedding venue directory for ‘blank space’ venues. They’re literally a blank canvas for you to work with, which means you won’t need to spend any extra money hiding features you don’t like, or battling against a pre-existing style. You’ll instead have all the freedom to bring in your own elements and design, and create a wedding that’s truly unique and personal to you and your partner.

3. Go for the minimalist approach

Photo © Ambience Venue Styling | See their Bridebook profile

Keeping your wedding decor minimalistic is a great way to have a simple yet modern style, and will also keep costs down. Keep your tables simple and elegant by leaving them free of clutter, and double up by using your wedding favours as decorations. A lovely jar of homemade jam or specially-wrapped cookies with a simple label can also be an affordable and small – yet eye-catching – name card.

Creative use of wedding colours is also a simple way to keep costs down but still make decor pop. Whether it’s flowers or ribbons, a brighter colour will always grab your guests’ attention, so you won’t need to spend a lot on decorations. A bright colour against a muted background will create a very bold look. 

4. Let your flowers do the talking

Photo © The Wedding & Events Lounge | See their Bridebook profile

As part of our ultimate wedding budget breakdown, flowers and decorations aren’t included in the same category, which means you’ll have to budget separately for each. But, the good news is, there are ways you can make the most of your wedding flowers so that they have double the use.

Why not use the bridal bouquets as decorations? As soon as everyone sits down at the breakfast and all the photos are taken, the bouquets get forgotten, so strategically place them as table centrepieces. You may even want to let your florist know your plans beforehand – that way they can work with you to create bouquets that you can later reuse. Most of your guests will be none the wiser!

5. Pick the perfect centrepieces

Photo © Pure Elegance Weddings & Events Limited | See their Bridebook profile

Your guests will spend a few hours sitting at their table as they enjoy some drinks, food and the speeches. That means they’ll spend a good portion of their day facing the centre of their table. So, you could focus your decorating efforts on picking the perfect centrepieces to make a lasting impression.

While flowers are a popular choice of centrepiece, you could also consider glowing lanterns, unique terrariums or towering candelabras.

6. Don’t get carried away

Photo © Linen & Lace | See their Bridebook profile

Just because your wedding venue is big enough for 80 guests doesn’t mean you should feel pressured to fill every single inch of space. It can be easy to get carried away, but try to look at your venue from the perspective of a guest – they won’t be expecting a multi-sensory theme park-level experience, after all.

Think about the important spaces and where guests will spend most of their time. Less is often more, so don’t feel the need to cram in as many decorations as you can.

7. Opt for DIY decor

Photo © Stories Event Hire | See their Bridebook profile

If you start early enough, you’ll be able to save hundreds by designing your own personalised wedding decorations. You could ask around to see if any family or friends have some old craft supplies hanging around, which means you’ll save even more money. With some ribbon and a few pieces of fabric, you’ll be able to create one-of-a-kind bunting. Or with some coloured paper and glue, you can turn cardboard numbers into bright and cheery découpage table numbers.

Paper decorations are particularly cost-effective, not to mention versatile. Think homemade paper chains, origami cranes, streamers, confetti, bunting, tablecloths. Consider making some of your flowers from paper too, perhaps with pages from your favourite books or music scores from your wedding playlist.

Instead of buying or renting chair covers, which can be expensive, and become messy once everyone has sat on them, use wide ribbons instead. Wrap these in a big bow on the back of each chair and voila. This will be much cheaper and add an elegant touch at the same time. 

DIY decorations aren’t just an affordable option, but also a very popular one. According to our 2024 UK Wedding Report, 63% of couples married in 2023 opted for DIY decorations, so you won’t be alone if you go down the DIY route! You can’t necessarily expect to get the same quality of design and attention to detail as professionally-sourced decor (after all, you get what you pay for!), but if you’re on a budget and keeping costs down is your top priority, it can be a great choice. 

8. Don’t choose personalised decorations

Photo © Princess Occasions | See their Bridebook profile

Bespoke decorations are naturally among the most expensive, as they have to be carefully designed and crafted by a professional, which can take time, and also require specialist luxury materials and equipment. So, if you want to save money, and are happy to forgo the personalisation, why not choose an existing design that fits in with the venue and your colour scheme? Off-the-shelf decor won’t be as personal to you, but it’s much cheaper. As a bonus, you could also sell it after the wedding and make some of your money back.

9. Reuse and recycle

Photo © Betty Loves Vintage | See their Bridebook profile

Buy your decor second-hand. Lots of new husbands and wives will be selling their decor on auctioning and repurposing sites for lower prices: take advantage of this. Similarly, utilise second-hand fairs and junk sales – as they say, one couple’s rubbish is another couple’s treasure. These are especially good if you’re going for a slightly eclectic look where you don’t need 10 matching items, but just enough items under an umbrella theme.

You could even take it one further and repurpose items you would ordinarily throw out. For example, instead of throwing out empty jars, why not soak them in water to remove the label, then fill them with cheap, battery-powered fairy lights? It’ll cost you very little but look beautiful as the evening sets in.

10. Rent or borrow items

Photo © Twilight Trees | See their Bridebook profile

Try renting instead of buying whatever wedding decorations you need to save as much money as possible (and also reduce waste). Lots of styling and prop suppliers are able to sort everything out for you with a professional vision. There’s also every chance your wedding venue may also have some available.

Alternatively, you could ask friends and family to dig out their old decorations or have a look at what they have buried at the back of their garage or deep within the loft. There may just be something hidden away that you’ll be able to make great use of as a unique piece of decor.

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19 Questions To Ask Your Florist

Bridebook.co.uk- holding a pale pink bouquet
By Allister Freeman

Flowers, flowers everywhere! Choosing the flowers for your wedding is so much fun – gorgeous blooms, wonderful scents, how could you not love it? But take note, picking a florist is like choosing another person to marry – there must be trust and a shared vision. To make sure you find the right person, we’ve put together a list of questions to help you. So off you sniff.

Bridebook.co.uk- bridesmaids holding up their wedding bouquets
By Chris Giles Photography

1) Can I see some examples of flower arrangements that you have done for other weddings? Can I contact the couples for references?

You want to see if you can imagine having these arrangements at your own wedding and to find out how cooperative and helpful the florist was with other couples.

2) Is there a specific style you prefer to work in?

Florists tend to have distinctive styles, from rustic arrangements of hand-tied bouquets and garden flowers, to classic arrangements of roses and khala lillies, to minimalist single long stem arrangements.

3) Are you available on my chosen wedding date?

If they are booked up, there’s not much you can do. You don’t want to become too attached to a florist until you know they are available on your Wedding Day!

4) Will you be working on any other weddings on my selected date?

You want to make sure they can dedicate enough attention to you and avoid making any mistakes because they are distracted or wanted elsewhere.

Bridebook.co.uk- wedding bouquets piled onto a table
By Chris Giles Photography

5) What flowers are in season during my wedding month?

Seasonal flowers are by far the easiest way to save on your wedding! Remember, peonies only bloom for one month and khala lilies have to be imported in, which means both are more expensive than other blooms!

6) What is available to me on my budget?

Note – an experienced florist can always come up with plenty of gorgeous alternatives, like cabbage roses instead of peonies!

7) Have you worked at my venue before? If not, are you available for a consultation and will you charge for it?

A florist will have an eye for knowing which arrangements will look best in a space and where they should be placed for maximum effect.

8) Is there a limit on the distance that you are willing to travel? Would I need to pay travel expenses?

Ask this to avoid any unexpected expense!

Bridebook.co.uk- wedding flowers on mantelpiece
By Fiona Kelly

9) Would you be willing to make a mock-up bouquet?

This is a great idea to test whether your florist understands your vision and to see how the potential bouquet might look with your dress.

10) Do you provide any other accessories, like vases and candles? If you do, how much are they or are they included in the price?

Some florists offer extras you may want on your wedding day. Make sure you enquire with them what they are and how much they will be!

11) Where will your flowers be delivered to and who will be setting them up?

Ideally, it should be the florist that you are meeting with, but they could send a representative. Make sure you know who to expect so you are not surprised on the day!

12) How much time will it take to set the flowers up at the venue?

You don’t want to be walking down the aisle at the same time as your florist! Make sure you tell the florist what time the ceremony and reception both start to ensure the flowers are ready on time!

Bridebook.co.uk- bright wedding bouquet lying on ferns
By Chris Giles Photography

13) If separate, how much would it cost to move the flowers from the ceremony to the reception venue?

It is usually better for your florist to do the moving of blooms between venues, as they will be able to do this without damage and at the quickest speed possible.

14) Are all the flower options customised or are there set packages?

If you have a set vision of how you want your blooms arranged, we suggest you find a florist who is flexible and will incorporate your ideas without breaking the bank!

15) Are you happy to work with my cake maker if I want to decorate the cake with flowers?

It is a lot cheaper to have your cake decorated with real flowers than sugar arrangements, so make sure the two vendors cooperate and that your cake compliments the overall look of your wedding.

16) Will you collect all of your equipment after the wedding?

Florists will often provide vases and sometimes candles, so you will want to know whether you are in charge of getting these back or not.

Bridebook.co.uk- wedding bouquets in cupboard
By Chris Giles Photography

17) How far in advance should I order the flowers?

Bear in mind that out of season flowers will be more difficult to obtain and might require more time.

18) What are the breakage and refund policies?

Florists occasionally offer refunds in the unlikely event of any damage to their flowers before the Wedding Day commences. It may be worth asking if your chosen florist offers this just incase!

19) When should I pay the full sum? Should I pay in cash or with a cheque?

Note to self: If cash, organise someone who can pay on the day.

Happy Planning!

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How Much Do Wedding Flowers Cost? The 2024 Average Revealed

Wedding flowers are a major part of the day for most couples: it’s one of the big questions you get from family and friends alike. Have you set the date? Have you got your dress? What flowers are you going to have?

However, the flowers you have at your wedding will often go much further than the bridal bouquet. There are also flowers for the bridesmaids, table centrepieces, gifts for the new in-laws, corsages, flower girls… if you choose to, your wedding could have enough flora to rival the Chelsea Flower Show.

But how much do wedding flowers cost? In this post, we’re going to discuss everything from bouquets to boutonnières, including the average cost of wedding flowers, what’s included, and the cost of the most common wedding flowers.

What’s the average cost of wedding flowers?

Photo © Foxgloves & Roses | See their Bridebook profile

While not one of the biggest costs to think about during your wedding, in our ultimate wedding budget breakdown you can discover that the average cost of wedding flowers in the UK is around £1,110.

Of course, this figure can vary dramatically depending on what you’re looking for. The bigger and bolder you go, the more you might expect to pay. Similarly, if you’re looking for less flora and more fauna at your wedding, the cost of your flowers will be much lower.

Regardless of your budget, there are still plenty of options out there so you get stunning flowers for your wedding. The budget levels can be broken down as:

  • Affordable – From £350
  • Moderate – £1,000 – £1,500
  • Luxury – £1,500- £2,000
  • Super luxury – From £2,000

What does this cost include?

Photo © The Floral Editor | See their Bridebook profile

What exactly is included in the cost of your wedding flowers depends on the vendor, so go in with the right questions to ask your florist before making your final decision.

The average cost will be made up of a package that likely includes:

  • 1 x Bridal Bouquet
  • 2 x Bridesmaids Bouquets
  • 6 x Buttonholes
  • 2 x Large Vase Arrangements for the Ceremony
  • 1 x Arrangement for the registrar’s table
  • 8 x Reception Flowers for 8 tables

Also included in that overall cost will be:

  • Consultation
  • Design
  • Conditioning and prepping the flowers
  • Accessories (for example, vases and mirrors)
  • Delivery
  • Installation

What’s the average cost of a wedding bouquet?

Photo © The Flower Alchemist | See their Bridebook profile

The average cost of a wedding bouquet is £80. Generally, the cheapest option is a hand-tied bouquet (perfect for a rustic wedding), as it doesn’t require intricate wiring from the florist and the flowers tend to have longer stems which are easier to manipulate. In contrast, a cascading bouquet needs wiring to achieve that gorgeous waterfall look and can add a significant amount to your budget.

For more information, check out our post on how to save money on your wedding flowers.

Why do wedding flowers cost so much?

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When it comes to choosing your wedding flowers, you’re not going to want the same kind of arrangements you’d have at home day-to-day – it’s your wedding day after all. Whereas usually you might be happy with a bunch of supermarket flowers – or perhaps something from the local florist when you’re feeling fancy – your wedding flowers will be big, bold, beautiful and in keeping with the rest of your day. There are also a lot of individual arrangements needed to fit a very specific brief – which ‘off the shelf’ arrangements might not meet.

Wedding flowers cost so much because:

  • You’re receiving a bespoke, personalised service
  • They take florists a long time to design
  • Delivery and setup can be time-consuming
  • Flowers are often fairly pricey anyway

This is all not to say that, even if you have a budget below the average, your flowers won’t be stunning – far from it. Here at Bridebook, we have a huge choice of amazing florists who can work with budgets of all sizes. However, there are reasons why your specific choices might bump up the price.

What factors affect the cost of wedding flowers?

Photo © Stucio & Waow | See their Bridebook profile

Almost three-quarters of all couples hire a professional florist when planning their wedding. Flowers may be an expensive part of the big day, but for many couples they’re imperative. However, many factors can affect the cost of your wedding flowers that, if you’re mindful, can keep you within your budget.

Seasonality

Depending on the time of year you’re getting married, some flowers may be more common than others. The more in-season your flowers are, the more affordable they’ll be. They’re also more environmentally friendly that way, too.

Great seasonal flowers include:

  • Spring: Tulips, Sweetpeas, Snapdragons
  • Summer: Freesias, Irises, Dahlias
  • Autumn: Roses, Hydrangeas, Clematis
  • Winter: Carnations, Chrysanthemums, Orchids

The type of flowers

Roses may be the traditional wedding flower, but they’re also some of the most expensive, particularly if you’re keen on unique colours. Alternatives, such as hydrangeas offer stunning, colourful blooms but can be more budget-friendly. For more information read our guide to popular wedding flowers and their meaning.

Skill and experience

It may seem obvious, but a skilled and experienced florist with decades of experience will cost more than someone new to the industry.

Flower blooms

Believe it or not, another factor that can affect the cost is the physical appearance of your chosen blooms. For example, orchids only have a two-inch stem and will require a faux stem if you want to add them to your bouquet. This is intricate, time-consuming work that can bulk up the price. They do look beautiful though…

Sources

Are your chosen flowers available from UK suppliers? Since the UK left the EU, it’s more expensive to import flowers from Europe, while British-grown flowers are more affordable.

Home-grown flowers are also more environmentally friendly. Florists that utilise sustainable, British-grown flowers include Flowers by Imogen, Pesh Flowers and Flower & Farmer.

Accounting for delicate flowers

When you order arrangements that include delicate flowers, there is always going to be the risk that they’re damaged, not open, or past their prime. If you ask for a bouquet that includes a dozen roses, your florist will have to over-order to make sure to account for these issues.

What to consider when choosing your wedding flowers

Photo © Old Bricks & Blossom | See their Bridebook profile

Choose a bouquet that fits the size and shape of your dress (if you’re wearing one). For example, the bouquet should be in proportion to the dress – the bigger the dress, the bigger the bouquet. You don’t want a slender, figure-hugging dress to be hidden by a large bouquet, after all. Check out our article on how to choose your wedding flowers to explore even more possibilities. 

Another option to consider is silk flowers. It used to be that silk flowers were considerably cheaper than real ones, however, new technologies mean that silk flower prices often match and sometimes even exceed that of real blooms. On the plus side, they do look incredibly realistic. We recommend getting silk flowers if you are limited by weather, suffer from hay fever or want a permanent keepsake for your wedding day. If you do use fake flowers, be wary that you won’t get the benefit of the smell of the bouquet. Think about a floral perfume that you can use to forever associate with your big day.

Plan your wedding today with Bridebook

Are you starting your wedding planning journey? Sign up to Bridebook and begin planning your wedding today.

And if you’re looking for ways to save money on your wedding flowers, we’ve got plenty of budget-friendly ideas and inspiration to help you keep costs down.

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Happy Planning!

How To: Choose Your Wedding Flowers

Bridebook.co.uk- single pink flower buttonnaire
By Cinzia Bruschini

Now that you know ALL about wedding flowers, let’s delve into deeper bloom(ing) detail with our specially selected tips, so that the flowers you choose will be the best you’ve ever seen.

1) Pinterest

Ahhh Pinterest, the source of endless wedding inspiration/work distraction/a world of awesomeness… but, Pinterest can give you unrealistic expectations. While it is good knowing what flowers you like, don’t expect exact replicas from your florist. A florist is first and foremost an artist and has his or her own vision – so just make sure you have the same one. And create something even better than everything you’ve seen.

Bridebook.co.uk- bride and bridesmaids holding up white and pink bouquets
By Chris Giles Photography

2) Try to be flexible

Yes, in the modern world almost any bloom can be delivered to you at any time of year. However, very occasionally this may not be possible. So be open and welcome to alternatives. You never know, they might be better and cheaper than your originally chosen flowers! Sneaky note: for an earthier feel, look at using only greenery – it can look really beautiful and different and not as high maintenance as fresh flowers!

Bridebook.co.uk- bride and bridesmaids holding wedding bouquets
By Ross Harvey

3) Perfume

While it is easy to choose a flower based on what it looks like, you should also consider what they smell like. Lilies have an incredibly rich scent and if you mix them with another fragrant flower, the effect may be overwhelming. Instead, opt for one dominating scent that won’t become overwhelming in the course of the evening. Your florist will know all about this so be open to their ideas.

Bridebook.co.uk- yellow and white flower wedding bouquet
By Richard Skins Photography

4) Personality

Don’t forget that your flowers should reflect your personality! If you are a person that loves bright and vibrant colours, let your flowers represent that. If you are a romantic and an old soul, then choose your flowers accordingly. Your flowers are as much a part of your décor as your personalised favours and they should tell a story.

Bridebook.co.uk- white flower wedding bouquet on a chair
By Ross Harvey

5) Location

Yes, your flowers should represent you perfectly, however, they also need to work well with your wedding venue! If your reception site has tall ceilings, go for taller flowers to fill up the space. Similarly, if you are getting married somewhere with low ceilings, your flowers shouldn’t crowd the room! Again, your florist will know exactly what to do here so don’t worry, you aren’t meant to know all of this.

Bridebook.co.uk- wedding flower decorations at reception
By Weddings Vintage

6) Colour scheme

If you happen to know the colour scheme of your wedding dress already, make sure to tell your florist! “White” is often not a completely accurate description! Even better, if you know the texture of your dress, or of the bridesmaids dresses, bring some samples!

Bridebook.co.uk- bride and groom with bride holding a pink bouquet
By Anna Clarke Photography

7) Bouquet

So here’s the secret on how to carry your wedding bouquet properly (pass it onto the bridesmaids too!). Don’t hide your waist behind the bouquet as your waist is the narrowest part of your body. Instead, carry the flowers at hip height. For all this to work, your bouquet must be the correct size – again your florist will help with this.

Bridebook.co.uk- bride tossing her wedding bouquet
By Kristian Leven Photography

8) Comfort

Make sure your wedding bouquet is comfortable to hold. You want to look relaxed and beautiful, not like you’re coming to the end of a weight lifting session – sweaty bride probably isn’t what you’re going for. So, talk this through with your florist to make sure you’re comfortable. Same goes for younger bridesmaids or flower girls – you don’t want little munchkins carrying heavy bouquets.

Bridebook.co.uk- bride and bridal party walking to ceremony
By Allister Freeman

9) Photography

Consider how you want your flowers to look in photographs. If you want them to be the dominating pop of colour, or the final subtle touches – think before you purchase! 

Bridebook.co.uk- table number propped up with flowers
By Weddings Vintage

Happy Planning!

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Introduction: Wedding Bouquet Styles

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By Ali Paul

Are you a sucker for flowers – the smell, the colours, the look? Then you’re going to love this bit. Choosing your wedding bouquet is one of the most exciting parts of wedding planning and we can’t wait to guide you through buckets of beautiful flowers in your quest to find the perfect bouquet.

Which flowers?

The first thing you need to decide is which flowers you would like to incorporate. There are a number of ways to make this easier; you can choose by colour to compliment your theme, by season to save some pennies, or by traditional meanings using the “language of flowers”.

Bouquet shapes

Once you have decided on your stunning blooms, it’s time to work out what shape you want. Sneaky tip: we strongly advise keeping your wedding dress at the forefront of your mind. You want your bouquet to compliment the cut and style of your dress. This does not mean that if you have a simple dress you can’t have a massive bouquet and vice versa. Just compliment the lines of your dress and the flowers will flatter your lovely silhouette further.

Bridebook.co.uk- white and orange roses bridal bouquet
By Fiona Kelly

The Posy Bouquet

This is a wonderfully round and usually small bouquet that can be easily held in one hand. There are two options for this arrangement; the loose, when the flower stems are simply tied together, or the structured, when the steams are removed and the flowers are placed in a frame, for a lighter and easier to carry bouquet. Normally accentuated with a gorgeous ribbon, especially for a loose arrangement, where the ribbon holds the flowers together.

Bridebook.co.uk- red roses and bright flowers bridal bouquet

The Biedermeier Bouquet

This stunning bouquet design originates from Switzerland and is a visually striking addition to the bride’s outfit. The flowers are formed in circles going out from the centre. Each circle has differently coloured flowers, or different flowers entirely.

The Arm Sheaf or the Bernhardt Bouquet

This is a gorgeous and more modern alternative to a traditional bouquet. First inspired by the actress Sarah Bernhardt, this bouquet is designed to cradle in the bride’s arm and can be as simple or ornate as the bride chooses.

Bridebook.co.uk- composite flower bouquet white
By Chris Giles Photography

The Composite Flower Bouquet

This gorgeous bouquet requires a lot of craftsmanship and can be a costly accessory. Made out of separate petals and placed in a metal frame, this bouquet creates the look of a single and simply stunning flower.

The Fan Bouquet

This is absolute perfection for the vintage bride (check out Chantelle and Marlon’s beautiful vintage wedding here). This unique and stunning bouquet is built around a real fan, topped with lovely flowers for an unforgettable effect.

The Cascading Bouquet

This is the most traditional and the most formal bouquet, which accessorised Princess Diana’s unforgettable wedding gown. It is designed to cascade from the bride’s arms for a beautiful and mesmerising effect.

Kiss Ball Bouquet or Pomander Bouquet

This adorably named bouquet is a gorgeous ball of flowers, suspended and carried by a ribbon. Though a popular choice for flower girls, adults can definitely accessorise with this lovely design.

Bridebook.co.uk- hand tied bouquet with roses
By Chris Giles Photography

The Noseygay Bouquet

A classic style that goes back to Victorian times, this bouquet is round in shape and consists of tightly packed blooms, often wrapped in organza or a silk ribbon.

The Basket Bouquet

This bouquet would be a charming addition to a rustic or outdoor wedding. While mostly used by bridesmaids, a similar bouquet can be made for the bride with a larger selection of flowers or a differently coloured basket.

The Scepter Bouquet

This bouquet is probably the most dramatic and unusual. It takes the shape of a wand and consists of long stems, making it easy to carry down the aisle. Visually striking, it can be carried by any member of the bridal party and decorated with ribbons, tulle, organza or almost anything you can think of!

Bridebook.co.uk- brooch wedding bouquet
By Weddings Vintage

Happy Planning!

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Introduction: Your Wedding Flowers

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Flowers and weddings have been connected in people’s minds since the age of the Victorians and since the creation of floriography- the language of flowers. The crafty Victorians used the meanings behind flowers to send coded messages to their loved ones!

Bridebook.co.uk- bush rose buttonnaire
By Chris Giles Photography

Flowers are a great way to bring your wedding venue to life, to represent you as a couple, to add some wonderful fragrances to your wedding day and to make a statement. In a world where virtually any flower is available on demand, it can be difficult to make up your mind and select the ones perfect for your wedding.  But don’t worry, that’s what we are here for.  We’ll point you in the right direction, so you can concentrate on choosing what looks pretty!

Bridebook.co.uk- wedding bouquets in jars
By Especially Amy

Budget

On average, wedding flowers will cost around £500. However, the price can range from £100 into the thousands, depending on the complexity of the arrangements and the locations of the florist. But don’t worry, you can go DIY and pick them from someone’s garden if you’d like to – there’s something for everyone. We recommend you start by thinking about the flowers that you like, whether they are long and elegant stems or elaborate and decadent arrangements. This will help you picture your wedding flower arrangements in their entirety and set a definitive budget.

Bridebook.co.uk- wedding flowers in a box
By Ali Paul

Seasons

Once you’ve picked a few of your favourites, consider the season you are getting married in. If you choose to have a winter wedding, then peonies, despite being your favourites, may not be easy or cheap to obtain! Seasonal flowers will be gentler on your budget and they are guaranteed to last longer and look fresher than imported blooms. Similarly, if you are getting married in the spring or summer, think carefully about flower fragrances. Whilst it may sound great to have a reception smelling like a spring meadow, if you or your guests are allergic to pollen, you may want to stay away from richly fragrant flowers. Have a look at some of our favourite bouquet alternatives here.

Timing

We suggest you start choosing your flowers roughly 10 months before your wedding date, by which time you might know your chosen wedding colours. It is important you let your florist know exactly what these are, so that they can start thinking of flowers that will compliment and enhance your decisions. We highly recommend you start your flower journey with the wedding bouquet, as that will be the floral centrepiece and the rest of the arrangements will echo its elements.

Did you know: Some venues don’t allow flowers! Places of worship won’t allow flowers at certain times of the year, just like some venues which host more than one wedding a day, as they may not be able to provide access for flower deliveries.

If you want help on what to do next, click here to see our list of questions to ask your florist.

Bridebook.co.uk- flower bouquet placed on scale
By Chris Giles Photography

Happy Planning!

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