52 Best Wedding Centrepiece Ideas

Centrepieces at a wedding may seem straightforward, but they set the tone for your wedding breakfast and deserve just as much thought as the rest of your decor. In fact, your guests will be looking at this table decoration for the duration of their meal, so it’s important you pick a centrepiece that properly represents the style and feel of your special day.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the options, we’re here to break it down for you. Whether you’re looking for something simple and classic, showstopping, or anything in between— we’re here to help. Check out this list of 52 carefully curated wedding centrepieces to inspire your tablescapes.

What are wedding centrepieces?

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Wedding centrepieces are table decorations placed in the middle of each table during the wedding breakfast, and are the star of the show when it comes to your overall wedding table decor. They help fill the empty space in the centre of the table (hence, centrepiece) and contribute to the overall theme of your wedding.

Wedding centrepieces can be any decorative items that match the theme of your wedding, including flowers, fruit, statues, vintage homeware, or even themed DIY centrepieces. So long as they reflect the theme of your wedding and the personality of the couple, you’re all set! 

Classic centrepiece ideas

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Classic centrepieces are timeless and traditional centrepieces that add elegance and charm to your wedding. Check out these 13 ideas for classic table wedding decor. 

1) Minimalist dried flower arrangements

Try arranging a few stems of dried baby’s breath, blossoms, or dahlias for a beautiful and minimal dried flower arrangement. Present the flowers in a glass bud vase, a small ceramic vase, or even a small glass bottle for a simple and sophisticated finish. 

The benefit of using dried flower centrepieces over fresh flower centrepieces is that they can be prepared in advance of the wedding day and will last much longer than fresh flowers. 

2) Pampas grass in glass vases

Arranging long stems of pampas grass in glass vases is another long-lasting and elegant choice for wedding centrepieces. The great thing about pampas grass is that its neutral colour suits many wedding venues and other wedding accents. Plus, it will add a soft and romantic feel to your wedding day and is one of the cheapest centrepiece options!

3) Floating candles in a glass bowl

Half-fill a large glass bowl with water and gently place scented or unscented candles on top. Light just before guests sit down for their wedding breakfast for a romantic and elegant wedding centrepiece. 

Add water lilies, rose petals, or other floating flowers for extra whimsy and charm. Try to match the flowers to your overall wedding theme for a cohesive look. 

4) A selection of glazed ceramics

Glazed ceramics are a great addition to wedding tables and much more sustainable than traditional floral centrepieces. Try mixing a range of colours, patterns, and sizes on each table for an eclectic look. 

This is a great option for destination weddings in countries known for their ceramics. For example, Greece, Spain, or Italy. Try visiting some local shops before the wedding to pick up unique and authentic local pottery.  

5) Paper flower arrangements

Similarly to dried flowers, paper flowers are beautiful, long-lasting, and eco-friendly options for wedding table decorations. Fully recyclable and usually handmade, paper flower arrangements are a great alternative to fresh flowers. 

Match the colours of the paper flowers to your wedding theme for a unified feel. If you’re feeling extra crafty, try folding the paper flowers yourself!

6) Glass sweet jars

If you have a sweet tooth or love the look of bright, colourful sweet wrappers, this one’s for you! Buy some glass sweet jars in different sizes, shapes, and patterns and fill them with a mix of your favourite sweets. Whether it’s pick-and-mix, hard-boiled sweets, or individually wrapped chocolates, this edible centrepiece is sure to be a winner on your big day. Plus, guests can graze on the sweets after the meal to fuel their dancing.

Pro tip: we don’t recommend this centrepiece for an outdoor, summer, or destination wedding. There would be nothing worse than watching your beautiful, colourful centrepiece melt in front of your eyes!

7) Fairy light-filled birdcages

If you’re planning a whimsical, enchanted, or fairytale theme for your wedding, fairy light-filled bird cages could be the perfect fit. You can find decorative bird cages online or in home decor or charity shops. Buy a few different sizes and styles to add interest.

You’ll then need some battery-operated fairy light packs. You can find these online, in craft shops, and sometimes in supermarkets, so keep an eye out. Gather the fairy lights into a ball and place them inside the birdcage. Switch the packs on right before the guests sit down and keep them on throughout the night for a beautiful addition to the evening.  

8) Foliage table runner

If you prefer greenery and foliage to flowers or blooms, a foliage table runner is the perfect addition to your wedding table decor. 

You’ll need a range of plant greenery to make this work, so collect a variety of leaves and stems to arrange into a runner. Consider using a mix of eucalyptus, ferns, ivy, palm leaves, and olive branches for an interesting arrangement. You could also add moss, sticks, or succulents for extra visual interest. 

9) Small potted trees

Small potted trees are a charming and versatile addition to your wedding decor, especially if you’re aiming for a natural or rustic theme. These miniature trees add height and dimension to your tablescape while infusing it with a touch of greenery and organic beauty.

To create this centrepiece, start by selecting small potted trees such as olive trees, lemon trees, or miniature evergreens. You can find these at local garden centres, supermarkets, or even online retailers specialising in wedding decor. Pop each tree in a decorative pot and place in the centre of your table. If your trees are extra small, consider arranging a few trees together to fill the space. 

10) Flowering branches in a tall vase

Flowering branches in tall vases are another beautiful but minimalist way to fill the centre space of a wedding table. You can either purchase decorative branches from a home decor shop or even collect long sticks from a woodland walk. Arrange these sticks in a pretty vase and let the natural beauty of the branches bring a touch of sophistication to your big day. 

11) Paper lanterns

Paper lanterns add colour, whimsy, and a charming ambiance to your wedding reception. These versatile decorations come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours, allowing you to customise them to match your wedding theme or colour palette perfectly.

Find lanterns in a range of sizes, shapes, and colours for an eclectic look. Use battery-operated tea lights or bulbs instead of actual tea lights to minimise the risk of fires on your special day. 

Consider hanging the paper lanterns from the ceiling if possible. This will give the illusion of more space on the table and add extra interest to your centrepiece. 

12) Ornate lamps

If you’re a fan of vintage decorations or want to create a romantic, old-world atmosphere, consider using a selection of ornate lamps to decorate your wedding tables.

You can find ornate lamps at antique shops, second-hand shops, or charity shops. Try to pick a selection of tall, short, painted, ceramic, and metal lamps, all with different patterns and finishes. This will add interest to your display and ensure a unique setup on each table. 

If you run out of plug socket space, consider replacing the bulbs with battery-operated light discs. This will prevent fuses from bursting and reduce the electricity bill. 

13) Glass jars filled with sand and shells

If you’re a beach bum, live near the coast, or are planning a destination wedding, consider filling a section of mason or jam jars with local sand and shells for a unique and coastal touch to your wedding decor. 

Collecting sand and shells from the local beach adds a special touch and can serve as a memento of your wedding location. You can also customise the jars further by tying them with twine or ribbon in your wedding colours, or adding small tags with guests’ names to double as place settings. 

Showstopping centrepiece ideas

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If you’re planning a larger-than-life wedding day, consider using these showstopping wedding centrepiece ideas to set the tone of the wedding breakfast. 

14) Ice sculptures

Having a professional carve your centrepieces out of ice is sure to impress your guests and create a stunning focal point for each table. Ice sculptures can be customised to fit your wedding theme or personal interests, including intricate floral designs, geometric shapes, or even sculpted representations of you and your partner.

Consider illuminating the ice sculptures with LED lights for the cherry on top of the cake. 

15) Faux cherry blossom trees

No matter your wedding theme, faux cherry blossom trees will add a romantic and enchanting touch to your wedding decor.

Owing to the size of these centrepieces, you might need to find a venue that offers tables with a hole in the middle. This way, the cherry blossom trees can stand on the floor and extend above your guest’s heads for a touch of drama and elegance. 

You can decorate the branches of the trees however you’d prefer, including fairy lights, hanging crystals, or delicate ribbons. 

16) Candelabras

Candelabras come in lots of different shapes and sizes and are a great option for showstopping wedding centrepieces. Check out antique shops, second-hand shops, or charity shops to find a selection of candelabras that fit your wedding aesthetic. Alternatively, you could buy a few of the same style from a home interior or home decoration shop. 

Candelabras look beautiful on their own. However, if you’re looking to spice them up, consider decorating them with springs of beads, fairy lights, or even adding coloured candles to the stems for a classic finish. 

17) Tall floral arrangements

Tall floral arrangements are a beautiful and classic way to add some drama to your tablescape. The flowers should match your wedding colour theme and you can add pampas grass, palm leaves, or feathers for extra interest.

18) Tropic leaf arrangement in a tall vase

Similarly to tall floral arrangements, collect some tall palm, fern, or bird of paradise leaves and arrange them in a tall vase. This is the perfect choice for those who prefer greenery to blooms, or want to add a modern twist to a classic style. 

19) An antler and wildflower arrangement

If you enjoy country living or are having a country-themed wedding, using real or faux antlers and wildflowers can create a rustic and charming centrepiece that reflects your love for the outdoors. Arrange antlers in the centre of the table and weave in a variety of wildflowers, such as daisies, sunflowers, and lavender, for a natural and organic look.

To enhance the rustic vibe, consider incorporating elements like burlap, twine, or lace as accents around the base of the arrangement. You can also add candles, tealights, or small lanterns to create a cosy and intimate atmosphere.

20) Monogrammed floral initials of the couple’s names

If you’re looking for something really special, this is the centrepiece for you. You can have florists create monogrammed centrepieces of yours and your new spouse’s names in flowers that complement your wedding colours. 

The best part of this centrepiece is that the decor is fully customisable. If you use the same florist, you can even have matching bouquets and buttonholes. Whether you prefer classic roses, romantic peonies, or vibrant wildflowers, the possibilities are endless.

21) Crystal centrepieces

If you love the magical whimsy of crystals and their unique look, consider collecting a few different types and arranging them together into a miniature rockery. You’ll need a range of colours and sizes to make this look effective, as well as a variety of finishes. For example, polished crystals, uncut, geodes, and beads. 

Collect your favourite crystals and arrange them together in the centre of the table. This crystal centrepiece will not only add a touch of glamour and elegance to your wedding decor but also infuse it with positive energy and symbolism. Pick crystals that will bring a special meaning and healing energy to your big day. 

22) Ice buckets filled with champagne bottles

Beautiful and practical, consider placing large ice buckets in the centre of your table and filling with bottles of champagne that guests can help themselves to.  You could even place some fruit slices or flowers in the buckets for an extra pop of colour. 

23) A cascade of candles

This arrangement is simple and beautiful and works best with long table styles. All you’ll need is a range of pillar candles in different sizes. Arrange them along the length of the table, alternating heights and sizes for visual interest. Light them right before your guests sit down, and you’ve got a low-cost but high-impact wedding centrepiece. 

24) Fruit and flowers

Think of the classic Carmen Miranda headdress. Arrange a variety of fruits and flowers in a cornucopia style in the middle of your table. Select an assortment of fresh fruits in a range of colours and textures, such as grapes, berries, citrus slices, and tropical fruits like pineapple and kiwi. Flowers can match your wedding bouquet and can be arranged delicately around the fruit. You can also add greenery like eucalyptus and ferns to fill gaps and for extra glamour. 

25) Ceiling projection centrepiece

How about turning your reception into an enchanting wonderland with a ceiling projection centrepiece? You can customise the projections to fit your wedding theme or personal style. Try hearts for romance, flowers for whimsy, or stars and constellations for a magical feel. 

Dim the surrounding lights to enhance the impact of the projections and create a cosy, intimate ambiance that’s perfect for celebrating.

26) Disco ball centrepiece 

Ready to dance the night away? Hang a disco ball from the ceiling above each of your tables for a touch of retro glamour at your wedding reception. As they spin and catch the light, they’ll fill the room with disco-worthy reflections for a festive and lively atmosphere. 

Surround each disco ball with twinkling fairy lights or string lights to enhance its sparkle and add to the magical ambiance. You can also incorporate colourful LED lights to cast vibrant patterns across the dance floor, creating an immersive and dynamic experience for your guests.

DIY centrepiece ideas

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Whether you’re on a tight budget or simply love crafting, these DIY wedding centrepiece ideas are for you. 

27) DIY mason jars with wildflowers

Mason or jam jars filled with locally picked wildflowers are a great DIY wedding centrepiece idea. You’ll first need a collection of mason or jam jars that have been thoroughly cleaned and have labels removed. You can decorate them with paint, ribbon, or twine, or simply leave them plain for a minimalist look. 

Fill the jars half full with water and arrange a collection of wildflowers in them. Make sure you have permission to pick the wildflowers, or simply grow your own if you have the space. Use a selection of British wildflowers, such as daisies, foxgloves, bluebells, or whatever is available seasonally.  

28) Driftwood with seashells and sea glass

Collect driftwood, seashells, and sea glass from your local beach for the perfect DIY coastal tablescape. Arrange the driftwood pieces as the base of your centrepiece, creating a natural and rustic table decoration for your wedding.

Next, scatter the seashells and sea glass along the driftwood, nestling them into crevices and nooks for a whimsical and organic look. You can also include any coral, sea sponge, or glass bottles you find on the beach as part of your decor. This will include each table having a beautiful and unique theme. 

29) Wooden crates filled with lavender

You can find wooden crates of all shapes and sizes at charity shops or DIY shops. You can use plain, pre-decorated, or mismatched crates to create interest. Then simply fill the crates with hand-picked lavender flowers for a simple and fragrant wedding centrepiece. 

30) Vintage teacup and saucer arrangements

You can find vintage teacups in antique shops, second-hand shops, or charity shops. Arrange the teacup and saucer sets along the tables, mixing and matching patterns for a whimsical and eclectic look. You can also add additional vintage touches, such as lace doilies or handwritten place cards, to enhance the nostalgic ambiance.

This one may take some forward planning, as you’ll need to spend time curating a collection of vintage teacups and saucers. You may get lucky and find a collection in a second-hand store, but otherwise, you may need to begin collecting these decorations shortly after you get engaged. You may also need to actively seek them out if you have a large number of tables or are planning the wedding in a short amount of time.  

31) Book towers with arranged flowers

You’ll need a collection of your favourite hard-backed books or some old or vintage book from a charity shop in order to create this centrepiece. Stack the books from largest to smallest, and secure them together with twine or ribbon for stability. Next, choose a selection of fresh flowers or greenery that complements your wedding theme and colour palette.

Carefully arrange the flowers between the stacked books, weaving the stems through the layers to create a beautiful and cohesive display. You can opt for a single type of flower for a uniform look or mix and match different varieties for added texture and visual interest.

You can also add additional decorative elements such as ribbon, lace, or small trinkets like beads for the finishing touch. 

32) Vintage suitcases with floral arrangements

Similarly to the book towers, you’ll need a collection of vintage suitcases of different shapes and sizes. Prop them open in the middle of the table and fill with flowers, greenery, and other fauna in a cascading or clustered fashion, depending on your preference. You can mix and match different types of blooms for a dynamic look, or stick to a single variety for a more cohesive design.

33) Balloon centrepieces

Balloon centrepieces are a trendy, low-cost way to add whimsy and colour to your wedding decor. Choose balloons in your wedding colours, or opt for metallics or pastels for a more sophisticated look.

To create balloon centrepieces, start by inflating balloons to varying sizes using helium or air. You can use a mix of balloon sizes and shapes to create interest, as well as mixing and matching colours for a striking and dynamic effect. 

Next, tie the balloons together in clusters using ribbon or string. You can create single balloon clusters or combine multiple clusters to form larger arrangements. Anchor them with decorative vases or buckets to complete the look. 

34) Pinecone and cinnamon stick arrangements

Perfect for a cosy winter wedding, pinecones and cinnamon stick wedding table decorations will create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your special day. Start by gathering pinecones and cinnamon sticks, which you can easily find at craft shops or even in your garden or local park if the season is right and you’re feeling adventurous. 

Arrange the pinecones and cinnamon sticks in clusters on your tables, interspersing them with greenery or winter foliage for a festive touch. You can also add small accents like berries, pine sprigs, or dried oranges for a festive flair.

35) Alcohol bottle candelabras

Consider reusing empty wine, beer, and alcohol bottles as part of your wedding breakfast for a unique and eco-friendly touch. Start by collecting empty bottles of various shapes and sizes from your favourite drinks, then plug the bottle with long, tall candles. Burn the candles for a short amount of time so the wax melts and adheres the candles to the bottle and your DIY wedding centrepieces are complete! 

36) Carved pumpkins

If you love all things spooky or are throwing a Halloween-themed wedding, carved pumpkins could be the centrepiece for you. Take some time with your soon-to-be spouse or wedding party to carve a range of pumpkins in different shapes and sizes. If you’re prepared to carve out the intricate names or initials of your guests, you could even use the pumpkins as table numbers or place settings!

37) Pinecones in hurricane jars

Buy hurricane jars online or in a local DIY shop and fill them with pinecones of different sizes. If the season allows, you can use real pine cones, or you can buy synthetic pine cones in bags online. 

38) Paper aeroplanes suspended from the ceiling

If you’re a fan or travelling or simply love the whimsy of paper aeroplanes, consider folding a range of your own in different shapes, sizes, and colours. Suspend them from the ceiling above the centre of your table using a fishing line for a playful and eye-catching centrepiece. You can use patterned paper, origami paper, or even recycled materials for an eco-friendly touch.

Once you’ve folded your paper aeroplanes, attach a fishing line to each one and hang them from the ceiling above the centre of your table. You can adjust the length of the fishing line to create a dynamic display with planes at different heights.

39) A herb garden

Herb gardens are a great choice for those who appreciate fresh and aromatic scents in their wedding decor. Start by gathering a variety of pre-grown herbs or herb seeds. These can include rosemary, lavender, thyme, and mint.

Next, plant the herbs in small pots or containers, making sure to include a mix of colours and textures. You can decorate the pots with ribbons, twine, or labels to add a personalised touch. Your guests will love the fragrant aroma of the herbs as they dine and celebrate.

Floral-focus centrepiece ideas

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Wedding floral centrepieces are a classic choice for wedding table decor and perfect for those who want to keep it classy. Check out some of these ideas for floral-inspired table decorations. 

40) Vintage birdcages filled with flowers

Vintage birdcages add a sense of whimsy and adventure to a traditional floral tablescape. Start by sourcing vintage birdcages from charity shops, vintage shops, or home decoration shops. Once you have your birdcages, fill them with an array of fresh flowers in hues that complement your wedding colour palette. You can choose a single type of flower for a cohesive look or mix and match different blooms for added texture and visual interest.

Consider incorporating trailing greenery or delicate foliage to add depth and dimension to the arrangements. You can also adorn the birdcages with ribbons, lace, or decorative accents to enhance their vintage charm. 

41) Terrariums with succulents and air plants 

If you love the energy floral arrangements bring but aren’t a big fan of blooms, consider creating your own terrariums filled with cacti, air plants, or other succulents. You’ll first need some glass terrariums in various shapes and sizes, which you can find at garden centres or online shops.

You’ll then need a selection of small succulents like cacti, aloe plants, some types of hoya, and air plants. Choose plants in different shapes, sizes, and textures to create visual interest and depth within the terrariums.

You can then fill around the succulents with coloured sand, pebbles, or small figures to add interest. 

42) Miniature fairy gardens 

Fairy gardens are a great floral centrepiece choice for forest or outdoor weddings, or for whimsical weddings. To create your own miniature fairy garden centrepiece, start by selecting a shallow container or tray that will serve as the base for your enchanting landscape. You can find suitable containers at garden centres, craft stores, or online retailers.

Next, gather a variety of miniature plants such as mosses, ferns, and small flowering plants to populate your fairy garden. You can also incorporate miniature trees, tiny fairy figurines, and whimsical accessories like fairy houses or miniature animals to bring your magical garden to life.

Arrange the plants and decorations within the container, creating miniature scenes and pathways that evoke the charm of a fairytale woodland. You could also add small fairy lights or LED lights so guests can continue enjoying the decor into the evening. 

43) Miniature bonsai trees

Bring a touch of tranquillity to your big day with miniature bonsai trees. Start by selecting miniature bonsai trees from your local nursery or specialty bonsai shop. Look for trees with interesting shapes and graceful branches that will create a captivating focal point for your tables.

Carefully place them in decorative pots or containers, making sure to provide proper drainage for the plants. To enhance the natural beauty of the bonsai trees, you can also add decorative accents like moss, rocks, or miniature figurines. Arrange the bonsai trees on your tables, either as individual centrepieces or grouped together for a more interesting look. 

44) Wine bottle vases with baby’s breath

Similarly to the alcohol bottle candelabras, simply collect a range of clean and disused glass bottles and fill them with baby’s breath or gypsophila for a pretty and minimalistic wedding centrepiece idea. 

45) A selection of peonies

Peonies are a romantic and fragrant choice for wedding centrepieces. Their lush blooms and delicate petals add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any table setting.

Start by selecting a variety of peonies in different colours and sizes from your local florist or flower market. Choose shades that complement your wedding colour palette and overall theme and arrange them in a glass vase or another beautiful pot. Make sure you fill them with water and flower food to keep the blooms fresh. 

46) A handful of hydrangeas

A handful of hydrangeas can bring a burst of colour and charm to your wedding centrepieces. These beautiful blooms are known for their large, fluffy petals and come in a variety of stunning shades, including blue, pink, purple, and white. In fact, hydrangeas will either grow blue or pink depending on the acidity of the soil. Growing hydrangeas in acidic soil will give blue blooms, while more basic soil will give pink flowers. 

Arrange the hydrangeas in a glass vase or decorative container, making sure to trim the stems at an angle and remove any leaves that will be below the water line. Fill the vase with water and plant food to keep the flowers looking their best. 

47) Re-use your bouquets 

If you don’t feel like spending extra money on your centrepieces, consider repurposing your wedding bouquets and buttonholes into wedding table decor. This is also generally a great way to save money on your wedding flowers. Start by carefully disassembling your bouquets and buttonholes, removing any wilted or damaged flowers, and trimming the stems to the desired length. This will freshen up your arrangements and help them last longer. 

Then, gather a collection of vases, jars, or other decorative containers that match your wedding theme and style. Arrange the flowers in the containers, mixing and matching different blooms and colours to create unique and eye-catching centrepieces.

48) A selection of wildflowers

So long as you have permission, you can pick wildflowers from wherever you’d like. Consider asking a farmer with a wildflower field, or growing your own English wildflowers in your back garden. You can grow daisies, Queen Anne’s lace, lavender, foxgloves, and so much more.

Arrange the wildflowers in loose, organic bunches, allowing them to spill over the edges of the containers for a relaxed and natural look. Don’t be afraid to mix in other natural elements like ferns, berries, or feathers to add depth and dimension to your arrangements.

49) Beautiful sunflowers

Although sunflowers are technically wildflowers, we thought these beautiful, happy flowers deserved their own section!

Sunflowers are sure to brighten up your wedding tables with their cheerful and vibrant presence. These iconic blooms are known for their large, golden petals and striking appearance, making them a popular choice for weddings with a rustic or summery theme. 

Arrange the sunflowers in rustic containers such as mason jars, wooden crates, or metal buckets, adding a touch of charm and character to your table decor. You can also mix in other blooms like daisies, asters, or wildflowers to create a dynamic and eye-catching display. Tie some twine or ribbon around the container as a finishing touch. 

50) A selection of tulips

Tulips will add a pop of colour and fun to your special day. Start by picking fresh tulips from your local florist or supermarket, ensuring that the stems are firm and the petals are just beginning to open. Tulips continue to grow after they are cut, so choosing ones that are not fully open will ensure they look their best throughout your big day.

Arrange the tulips in tall vases or containers filled with water, trimming the stems at an angle to encourage water absorption and prevent wilting. You can create a simple and elegant display by arranging single-colour tulips in each vase, or mix and match different colours for a more dynamic look.

51) Calla lily elegance

Calla lilies exude elegance, making them the perfect choice for a wedding centrepiece. They are tall, colourful, and striking flowers that look beautiful in tall glass vases. You can find calla lilies at specialist florists, garden centres, or even grow them in your own garden if you have a green thumb.

Arrange the calla lilies in tall glass vases filled with water, allowing their graceful stems to stand upright and their elegant blooms to take centre stage. You can add pebbles, crystals, or floating candles to the vases if you’re looking for something more unique.  

52) Romantic roses

A classic option for wedding centrepieces, roses are fragrant, beautiful, and romantic. Available in a wide range of colours, from traditional reds and pinks to soft pastels and bold hues, roses offer versatility to suit any wedding theme or colour scheme.

Start by selecting fresh roses from your local florist or flower market, choosing blooms with tight buds and vibrant colours for the best visual impact. Trim the stems at an angle and remove any thorns or leaves that will be below the water line to ensure a clean and polished presentation.

Arrange the roses in decorative vases or containers filled with water, allowing their delicate petals to unfurl and showcase their natural beauty.

Find your dream decor with Bridebook

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Wedding centrepieces are more than simple or general table decor. They’re conversation starters, a focal point for the wedding breakfast, and a reflection of the overall theme of your big day. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed by choice, but don’t worry— we’re here every step of the way.

We’ve broken down 52 of the most popular wedding centrepiece ideas. No matter your preference, theme, or personal style, there’s something for you on this list. 

If this list has left you feeling inspired and you’re ready to revamp your whole wedding theme, check out this list of the top 70 DIY wedding decor ideas! Packed with creative and thrifty ideas for transforming your venue, these budget-friendly ideas will help you craft a stunning look that won’t break the bank.

Or, for that unrivalled professional touch, be sure to also browse our fabulous range of wedding decor providers and florists

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Wedding Planning Tips from Wedding Florist Yasmin Downing

If you’re looking for some top wedding planning tips, there’s nothing like the expertise from a real wedding professional. We spoke to Yasmin Downing, the passionate florist behind Yasmin Downing Floral Design, who specialises in combining modern elements with timeless tradition to create the perfect aesthetic. In her own words: “Since opening a dried flower business during the pandemic, I found my life’s passion in floristry. Having been mentored 1:1 by Master Florists, whilst building a portfolio working on real-life weddings, photoshoots, commercial projects and television, I have brought my skills and experience to a professional level.” Yasmin has also appeared on the BBC’s Ultimate Wedding Planner as one of eight aspiring contestants.

Yasmin’s top 10 wedding planning tips

Photo © Yasmin Downing Floral Design | See their Bridebook profile

1. Order a spare buttonhole (or two)

This can avoid awkward “I forgot Uncle Pete” moments and also covers you if you have a boisterous groom who breaks his buttonhole before your photos (Yasmin has actually had this happen!).

2. Have an “emergency” kit

Your wedding emergency kit should include all the things you won’t know you’ll need until you need them (check out our bridal SOS kit post for more information). Yasmin suggests:

  • White cotton
  • Chewing gum
  • Needle
  • Toothpick
  • Elastic bands
  • Flower pins
  • Floss
  • Hairband
  • Bobby pin
  • Painkillers
  • Nail glue
  • Lash glue
  • Tweezers
  • Plasters

3. Think about your shoes

If you’re going to be wearing high heels on your wedding day, and taking them off isn’t an option for you, Yasmin recommends taking a couple of paracetamol to pre-empt the pain.

4. Cover yourself in SPF

If you’re like the majority of couples who opt for a spring or summer wedding, be sure to cover yourself in SPF 50. This will make sure you don’t end up pink by 3 PM, Yasmin explains.

5. Protect your skin from clothing marks

Remember to protect your skin from anything that might mark your skin, Yasmin suggests. This includes any socks, bra or wrist hairbands that can dig into your skin.

6. Burn your ribbon ends

If you’ve having satin ribbon on your bouquets, Yasmin recommends burning the end of the ribbon to get a nice polished edge. This will prevent it from fraying throughout the day.

7. Opt for seasonal blooms

Choose flowers that are in season to keep your budget down. Out of season florals have to be imported, Yasmin explains, which can significantly bump up the cost.

8. Consider your dressing area

Ensure that where you get ready is big enough for your whole party. Get lots of mirrors ready as there will be a few of you trying to check yourselves out. Yasmin suggests you pick somewhere with easy parking and access. You don’t want to spend the morning directing people to your location!

9. Factor in a break

Yasmin recommends that you plan in a 20-minute “break” from the day so you and your new spouse can have a moment away from everyone to simply reflect and take it in.

10. Put you and your partner first

Remember that at the end of the day the only thing that truly matters is you and your partner. In Yasmin’s own words: ‘Don’t give a sh*t about ensuring your guests are happy all day. There’s booze and food, so they’ll be fine. Just make sure the two of you are having a great time.”

Plan your dream wedding on Bridebook

Photo © Yasmin Downing Floral Design | See their Bridebook profile

Want more expert advice and inspiration like this? Then sign up to Bridebook today. When it comes to joyful and stress-free wedding planning, we’ve got you covered.

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How to Plan a Boho Wedding Ceremony

When it comes to planning your dream wedding, one of the most important decisions is choosing your theme. The possibilities are endless – from formal black tie and season-themed weddings to all-black weddings and media-based pop culture weddings. One other very popular and currently trending wedding theme is the boho wedding.

If you’re a free-spirited individual who would LOVE a natural and earthy outdoor wedding with rustic themes, lavish floral arrangements, flowing light linen drapery, woven decor elements, and DIY projects aplenty, then you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll discuss everything you’ll need to plan the boho wedding of your dreams.

What is a boho wedding?

Photo © Wilderness Wedding Venue | See their Bridebook profile

Before we get to the planning stage, let’s clarify exactly what a boho, or bohemian, wedding is. The bohemian lifestyle means embracing your free spirit and becoming one with nature. The ‘boho chic’ trend began gaining popularity around the 2000s while being heavily inspired by the ’60s and 70s Hippie era.

Now, you don’t have to follow the hippie culture A-to-Z or have a complete boho wedding; instead, you can pick and choose what you like to have in a wedding that follows your vision. The best part about this is that you won’t go wrong with anything you choose. With a boho wedding, blending your natural surroundings with touches that reflect your personality is all you need for perfection.

If you’re a couple that prefers structure and a clear-cut plan, then incorporating macrame and boho-inspired stationery, such as handwritten calligraphy, botanical prints, and watercolour  designs would look amazing. But if you’re a more free-spirited couple, an eclectic mix of colours and textures should be the way to go.

How to plan a boho wedding?

Photo © The Wellbeing Farm | See their Bridebook profile

There’s a lot to consider when planning a wedding. A boho wedding is no different: you can opt for a romantic, vintage, or natural boho wedding with different elements thrown in. To help you out, we’ve created a guide that will help you with shortlisting and finalising your options:

1. Say “I do” at the best bohemian venue

Photo © Northside Farm | See their Bridebook profile

Your venue is one of the key elements that will show your passion for the bohemian lifestyle. Boho wedding venues are laid-back, natural, and generally in an outdoor setting, with possible rustic or vintage touches. The best thing about these is that they cost less than traditional weddings, so you can get the real fairytale wedding without breaking the bank.

You can get married in:

  • A famous local park
  • Natural reserve
  • Beach
  • Farmhouse
  • Ranch
  • Orchard
  • Barn
  • Cottage
  • Even in a well-decorated backyard or garden

Some of the lush and green places in the UK that would make a perfect setting for a boho or outdoor wedding are:

  • The Lake District: With its stunning lakes, mountains, and forests.
  • Cornwall: With its golden beaches, rugged coastline, and beautiful gardens.
  • The Cotswolds: Known for their scenic villages, rolling hills, and gorgeous countryside.
  • The Scottish Highlands: With their wild and beautiful landscapes, dramatic mountains, and ethereal forests, you can’t get a more boho wedding venue than this.

Top tip: don’t forget to consider the local climate and weather when choosing a location.

2. Set the scene with boho wedding decor

Photo © Velvet Rose Flower Studio | See their Bridebook profile

When choosing the decor for your picturesque boho wedding, choose decor that works with your venue. If you have an outdoor wedding in a garden, park, forest, or beach, focus on natural, earthy elements that will make the venue pop. You can never go wrong with Pampas grass and driftwood accents.

For the floral arrangements, you don’t have to follow structure or have manicured bouquets with matching flowers. Mismatched wildflowers with succulents and big boughs of greenery are popular options in the boho wedding scene. You can even match your bouquet and flower crown, if you choose to wear one, with the floral arrangements.

You can save on budget for the rest of the decor by making it a DIY project or thrifting. Here are a few other decor items to consider:

  • The arch: you can go with a fun and spirited geometric arch or macramé fringes for a whimsical setting. If you want to take a more natural route, raw wood and florals can create an arch that will awe your guests.
  • Rugs: rugs can be used to line the aisle for a softer and easier walking path and also the dance floor for a coachella-esque approach.
  • Rustic decor: The options are numerous: feathers, candles, bottles and jars, and glassware.

3. Don a Bohemian wedding dress and accessories

Photo © Francis Bridal | See their Bridebook profile

Boho wedding dresses tend to be more casual, whimsical, and often not white. Some have off-the-shoulder designs with flowing sleeves; others are covered from top to bottom with lace. Since they’re more minimalistic than their traditional counterparts, you can get a boho wedding dress for a lot cheaper. If we’re selling you on the budget-friendly options, trust us, most boho weddings are that cost-effective.

For accessories, you could pair the dress with vintage jewellery, flower or lace headbands, and even cowboy boots and a hat for a fun twist.

Here’s a list of ideas for boho wedding dresses:

  • Flutter sleeves or lantern sleeves
  • Non-white wedding dress, such as cream, champagne, light pink, or any soft pastel colour
  • A goddess-style boho wedding dress with an inner corset, flowing sleeves, and mermaid skirt
  • Plus size boho wedding dress with sweetheart neckline and bishop or long puff sleeves

Here are some popular boho wedding accessories to consider:

  • Crystal headbands
  • Flowers and lace woven into your braid
  • Flower crowns with flowing hair
  • Beads and crystal jewellery

4. Send out your boho wedding invitations

Photo © Dove and Lace | See their Bridebook profile

Like with the decor and everything else – boho wedding invitations are best to keep casual, fun, and whimsical. For a spiritual touch, a metallic mandala embossed invitation would give off elegant yet mystic vibes. For a more laid-back option, deckled edge or kraft paper invitations would look amazing. Following an eclectic theme, your invitations can be mismatched with funky colours.

If you want to check out our range of boho wedding invitations, check out our stationery section.

5. Dance the night away with boho wedding music

Photo © Michael Mulholland | See their Bridebook profile

As we all know, the vibe of any place is set by good, relevant music. For a boho wedding, you want to set the mood with music that follows your wedding theme and breathes life into the venue. Your guests could end up disappointed with a generic DJ or band who doesn’t understand how to enthral the crowd with music that fits.

For a classic boho wedding, you could skip the DJ and opt for instrumental pieces or even violin and piano music. Acoustic wedding singers could also make the evening magical with a personalised playlist: Michael Mulholland, Matthew Turner and Ed Peczek are some of Bridebook’s most in-demand acoustic wedding singers.

6. Wow your guest with a boho wedding cake and bohemian menu

Photo © Artisan Weddings | See their Bridebook profile

Food brings everyone together, and what better way to make your wedding memorable than having a unique spread with foods from cultures around the world? You can contact a catering company and work with them to design a custom menu, or if you want to go down a simpler path, having a simple buffet with dishes from different parts of the world is a good option too.

You can get locally-sourced food from farms and ranches around you with rustic selections like a charcuterie board, fruit platters, local wine, vintage elements like a vintage food truck, or DIY food stations.

And for the heart of the wedding, the wedding cake, you can take inspiration from the ground and the sky above. There’s nothing dreamier than a celestial-inspired cake featuring geodes and gemstones. Alternatively, naked cakes adorned with flowers and lush greenery are also a signature bohemian wedding staple.

FAQs

Check out some commonly asking questions about planning a boho wedding ceremony, along with their answers. 

How many people use boho weddings?


While there are no clear-cut stats on the percentage of people opting for a boho or outdoor wedding, boho weddings are one of the most popular wedding themes for 2023. With more and more people embracing the minimalistic, free-spirited approach, boho weddings will only be gaining popularity.


How can you make a boho wedding bouquet?

There’s no ‘one’ way to make a boho bridal bouquet. Instead, you can match the wedding bouquet with your dress, accessories, or venue. Pampas grass is an evergreen option; you can pair it with rust-coloured florals. Or, a bouquet of wildflowers tied together with lace is a great option too. If you need some inspiration, check out these boho floral arrangements on Pinterest.

What should grooms wear to a boho wedding?

The essence of a boho wedding is freedom; naturally, it also extends towards the groom. He can match his clothes with the bride’s or opt for something completely different such as no shoes or a cream shirt with suspenders – think Leonardo DiCaprio in Titanic.

What is the colour of boho?

There is no single “colour of boho” – it’s a blend of different tones ranging from earthy to stunning jewel tones, encompassed in neutral and warm colours such as white, grey, brown, yellow, orange, blue, red, white, etc.

Now you have the perfect guide to planning the boho wedding of your dreams. For hassle-free and cost-effective A-to-Z wedding planning, get started on Bridebook today!

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Supplier Showcase: Brilliant Female-Owned Wedding Businesses

In celebration of International Women’s Day, we’re shining a light on the achievements of female wedding business owners. Women have long played a prominent role in the wedding industry. From wedding planners and coordinators to wedding designers, photographers, florists, cakemakers, caterers, and more, women make up 80% of the wedding industry! Read the success stories, achievements and advice of some of Bridebook’s top female business owners below.

Mercedes | 4YaParty Weddings and Events

About Mercedes: Mercedes (she/her) is a qualified venue stylist and prides herself on having great customer service and high attention to detail. She owns and manages 4YaParty Weddings & Events, specialising in providing eco-friendly and sustainable wedding and event decor, upcycled wedding decor, prop hire, and sweet treats. She says no to balloons and no to single-use plastic. Plus, for every booking she makes, she’ll have a tree planted in your honour!

Proudest achievement to date: “Becoming an accredited member of the Sustainable Wedding Alliance, making weddings eco-friendly by being carbon neutral for 2 years!”

Biggest challenge to overcome: “Being a black, queer, disabled, female business owner comes with many challenges! But the biggest challenge I have is believing in myself and knowing my worth! Believing in the value that my service brings to the wedding industry. But I have an epic support network in family, friends, the SWA and wedding suppliers, who have become friends!”

Best part about owning a wedding business: “Meeting lovely couples from all walks of life and hearing their love stories, watching their personality as a couple unfold in their wedding decor!”

Advice to aspiring female business owners: “My biggest advice for any woman who wants to start their own business is to make sure you’re passionate about whatever you choose! Running your own business is not a get rich quick route at all! It’s a very slow burner lol so if you don’t truly love it, then when it gets hard, it will be too easy to give up!”

Gemma | The Isla Gladstone Conservatory

About Gemma: Gemma is a leading entrepreneur and businesswoman in the hospitality industry with a number of nationally recognised restaurants, hospitality venues, catering companies and social enterprises under her guiding hand. She began her career in her teens, when she famously became the youngest licensee in the country. Over the last two decades she has developed a wide portfolio across the UK, successfully building iconic venues that are rooted in their communities. ****She opened The Isla Gladstone Conservatory in 2014 in the heart of Stanley Garden.

Proudest achievement to date: “They all said it couldn’t be done…A glass house in Liverpool…We have gone from strength to strength each year and have an all-women management team!”

Biggest challenge to overcome: “COVID…To see your hard work and dream stopped with nothing you could do about it. Having to break bride’s and groom’s hearts postponing their date time and time again, when we didn’t know when we could open again. It was truly the hardest time ever.”

Best part about owning a wedding business: “It’s a happy place to be. Guests arrive happy, venue looks beautiful, and we get to be one of the happiest memories for brides and grooms.”

Advice to aspiring female business owners: “Believe in what you do…Look for support…Employ the best people to be around you…And enjoy!!!”

Stacey | The Venue Experts

About Stacey: Stacey, a.k.a. the “turbocharged wedding booking superstar”, is founder and CEO of The Venue Experts. She comes with over 20 years’ experience in the industry. From managing wedding venues and developing businesses in the hospitality sector to hosting large-scale events at some of the East Midlands’ best-known events companies, she is ready to take on any challenge. Stacey has extensive knowledge of managing venues in-house, having had business development and sales consultant roles at properties including Belvoir Castle and Hodsock Priory.

Proudest achievement to date: “I was recognised as one of the top 100 Female Entrepreneurs to watch by The Telegraph and NatWest.”

Biggest challenge to overcome: “Starting a business in the pandemic.”

Best part about owning a wedding business: “Making a difference in the industry and being considered as one of the leading experts.”

Advice to aspiring female business owners: “Believe in yourself, know your worth, and remember that it is worth the risk.”

Natalie | Velvet Moon Ceremonies

About Natalie: Natalie is an independent celebrant and proud founder of Velvet Moon Ceremonies. She loves crafting bespoke, personal ceremonies that reflect each couple as individuals and their story together so far. This includes matching both the tone (be it fun and laidback, or sentimental and romantic) and theme (traditional or alternative), and learning what’s most important to the couple. She weaves all this together into their script, to create a truly unique ceremony.

Proudest achievement to date: “I’m proud that within my first proper year of weddings I already got to do one of my dream ceremonies – one themed around the video game series Final Fantasy! I love being able to write meaningful, special ceremonies for couples that reflect who they are and what they enjoy whilst they celebrate their love for each other.”

Biggest challenge to overcome: “Having 2020 as what should have been my first wedding season! Obviously everything got pushed back and it’s been slow going, but I’m proud of what I achieved last year and I couldn’t have asked for better couples to work with.”

Best part about owning a wedding business: “Being part of someone’s wedding day, surrounded by so many talented women who are amazing at their work! There’s so much build up, and being a 2023 bride myself I know how much work goes into the planning and the trust you have to have for every supplier involved to understand what you want and bring it together on the day.

Advice to aspiring female business owners: “Network – there are so many other amazing women in this business who have been through what you have or struggled in similar ways. They can provide support and advice on any issue you’re facing as well as cheer you on and celebrate your wins.”

Jemma | Charlesworth Classics Ltd

About Jemma: Jemma is the proud owner and director of Charlesworth Classics Ltd. She works with couples from start to finish to choose and arrange the perfect transport for their special day. From vintage and classic London taxis to iconic Rolls Royces, there’s something for everyone. She hand-picks all the drivers herself, and prides herself on the service she provides.

Proudest achievement to date: “Breaking through the wedding car industry! I am not aware of another female director in this field local to me currently. This is still a very male dominated role, and there is still a very strong “boys’ club” mentality, which I hope will change in years to come. I have been very fortunate to have the support of my husband (which has made interactions with other wedding car companies a little easier), and to have been included with a select few individuals with whom I work very closely and experience no prejudice.”

Biggest challenge to overcome: “I think my biggest challenge/lesson has been to follow my instincts. Prior to starting my company I was a stay-at-home wife. I had no experience what-so-ever. I just knew this was something I wanted. When COVID came, I refused to jump on the panic bandwagon. I made the most of the down-time and grew my business and feel I was in a good position to move forward once normality was restored.”

Best part about owning a wedding business: “My couples! I love hearing the stories behind why my couples want to book my cars, whether it’s because we have been recommended by friends or family, or they simply just love our cars. There is always a story there and I love hearing them. Looking back at photos and receiving a review, reading the appreciation of the service my team and I have provided, there really is no better feeling!”

Advice to aspiring female business owners: “Believe and achieve! Mindset is one of the most important parts of owning your own business. Find other women with your mindset and work together, pick each other up. Owning your own business can be very lonely. You spend a lot of time alone so a good support network is very beneficial – you don’t even need to work in the same field.”

Nyssa | Edinburgh School of Food & Wine

About Nyssa: Nyssa is the owner and manager of the Edinburgh School of Food & Wine. She prides herself on delivering a first-class service, having a dedicated wedding team to ensure each couple’s day runs perfectly from beginning to end. She organises and manages everything from wedding catering, bar services, room set up, lighting options, and prop selection. Couples can also choose from stag and hen do packages at the cook school, ranging from cocktail masterclasses to champagne, whisky or wine tasting, to BBQ cookery and food masterclasses.

Proudest achievement to date: “Finalist for 3 wedding awards as caterer of the year.”

Biggest challenge to overcome: “Taking over the business mid-COVID and making it a success whilst also being mum to three young kids.”

Best part about owning a wedding business: “Making specials for our clients, the delight of delicious food and great service!”

Advice to aspiring female business owners: “Take the leap! It is so fulfilling to run your own business. It is hard work but worth every minute.”

Lily | Lily Kerbey Musician

About Lily: Lily is a passionate professional singer-guitarist who has been performing in and around Yorkshire at wedding and other private milestone celebrations for the last 10 years. A true expert in her field, she has played at all types of weddings, from cliff tops in Portugal to a DIY woodland wedding. She strives to make every couple’s day special, from singing as you walk down the aisle, to entertaining guests during the photos, and can create custom playlists of wedding songs.

Proudest achievement to date: “Singing at my first wedding abroad was very special! Also the fact I managed to get so many bookings that I could leave my full-time teaching job, which made me so stressed I got ill. I’m now happy and thriving and working at 10% of the capacity I was before.”

Biggest challenge to overcome: “Making the move from part-time to full-time. The instability of self-employed work is so scary, but now I’m in it I could never go back!

Best part about owning a wedding business: “Getting to be involved in the best day of people’s lives. Everyone is happy at a wedding, and that happiness spreads.”

Advice to aspiring female business owners: “Find something that doesn’t feel like work. And enjoy every moment! When you genuinely love your job, everything else in your life fits into place. Take every opportunity you can but also look after yourself and put aside time for yourself!”

Sarah | The Purple Pumpkin Cake Company

About Sarah: Sarah is an award-winning professional cake artist and proud owner of The Purple Pumpkin Cake Company. After a career in retail management, she made the inspiring decision to turn her hobby into her profession. She creates bespoke wedding cakes and fresh designs for every couple, to make your cake individual and unique to you. Having inherited baking from her mum, and now with four children of her own, family is everything to her.

Proudest achievement to date: “I’ve won two business awards alongside cake awards. Being awarded for my business skills was amazing!

Biggest challenge to overcome: “Apart from COVID you mean? Being a mother of four, then taking on the custody of my six-month old grandson, while caring for my dying mum, while running a successful business, off the back of COVID, and still smiling always!”

Best part about owning a wedding business: “I get to meet loads of excited, varied and different couples, and be part of their stories! I also love working alongside other fantastic suppliers.”

Advice to aspiring female business owners: “People buy from people, so be more you. Don’t look at others and try to copy them. Be yourself, and you’ll be successful. If you’re always comparing yourself to others you’ll never get there!”

Emily | Emily’s Moments Photography

About Emily: Emily is empathetic and quirky Belgian-born photographer with a passion for being who we are unashamedly. Her commitment is pure and simple – to tell each couple’s unique story sensitively and with humanity. Based in St Albans, Hertfordshire, but working across the UK, she produces images and photo albums that you will treasure for decades to come. She has been lovingly described as “approachable, upfront, honest, hopeful, curious, quirky.”

Proudest achievement to date: “Being back at square 1 in a brand new career aged 37 and building a sustainable business from scratch.”

Biggest challenge to overcome: “Managing my own expectations of what can be achieved. Owning a business is a few full-time jobs in one with a huge variety of skillsets to be acquired over time. I have to accept that I can’t acquire them all at once. I have to be patient.”

Best part about owning a wedding business: “Being totally independent when making my own decisions to grow my own business. My daily successes are mine and mine alone to celebrate.”

Advice to aspiring female business owners: “Don’t ever believe any unsupportive voices…whether they come from others or from yourself. Us women have a tendency to have in-built doubt in what we are capable of. We have to fight that inner voice. We can achieve whatever we set our mind to in our own way, using our own strengths and our own uniqueness.”

Jade | Hushabye Films

About Jade: Jade is an experienced film maker, videographer and owner of Hushabye Films. She spent over 15 years in broadcast television, working as a shooting producer/director, with experience across channels such as the BBC, ITV, MTV, E4, C4, Sky and various other satellite channels, with credits on high-profile programmes including the BAFTAs, Big Brother, T4, Comic Relief and V Festival. She has also created hours of online, YouTube and corporate content. She takes a cool, calm and personalised approach to shooting wedding films.

Proudest achievement to date: “When I decided to shoot weddings, I knew straight away I was going to do things differently! I took everything I had learnt from my 10+ years working as a TV producer and used it to make wedding films that people actually wanted to watch! When I started there were no “fun” wedding videographers. There was a HUGE gap in the market and I grabbed it with both hands! I’ve now shot over 200 weddings.”

Biggest challenge to overcome: “COVID!!! We were NOT prepared for that!!! But somehow I managed to shoot some small weddings and make promotional films to earn some income and spend hours everyday moving dates and making sure I could still film all the weddings the following year whilst also shooting all the new ones!”

Best part about owning a wedding business: “Working with the clients you want to work with and being creative everyday. I love the wedding industry and all the talented supplier friends I’ve made.”

Advice to aspiring female business owners: “Don’t worry about what other people are doing with their businesses. Do what’s right for you and recognise that everyone is at a different stage of their own journey. Don’t carbon copy a business because it looks like it’s successful. Take inspiration if you have to but always put your own spin on it so you can be proud of your achievements.”

Harriet | Harriet Alice Fox Designs

About Harriet: Harriet is a Sheffield-based illustrator and graphic designer who specialises in creating hand-drawn bespoke wedding stationery. Working on a friend’s wedding stationery made her fall in love with the creative process. Since then, she has gone on to showcase her work at wedding fairs and attract a whole host of couples wanting something special for their wedding stationery. Harriet is passionate about creating unique designs that celebrate the wedding venue, reflect the couple’s interests, or even feature a beloved furry friend who can’t attend the big day.

Proudest achievement to date: “I’m most proud of my portrait seating plans! I’m so excited whenever couples want to work with me on them. The amount of work put into drawing every guest individual portraits and piecing it together is massive but so rewarding, and such a fabulous keepsake for the couples themselves.”

Biggest challenge to overcome: “Realising that your product/style might not be everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s a good thing. Because it makes what you do so much more unique and custom.”

Best part about owning a wedding business: “Delivering all the stationery goodies! There’s so much excitement from the couples, and I’m very grateful to be part of the buildup.”

Advice to aspiring female business owners: “Believe in yourself and your product. If you’re giving it 100% then your passion will shine through.”

H | Lawley Fine Jewellers

About H: As well as looking after the marketing and social media side of Lawley Fine Jewellers, H is a passionate jeweller and specialist in handmade engagement and wedding rings. She loves being at the bench and mastering the technical skills required to make beautiful pieces.

Proudest achievement to date: “Our biggest achievement is definitely the popularity and feedback of our Make Your Own Wedding Rings experiences. This year was our busiest yet!”

Biggest challenge to overcome: “Definitely the pandemic, which really hit the industry hard. We consider ourselves fortunate in that we were able to keep going. It was a stressful time both for couples organising their big days and for all the suppliers serving them.”

Best part about owning a wedding business: “Being involved in a small way in each couple’s plans – especially with their wedding rings, which will be worn and cherished every day – is something amazing and we feel honoured. Also, making such great friends with other local talented wedding suppliers has been a wonderful surprise, as it’s something we didn’t expect. Being able to support each other and recommend trusted suppliers to our couples is fantastic.”

Advice to aspiring female business owners: “Follow your own path and be authentic. Have each other’s backs and support each other, be it to share and recommend or offer friendly advice.”

Amy | Beewildblooms

About Amy: Amy is the founder and owner Beewildblooms, a family-run floristry business in Scotland. She specialises in unique wedding flowers and decor, as well as floral masterclasses and 1:1 classes. She is proud to have been featured in both Rock N Roll Bride Magazine and Rock My Wedding. Her style is rustic, wild, romantic, and most certainly one-of-a-kind!

Proudest achievement to date: “Starting our family floristry business during lockdown with no clients – selling £16 arrangements to doorsteps and now becoming a finalist for best wedding florist [for the Scottish Confetti Wedding Awards 2023] and being fully booked for 2023.”

Biggest challenge to overcome: “Having zero funding or savings after redundancy and building my business whilst also being a full-time mum at home.”

Best part about owning a wedding business: “Delivering a bespoke and personalised service to our lovely couples – we keep numbers small to deliver big joy!”

Advice to aspiring female business owners: “Be authentic – YOU are your own super power! Keep trying different things until you find something that makes you happy and fills your cup. You are running your own business for a reason, because you can and you want to – so never forget your why! Don’t compare to others as everyone is at a different stage in business!”

Becky | Lavelle Bridal Couture

About Becky: At Lavelle Bridal Couture, it’s just Becky, all the way. From booking your very first private bridal appointment to the big day, she’s with you every step of the way. Having learnt to sew at the age of 10, she pursued a career in fashion and textiles, working for various design houses and retailers before opening her own bridal boutique right in the heart Warwick. Before opening her shop, she first studied wedding dress design at the London College of Fashion, so knows exactly what’s involved in the construction and how to advise on dress customisations and alterations.

Proudest achievement to date: “My biggest achievement happens every day in my small business… The majority of women feel super nervous when it comes to wedding dress shopping, and I always feel so proud when a bride leaves my boutique with the biggest smile on her face, having had the most amazing wedding dress shopping experience with me. I pride myself on helping brides feel comfortable and confident in their own skin so they feel gorgeous in their dream wedding dress.”

Biggest challenge to overcome: “COVID was a huge challenge for any business, but also supporting brides through such tough times was very challenging at times. The uncertainty of weddings was tough to navigate but I’m very proud to say that I’ve come through it and thrived.”

Best part about owning a wedding business: “Feeling honoured to be chosen by my brides to take a part in their special day and the emotions that brides feel and experience when they find the perfect dress. It’s such a special moment and I love that I can be a part of that!”

Advice to aspiring female business owners: “Collaboration over competition, every day. I always think there is no competition as no-one can be you. Just be yourself and you’ll find the people who love what you do. If you support one another it will always pay you back at some point and then you’ll make great friends across a variety of industries who can support you through your journey.”

The wedding industry owes a great debt to the countless female business owners who have dedicated themselves to making couples’ special days truly unforgettable through their creativity and hard work. We hope that the inspiring stories and insights shared by the female business owners featured here will encourage more women to follow in their footsteps and continue to make a mark on the wedding industry for many years to come.

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Happy Planning!

14 Romantic Wedding Ideas Inspired by Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love, which makes it a dreamy choice for a wedding. But when it comes to incorporating romantic ideas into your big day, there’s a fine line between classic and cheesy! Less is often more! That’s why we’ve put together 14 unique romantic wedding ideas inspired by Valentine’s Day, featuring real couples and our amazing Bridebook suppliers. Whether you’re planning a special Valentine’s Day wedding, or simply looking for some romantic ideas to share with your partner, we hope you’ll find plenty of inspiration here!

1. Incorporate a romantic theme

Photo © Ashley Hemsley Photography | See their Bridebook profile

Follow a heart theme as an obvious nod to Valentine’s Day in your decor, cake design and stationery. You can carry it out in all the little details, from your napkins to your icing to your invitations. To make more of a statement, consider smoke bombs, or smoke flares. They’ll add so much drama to your couple portraits, and a super fun pop to your day. This romantic shot by Ashley Hemsley Photography is a great example: “A little bit of help from the red arrows created this stunning heart smoke shape”. There are also various alternatives to hearts: love birds, cupid’s arrows, love locks, XOXOs, love knots, love letters, the infinity symbol, and love trees.

2. Create a romantic ambience with lighting

Photo © Jennifer West Photography | See their Bridebook profile

Work with your photographer, or a lighting company, to create romantic shapes with light (whether outside, or as a dramatic ceiling pattern). This shot by Jennifer West Photography is particularly striking and romantic. We love the multi-coloured neon sign and heart-shaped light trails. According to the photographer: “The evening was warm and balmy and as the music filled the air, Luke and Kirsty say it was one of the most special memories of their wedding.”

3. Recreate a scene from a famous romantic movie

Photo © Heather Bailey Photography and Film | See their Bridebook profile

Why not recreate a romantic scene from your favourite romantic movie? We love this photo, captured by Heather Bailey Photography and Film, which recalls Noah and Allie’s iconic boat ride in ‘The Notebook’. What a fun and dreamy romantic wedding idea! Though, according to the photographer herself, it was quite an anxiety-provoking shot to capture: “In reality, I’m not sure who was more anxious – my couple, who worried about capsizing the relatively small boat, or me, the photographer leaning over a high balcony with my camera just begging to fall in the water!”

4. Take inspiration from nature

Photo © John Price Photography | See their Bridebook profile

Taking inspiration from nature and animals for your wedding can be a creative and unique way to add an subtle romantic touch to your big day. Consider a romantic silhouette shot like this one captured by John Price Photography: “The bride and groom requested an evening sunset silhouette shot. I noticed two real swans posing perfectly just slightly apart – and had to edit and bring them in together to form the perfect heart.” There are many other romantic animals that can inspire a magical Valentine’s-inspired atmosphere. For example, doves and wild horses, or butterflies (which symbolise transformation), and dolphins (which embody playfulness).

5. Roll out the roses

Photo © Tide Flowers | See their Bridebook profile

Use rose petals in your bouquet, or consider a unique heart-shaped bouquet. You can also feature roses throughout your tablescape, or have them as wedding favours. For striking and unique floral designs that are inspired by the seasons, check out Tide Flowers. Ethical florist, Cat Allen, will personally guide you through the whole process to create the dreamiest floral displays.

6. Say it with the sweet stuff

Photo © Rhubarb Hospitality Collection | See their Bridebook profile

Sweets and chocolate are among the highlights of Valentine’s Day. After all, it’s not just about the love and romance, but also the fun and indulgence! Set up a sweet buffet or dessert station at your wedding reception, like this one by Rhubarb Hospitality Collection, or go with a funfair and candyfloss theme. For fun sweet station reception ideas, consider a doughnut wall, popcorn bar, S’mores station, cupcake and cookie tower, macaron bar, or mini desert shots.

7. Say it with signage

Photo © Anesta Broad Photography | See their Bridebook profile

Celebrate the theme of love with a large LOVE sign at the entrance to your reception, or in your ballroom as a romantic backdrop to your first dance. We love this dreamy shot, captured by Anesta Broad Photography, of the happy couple dancing: “It’s the happiness of the couple, the delight of the guests in the background and the beautiful setting at Blake Hall that makes this photo feel special. It is a beautiful moment.” For something more subtle, consider dotting some smaller signs around your venue, like near the bar or the sign-in table, featuring romantic love-inspired quotes.

8. Get creative with your catering

Photo © The Full Spoon | See their Bridebook profile

Carry your Valentine’s Day theme into your food by asking your catering team to get creative with colour and shapes and finishing touches. From heart-shaped garnishes to heart-shaped skewers, to a colour palette of pinks and reds, there are so many ways to enjoy a special romantic wedding meal. What’s important is to hire wedding caterers who specialise in creating bespoke, innovative dishes. We particularly love The Full Spoon, who are experts in creating original, personal menus.

9. Create a signature cocktail

Photo © Fabulous Fizz Bar | See their Bridebook profile

Create a signature cocktail for the occasion with ingredients that are symbolic of love, like champagne and strawberries, or with known aphrodisiacs, like chocolate and chilli. Or go one further, and create little puns to accompany your cocktails, for example, “Love Potion” or ‘Cupid’s Cocktails”). This will give your drinks a romantic and whimsical vibe. For expertly hand-mixed, bespoke cocktails, we highly recommend Fabulous Fizz Bar. They’ll create a bespoke menu for you to fit the style and theme of your wedding, whether that’s Valentine’s Day or something more personal. You can even have your signature cocktails renamed to further personalise them.

10. Romanticise your wedding entertainment

Photo © Smartpicsuk Photo Booth | See their Bridebook profile

Delight your partner and guests with some Valentine’s-inspired entertainment. For example, you can exchange love notes with your partner before the wedding ceremony, or ask the Maid of Honour and Best Man to write an original love poem for the bride and groom to read out during the speeches. Other ideas include splashing out on a themed photo booth with props that are inspired by love and Valentine’s Day. We particularly love Smartpicsuk Photo Booth: in addition to your choice of background for the images, you can also choose the design and text on the prints to compliment the style and theme of your wedding and create something that is truly unique.

11. Hand out Valentines-inspired gifts

Photo © Quintessential Cookies & Cakes | See their Bridebook profile

Surprise your partner with a sentimental gift like a locket or custom-made piece of jewellery before the ceremony, or treat your guests to special heart-shaped favours with a sweet note. Heart-shaped cookies and cake-pops work well, or chocolate-dipped strawberries presented in a cute bag. Quintessential Cookies & Cakes create gorgeous bespoke cookie wedding favours, that can be personalised to you and your special day. Celebration cakes, macarons, cupcakes, cake-pops and mini doughnuts are also available, and will make stylish, memorable and delicious gifts!

12. Use a special romantic wedding hashtag

Photo © Lisa & Neil Wedding Photography | See their Bridebook profile

Over 55% of couples incorporate a wedding hashtag into their big day, so why not create a special Valentine’s-inspired one? Include it on your save-the-dates, invitations or even cocktail napkins, so everyone can get tagging and tweeting those romantic photos and mobile phone footage!

13. Have a romantic meal

Photo © Lettice Events | See their Bridebook profile

Instead of the usual breakfast in bed, why not try something a little more romantic? Set up a table for two with a candlelit breakfast, or have a special breakfast delivered to the bridal suite. Alternatively, end the day with a special dinner at a romantic restaurant like on date night. For a luxury catering experience like no other, look no further than Lettice Events. From delicate canapés to feasting tables to midnight treats, they have the perfect recipe for a romantic wedding day.

14. Have a special exit

Photo © The Real Flower Petal Confetti Company | See their Bridebook profile

For a twist on the classic confetti shower, have a romantic Valentine’s-inspired exit with a shower of real rose petals. The Real Flower Petal Confetti Company specialises in beautiful, natural, biodegradable flower petals, handpicked and mixed to your bespoke requirements – perfect for a romantic themed wedding! You can effortlessly create a mixture to suit your style and theme. There’s a large range of other accessories too, including personalised confetti cones and sachets, pretty paper envelopers, flower girl baskets, and handmade wedding horseshoes.

These 14 romantic wedding ideas are sure to make your wedding day extra special and memorable, whether it’s on Valentine’s Day itself or not! Let us know your favourites in the comments!

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Happy Planning!

24 Most Popular Wedding Flowers and their Meanings

Choosing wedding flowers can be tricky. If you are struggling to choose your flowers, it may be worth considering what the blooms mean.

To help you decide, we’ve picked out some popular wedding flowers and explained their meaning.

Rose

bridebook.com bunch of red and pink roses

The rose is a traditional wedding flower, so it couldn’t be left off this list!

Roses symbolise love, yet depending on their colour, other meanings come in too. Red roses symbolise love and desire, whereas white roses are purity and innocence.

Calla Lily

bridebook.com picture of single white calla lily

Calla lilies came from Africa and are usually in season for spring or summer weddings.

Calla lilies have a mild fragrance and represent beauty. Bouquets made of only calla lilies are stunning, but they can be a sturdy support for other bouquets too.

Tulip

bridebook.com picture of bunch of purple, yellow and red tulips

Tulips are in season in spring, and so find their way into bouquets and venue décor up and down the country.

Like roses, tulips come in bold and beautiful colours, each with a different meaning. Red tulips symbolise a declaration of love that is perfect for your altar décor, and yellow mean sunshine.

Hydrangea

bridebook.com picture of blue hydrangeas in the wild

Hydrangeas have large clusters of delicate petals and are a great way to add bulk to a bouquet.

The hydrangea can express gratitude, and so is ideal for bridesmaid bouquets.

Sweet Peas

bridebook.com picture of pink and purple sweet peas

The sweet pea has a homey vibe, thanks to its rich scent and a range of tones to match with any wedding colour scheme.

This flower is a firm favourite and will be right at home in the bouquet of a bride planning a country wedding.

Peony

bridebook.com picture of five pink peonies lying on a white tablecloth

Legend has it that Paeon, the Greek physician of the Gods, used a peony root to heal Pluto. Jealousy led to an attempt on Paeon’s life, and to save him, Pluto transformed him into a peony. This legend has led to the peony having a meaning of compassion.

Carnation

bridebook.com picture of white pink and purple carnations against a white background

Carnations fell out of favour, but they are making a comeback again in the bouquets of brides.

The humble carnation symbolises both love and pride. But avoid striped carnations as they can mean refusal!

Chrysanthemum

bridebook.com picture of red chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums represent optimism, joy, and a long life. These very meanings are what makes it a great addition to a bridal bouquet!

An added benefit of the chrysanthemum is that they are affordable and in great supply all year round.

Anemone

bridebook.com picture of a white anemone in the wild

The anemone is one of those flowers that can fit into a range of colour schemes. These flowers come in a range of shades, including purples, pinks, reds, and ivory.

Anemone comes from the Greek word for “windflower” and symbolises anticipation.

Daffodil

bridebook.com picture of a bunch of yellow daffodils in a glass jar

Daffodils are vibrant and tell a tale of the coming of spring.

Beyond this, daffodils symbolise chivalry. A single daffodil means unrequited love, making it a great buttonhole for the groom.

Baby’s Breath

bridebook.com picture of a jar of baby's breath flowers tied to the side of a church pew

The cloud-like petals of baby’s breath mean this bloom is a popular filler for bouquets and decor. The tiny white flowers can be used on their own in delicate flower crowns for your flower girls.

Baby’s breath symbolises innocence, and they are inexpensive all year round.

Delphinium

bridebook.com picture of purple delphiniums in the wild

Delphinium comes from the Greek word “delphis”, translating as dolphin. If you pluck a single flower from the tallest part of the plant, it looks like a dolphin leaping out.

These blooms have a subtle scent, and the purple colour looks at home in summer centrepieces.

Heather

bridebook.com picture of wild heather

Heather flowers symbolise good luck and protection. Queen Victoria popularised the heather as meaning good luck in England. As a result, it is common to include a sprig of white heather in a bride’s bouquet for luck.

Anthurium

bridebook.com picture of three red anthuriums

Anthuriums symbolise hospitality, abundance, and happiness, which are perfect for your wedding day! Their delicate heart shape will fit right in with your bouquet.

These flowers come in vibrant shades, or, for a more subtle approach, you can opt for a delicate green bloom.

Cornflower

bridebook.com picture of a single blue cornflower

Cornflowers symbolise prosperity and friendship. Cornflowers usually have a gorgeous blue hue, but they are also available in white or pink.

The subtle tones make them a great addition to bridal or bridesmaid bouquets.

Dahlia

bridebook.com picture of wild orange dahlias

Dahlias are a perfect wedding flower. These blooms mean commitment and an ever-lasting bond, and their bold bloom is elegant too.

When they are in season, you cannot go wrong with adding dahlias to your bouquet.

Magnolia

bridebook.com picture of white and pink magnolia growing

In Chinese culture, the magnolia tree symbolises purity and nobility. The blooms have been used for healing and are thought to have been around for 20 million years!

Today, the flower symbolises perseverance, dignity, and a love of nature.

Sunflower

bridebook.com picture of wild sunflowers

Sunflowers are a big, bold, and vibrant choice often used as a focal flower in a summer bouquet. The sunflower represents purity, adoration, and dedicated love.

The sunflower looks even better when paired with the delicate blooms of baby’s breath or daisies.

Freesia

bridebook.com picture of yellow/orange freesia

The delicate freesia represents innocence and thoughtfulness.

The freesia can add a dash of colour to a bouquet, both for brides and bridesmaids. The delicate blooms are available in yellow, ivory, purple, and a stunning burnt orange.

Daisy

bridebook.com picture of wild daisies

Daisies mean innocence and purity. We all remember playing outside when we were young and making daisy chains. The happy memories make them a great addition to a bouquet!

Gerbera

bridebook.com picture of a bunch of yellow and pink gerberas

The gerbera is a member of the daisy family, but it tends to be much bolder and brighter than its more delicate cousin.

The gerbera has rows of overlapping petals and are often found in bold and beautiful colours. Their colours and a name that means cheerfulness make this is a popular bouquet choice.

Lilac

bridebook.com close-up picture of lilac flowers

If your partner is your childhood sweetheart, lilac could be a great to your bridal bouquet. The delicate blooms of lilac come in purple and white, and they symbolise first love.

Local lilacs can be found in spring, but brides can usually get access to imported lilacs all year round.

Orchid

bridebook.com picture of pink orchids

The exotic beauty of the orchid makes it an in-demand addition to a bouquet. But, unless you are careful with your seasons, it can end up being quite expensive.

The orchid represents thoughtfulness and charm, adding a dramatic touch to your bouquet.

Zinnia

bridebook.com picture of one purple zinnia

Gardeners love the zinnia because it attracts butterflies. For couples, the gorgeous colours, and meaning of lasting affection is enough to seal the deal.

Opt for a bold touch by adding a bright orange steam to a centrepiece or add a statement bloom to a bouquet.

Happy planning!

Check out some of our other top tips to help you plan your wedding stress-free.

Incredible Black-owned Wedding Suppliers to Support

From photographers to caterers, to wedding dress designers, the UK is lucky enough to be home to some of the most gifted Black wedding suppliers in the world. The creativity and passion of these artisans and experts are sure to make your day one that you will treasure forever. 

At Bridebook we are creating long term action strategies, both internal and external to improve inclusion and diversity within our industry but we know there is a long, long way to go. This list is just our starting off point, which we will be constantly and consistently adding to. In the meantime, we couldn’t recommend the Noire Wedding Edit by Ofe of Studio Oudizo more, for inspiration and an incredibly detailed list of suppliers.

Photographers:

Marni V Photography: @marni_v_photography

If you’re after relaxed, informal wedding photography that is going to be as creative, quirky and fun as you are, then keep reading! Marni is all about authentic moments; tears of joy, stolen kisses, crazy dancefloor moves and everything in between. She’ll be wherever the action is, getting to know the people you love, so she never misses a moment. If you want a photographer that will feel more like an extra guest then she’s got you covered.

wedding photo by marniV

Leesha Williams Photo + Film: @leeshawilliamsphotoandfilm

Leesha specialises in emotive and creative wedding photography for quirky couples in love. Her photography style definitely reflects her love for all things artsy and romantic, as well as being incredibly detail-oriented. Leesha sees the beauty not only in the big moments but the little things too, that really tell the story of your special day!

Wedding by Leesha Williams

Joséphine Elvis photography: @joelevis_photo

Joséphine’s love for photography stems from her love of connecting with people and showcasing their genuine emotion. Both of these are key elements of candid wedding photography, and they’re the reason she specialises in laid back wedding photography for fun and creative couples. That means that there’ll be no awkward moments or cheesy poses – she’ll be snapping all the crucial little moments of connection and emotion, and she’ll do it as part of the flow of the day.

wedding by J.Elvis

Treats and Tipples:

Bubble Bar Caravan: @bubblebar_caravan

Bubble Bar Caravan is a unique and beautifully converted caravan bar, perfect for intimate weddings. They serve a full range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, from IPA’s, Lager and Ciders on draught to bespoke Gin & Tonics, Prosecco and cocktails. They pride themselves on their friendly, energetic service that you and your guests are sure to love, as well as being an incredible backdrop for photos.

Bubble Bar Caravan

The Little Cake Garden: @littlecakegarden

The Little Cake Garden specialises in creating bespoke wedding cakes and other sweet treats. They create some of the most stunning and whimsical cakes we’ve ever seen, as well as incredible dessert tables. Being hopeless romantics, they deliver designs that truly capture and reflect your desires. They are ​dedicated to quality and tailor-made creations, with all of their products made from scratch, using only the very highest quality ingredients.

Little Cake Garden Cakes

Indulgent Sugar Plum: @ms_sugar_plum

The Indulgent Sugar Plum is a concept bakery & lifestyle store that produces luxurious handcrafted cakes and confectionery. They are not afraid to cross boundaries and have even been featured on Channel 4’s ‘Extreme Cake Makers! From the first moment you receive your cake, until the moment you eat it – they aim for their goods to ‘inspire your conversations’. Through the creation process the draw on inspiration from your visuals, colour scheme & themes to create a cake that’s uniquely for you and your partner.

M+H Cakes: @mandhcake

With over 13 years of baking experience, M+H Cakes are delicious and handmade with love from their kitchen in London from start to finish. Their attention to detail is second to none, and they’ll ensure that you get your dream wedding cake. Each cake is bespoke, handmade and a true work of art. 

Wedding Cake

Wedding Fashion:

Naomi Deru Bridal: @naomiderubridal

Naomi Deru Bridal creates dresses for the contemporary bride with a modern take on style and silhouettes. Every single piece bearing the Naomi Deru Bridal label is handcrafted from scratch in Kent, with every gown being impeccably tailored, perfectly executed and with beautiful detail. Naomi makes sure that each dress is a carefully thought through collaboration with the bride, making sure the bride’s unique style and personality is reflected.

Naomi Deru Bridal Wear

Kahmune: @kahmune

Kahmune’s aim was to redefine the word ‘nude’ and they have certainly succeeded. Just as ‘nude’ plasters are not a one size fits all, neither are shoes! Brides and bridesmaids should be able to find shoes that blend seamlessly with their skin tone, and Kahmune has delivered on their promise, blending style and comfort, with flats and heels in 10 beautiful skin shades.

Kahmune shoes

Floristry:

Queen of Hearts Floral Design@queenofheartsfloraldesign

Queen of Hearts Floral Design is a London based luxury floral studio in the heart of North London. Founder Bilen Zeremariam has been an Interior Designer for the past twelve years and brings forth an extensive knowledge in colour, texture, shape and interior styling. Bilen decided to pursue her passion for flowers after creating her own wedding arrangements, which led her to learn the art of floristry. Today, Bilen takes pride in creating opulent, memorable and dramatic floral displays that transform weddings & events in London, throughout the UK and abroad.

Queen of Hearts Florals

Hazel Gardiner: @hazelgardinerdesign

Hazel is a passionate floral artist and designer with a varied and rich background in the creative arts. Her style is free with an enriching take on colour, form and texture.  After a childhood surrounded by nature in south-east England, Hazel has had a lifelong appreciation for the natural world, which is a clear inspiration in her work. Training at world-class florist McQueens, Hazel continually translates the world, taking inspiration from art, fashion and architecture. Her work is a love letter to nature with creative choices and combinations creating her fresh and unexpected designs.

Hazel floristry

 

7 trends wedding suppliers need to know about Millennial couples in 2018

The UK wedding market is jam-packed full of Millennials. Fact.

 

In fact, out of the 250,000 weddings per year in the UK the vast majority of couples are aged between 25-39 (aka Millennials). Source: The UK Wedding Report 2018 by Bridebook.co.uk.

And those digitally devoted information absorbers are now demanding a different approach from wedding suppliers. They’re looking for an altogether more open wedding market. They want you to overshare examples of weddings you’ve worked on – but don’t hound them or they’ll swipe left.

They might not have tons of time for you but they sure as hell want you to lay all of your cards on their perfectly designed wedding breakfast table.

#itscomplicated

So here’s the rundown of exactly what engaged and soon-to-be-wed couples of today expect from their wedding entourage for the approximate 20 months that they’ll be engaged and working with you…

1.Be online when your couples are

 

Unsurprisingly, the most popular time of the week for wedding planning is after work, with 63% of couples stating that evenings were the time they were most likely to be online.

Bridebook has discovered that the majority of enquiries are sent between 7pm-9pm so as a wedding supplier, you need to be active at these times. And of course the faster you are able to respond and interact with these enquiries the higher your conversion rate will be.

Where possible, keep an eye on your inbox over the weekend as Saturday (40%) and Sunday (37%) also show higher than average wedding planning activity.

 

2.Contact couples in the right way

For yet another year running, email is the preferred method of communication for initial enquiries (85%) and ongoing contact (88%) between couples and suppliers.

Interestingly though, half of couples also want in-person contact with the suppliers they’re working with.

However, you choose to answer your initial enquiry, remember to ask your couples how they would like to be contacted from there on and ask when is best for them in case evenings and weekends don’t suit.

 

3.Never underestimate the importance of reviews and recommendations

For yet another year running, couples have rated reviews and recommendations from friends and family (71%) as the most valuable source of information when booking wedding suppliers.

It is now more important than ever that you showcase your past work and triumphs wherever and whenever possible because 76% of couples read 8 or more reviews before booking a wedding supplier.

More specifically, 59% of couples said that they wanted to read online reviews from couples you’ve worked with in the past before making a decision on whether to contact you.

4.Understand how couples are choosing to spend their wedding budget

Did you know that the national average wedding spend in the UK in 2017 was £17,913 – excluding honeymoon? In London, this figure rises to £31,837.

So what are these big spending Millennial’s actually doing with their wedding budget?

The good news is that the money being spent on suppliers has increased by an average of 12% year on year. Consider this when reviewing your prices and ensure that you’re still pricing competitively and are not underselling your services by pricing too low.

Marquee hire (24%) food and drink (23%) and venue dressing (22%) are areas of spending that grew the most year on year.

5.Couples need interaction

The wedding industry is an unknown for most couples when they first dip their toe in our world and as such, we should be willing to guide them through the process.

 

This is the most important day of their lives and they are spending a lot of money so you have to prove your worth and show them that your business is worth investing in from the get go.

Be their friend and their partner throughout the wedding planning process. By communicating in the right way and offering the right kind of advice without being pushy you’ll ensure that couples have confidence in you and trust your expertise.

 

6.Couples depend on your photos

It is so important that you show couples what you do and what you offer with real, visual examples.

Keep your website and Bridebook profile up to date with the latest and greatest photos from weddings you’re most proud of.

Wedding venues – make sure that you’re showcasing great quality external and internal photos. If you aren’t blessed with acres of glorious grounds take photographs of other assets that surround you – whether rolling countryside or big city hotspots.

Makeup artists, wedding stylists, florists – photograph your work yourself and ask photographers and videographers for permission to use a couple of their photos or stills from the day (remembering to credit them).

Try to evoke a “that could be us” feeling with every visual you share.

 

7.Diversity is important to Millennial couples

Diversity is a problem that we are facing in the industry and we as suppliers should be tackling it head-on.

We live in one of the most diverse countries in the world and to ignore that is to ignore and potentially offend your potential customers.

As a start, be gender inclusive and try not to use phrases such as ‘normally a bride and groom have this or do that’. Consider your use of ‘bride and groom’ in the content you write and speak, using the term ‘partner’ or ‘couple’ instead.

We should be making every couple feel confident, comfortable and unique.

Wedding suppliers; ask yourselves…

…are you working with millennials or against them?  

Are you interacting with them at the time and in the ways that they want you to?

Are you showcasing your business at it’s best – including reviews and beautiful images to really sell how great you are?

Bridebook can help you adjust to what Millennial couples want and need. Set up your own Bridebook page now to start promoting your business in a quick, easy and effortless way.

 

Looking for more wedding industry trends and couple insights? Head to the Bridebook Business Hub, the home of wedding industry knowledge. 

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The Flowers You Need For a Wedding

The Flowers You Need For a Wedding


Arranging your wedding flowers can be a mind-boggling affair due to the multitude of options for integrating flowers into your wedding day. The below list includes all the main flower options you may want to consider. These are suggestions only, not necessities. Pick and choose what suits your wedding theme. Pinterest is a great place for flower inspiration.


Bouquets

Bride

Maid of honour

Bridesmaids

Bouquet for toss


Buttonholes

Groom

Best Man

Ushers

Fathers

Grandfathers

Ring bearer


Hair

Bride

Flower girl


Corsages

Mothers

Grandmothers


Tables

Ceremony arrangements

Top table arrangement

Centrepieces

Buffet table arrangement

Cake topper

Drinks reception arrangements


Other flowers

Aisle

Flower girl basket

Petals instead of confetti


Bridebook.co.uk Wedding Awards 2017 Winners!

We couldn’t be more thrilled to announce the Winners and Highly Commended suppliers of the Bridebook.co.uk Wedding Awards 2017!

With so many incredible and talented suppliers across our Bridebook family, picking the final winners was difficult to say the least. So we’d like to extend our sincerest warm wishes and thanks for all of those who participated – the wedding industry wouldn’t be where it is today without you!

Now, without further ado – the 2017 winners! Huge congratulations to all! (And if you’re an engaged couple, there’s no better place to start your wedding supplier search than with this fabulous list of award winners!)

Wedding Beauty Supplier of the Year

Bridebook.co.uk BBWA 2017 Winners
Amazing Face Bridal Hair & Make-Up

Winner: Amazing Face Bridal Hair & Makeup

Highly Commended: Make Up By Jenni

Highly Commended: Rachael Divers Makeup Artistry

Wedding Cake Supplier of the Year

Bridebook.co.uk BBWA Winners 2017
Yolk

Winner: Yolk

Highly Commended: Blossom and Crumb 

Wedding Caterer of the Year

Bridebook.co.uk BBWA 2017 Winners
Sojo Kitchen

Winner: Sojo Kitchen

Highly Commended: Appetite Direct 

Wedding Decoration Supplier of the Year

Bridebook.co.uk BBWA Winners 2017
Qube Events and Productions

Winner: Qube Events and Productions

Highly Commended: Twilight Trees

 

Wedding Dress and Accessories Supplier of the Year

Bridebook.co.uk BBWA Winners 2017
Heart a Flutter

Winner: Heart A Flutter

Highly Commended: FairyGothmother

Wedding Entertainment Supplier of the Year

Bridebook.co.uk BBWA Winners 2017
Pyromania Fireworks

Winner: Pyromania Fireworks

Highly Commended: Chris Cook Magic 

Wedding Florist of the Year

Bridebook.co.uk BBWA Winners 2017
The Flower Room

Winner: The Flower Room 

Highly Commended: Hiding In The City Flowers

Wedding Jewellery Supplier of the Year

Bridebook.co.uk BBWA Winners 2017
Hey Jules

Winner: Hey Jules

Highly Commended: Form Bespoke Jewellers

Wedding Videographer of the Year

Bridebook.co.uk BBWA Winners 2017
James Riley Videos

Winner: James Riley Videos

Highly Commended: Scott Graham 

Wedding Transport Supplier of the Year

Bridebook.co.uk BBWA Winners 2017
Fiat 500 Hire

Winner:  Fiat 500 Hire 

Highly Commended: Vintage VWs 4 Hire 

Wedding Stationery of the Year

Bridebook.co.uk BBWA Winners 2017
Wonderland Invites and Design Studio

Winner: Wonderland Invites & Design Studio

Highly Commended: Paper Tree Design 

Wedding Planner, Celebrant or Toastmaster of the Year

Bridebook.co.uk BBWA Winners 2017
Pamella Dunn Events

Winner:  Pamella Dunn Events

Highly Commended: One Stylish Day

Wedding Photographer of the Year

Bridebook.co.uk BBWA 2017 Winners

Winner:  Kristida Photography

Highly Commended: Tub of Jelly and Chris Giles Photography

Wedding Music Supplier of the Year

Bridebook.co.uk BBWA Winners 2017
Down For The Count

Winner: Down For The Count

Highly Commended: Wedding Smashers 

Wedding Menswear Supplier of the Year

Bridebook.co.uk BBWA Winners 2017

Winner: Roberto Revilla London

Highly Commended: DAPPER Formalwear for Men

Wedding Marquee Supplier of the Year

Bridebook.co.uk BBWA Winners 2017
Big Chief Tipis

Winner: Big Chief Tipis 

Highly Commended:  Florida Marquees

Wedding Venue of the Year

Bridebook.co.uk BBWA Winners 2017
Iscoyd Park

National Winner: Iscoyd Park

 

North East

Bridebook.co.uk BBWA Winners 2017
Newton Hall

Winner:  Newton Hall 

Highly Commended: Healey Barn 

North West

Bridebook.co.uk BBWA Winners 2017
Siren, Liverpool

Winner: Siren Liverpool

Highly Commended: Sandhole Oak Barn 

Yorkshire 

Bridebook.co.uk BBWA 2017 Winners
Camp Kutur

Winner:  Camp Katur

Highly Commended: Woodhall Hotel and Spa 

West Midlands

Bridebook.co.uk BBWA 2017 Winners
Compton Verney House

Winner:  Compton Verney House

Highly Commended: The Ashes

East Midlands 

Bridebook.co.uk BBWA 2017 Winners
The Old Vicarage Boutique Wedding Venue

Winner: The Old Vicarage Boutique Wedding Venue

Highly Commended: Ringwood Hall Hotel 

South East

Bridebook.co.uk BBWA Winners 2017
East Quay Venue

Winner:  East Quay Venue

Highly Commended: Yoghurt Rooms

East of England

Bridebook.co.uk BBWA Winners 2017
Fennes

Winner: Fennes 

Highly commended: The Barns Hotel 

 

London

Bridebook.co.uk BBWA 2017 Winners
Spitalfields

Winner: Spitalfields

Highly Commended: Pembroke Lodge 

South West

Bridebook.co.uk BBWA 2017 Winners
Riverside Sopley Mill

Winner: Riverside Sopley Mill 

Highly commended: Elmore Court

Wales

Bridebook.co.uk BBWA 2017 Winners
Porthmawr Country House

Winner: Porthmawr Country House 

Scotland

Bridebook.co.uk BBWA 2017 Winners
Assynt House

Winner: Assynt House

Highly commended: Kilrie Granary 

Northern Ireland

Bridebook.co.uk BBWA Winners 2017
Ballyscullion Park

Winner: Ballyscullion Park 

Highly commended: Breckenhill 

Congratulations to all the winners and highly commended! If you’re an engaged couple, there truly is no better place to start than with this fabulous list of Bridebook suppliers. Be sure to check out their profiles to book these award winners for your own wedding!

How to Save Money on Wedding Flowers

Depending on the style you’re going for, chances are there’ll be a vast array of different flower arrangements at your wedding. The list includes bouquets, centrepieces, boutonnières, welcome arrangements, altar arrangements, bridesmaids’ bouquets, wedding cake flowers… and the list goes on. There’s nothing quite as lovely as wedding flowers and the joy and spectacle they bring.

Wedding flowers being so beautiful and plentiful, they tend to cost. In the UK, couples spend an average of around £1,100 on wedding flowers, which is a not-insignificant proportion of the average overall cost of a wedding at £20,775.

Some couples won’t have a budget anywhere near the national average or want to spend over a grand on flowers, but still want to have beautiful blooms at their wedding. If this is you, there are still plenty of options out there for you.

In this post, we’re going to take a look at all the ways you can save money on wedding flowers while still making sure your venue is full of gorgeous florals. 

Why are wedding flowers so expensive?

Photo © The Flower Mill | See their Bridebook profile

A wedding is a fabulous occasion, and like many celebrations, flowers are the go-to decorative item for adding colour, luxury and elegance. Flowers are also a popular symbol of love, which is why they’re so perfect for a wedding.

As a result, many couples love to use flowers throughout their big day, from the moment their guests arrive at the ceremony to the moment they leave the reception. And because they play such a prominent role, the price of wedding flowers can be somewhat on the high side.

But why exactly are they so expensive? There are plenty of reasons why you may pay a premium for wedding flowers, most notably: 

  • Volume – From bouquets to boutonnières, many different flower arrangements feature in a wedding
  • Quality – When it comes to weddings, florists often use the crème de la crème of flowers
  • Service – Bespoke florals will involve a personalised design process and conceptualisation to bring your vision to life
  • Details – It’s not just about the flowers – think vases, vessels, ribbons, even props – everything you need to create a gorgeous display
  • Availability – Most flowers are seasonal, particularly in the UK, so it can be expensive to import certain flowers
  • Expertise – Florists use their skill and experience designing show-stopping arrangements
  • Time – Wedding flowers often take a lot of time to design and arrange
  • Delivery – Your florist will need to deliver and set up your flowers at the venue

Do you need flowers at your wedding?

Photo © Amarante London | See their Bridebook profile

Whether or not you have flowers at your wedding is entirely your decision. It all depends on your budget, your style and – ultimately – your preference. While there’s nothing written in stone that says you need to have flowers at your wedding, your guests will likely notice if you choose not to have them.

Flowers are one of the biggest wedding traditions there is, and the pure presence of flowers denotes elegance and love. That said, there could be several reasons for not wanting to have flowers at your wedding, for example, due to allergies, or you simply aren’t interested in anything floral. 

15 ways to save money on wedding flowers

Photo © West Dorset Wedding Flowers | See their Bridebook profile

Wedding flowers are a big expense, but they’re a non-negotiable for many couples. If you do choose to have flowers at your wedding, but don’t want to spend an amount even close to the UK average, then there are ways around it. Below are 15 ways you can save money on wedding flowers.

1. The bigger the better

Photo © One Splendid Day | See their Bridebook profile

Choose flowers with big heads where possible. Not only do they look stunning, but the bigger the flowerhead, the fewer stems you need to fill out an arrangement, which means you’ll also generally spend less money.

For example, for every peony or hydrangea you have in an arrangement, you would need two or three roses to fill up the same amount of space. The bigger the flowers, the less you’ll spend in the long run.

2. Avoid popular flower choices

Photo © Emly & Me | See their Bridebook profile

Flowers like roses, carnations and tulips symbolise love, which makes them popular choices for floral arrangements. That means they can also be quite pricey, as demand is high. Instead, why not consider flowers which are both beautiful but which aren’t commonly seen at weddings, such as chrysanthemums, daisies and Peruvian lilies?

3. Be creative with your bridesmaids

Photo © The Flower Alchemist | See their Bridebook profile

Be a trendsetting bride and instead of full bouquets, give your bridesmaids corsages to wear on their wrists or boutonnières to fix onto a neckline or waistband. It will leave their hands free (to fluff out your dress if need be) and provide the perfect accessory for their outfits. Not to mention it will save you a lot of money, especially if you have four or five bridesmaids.

4. Use flowers as focal points

Photo © Cloud Hill Flowers | See their Bridebook profile

Use flowers as your focal points. Positioning some at the bar and on the central table will draw the eye and let you get away with much smaller pieces on the other tables. This will make the room seem full to the brim with floral decoration, whereas actually, you’ve just been clever with how you use them. The key is to position them in a way that works for them and the space. 

5. Less can be more

Photo © Vista & Bloom | See their Bridebook profile

We may have already mentioned that bigger blooms can be more cost-effective, but if you’re going for a minimalist and sophisticated theme, then that can also be a great way to save some money. Instead of having big bunches of flowers on every table, try putting single stems in tall elegant vases as eye-catching centrepieces. Because of the impressive height, the room will still look decorated throughout, but this way you’ll use fewer stems and your guests will be able to truly appreciate the flowers you’ve hand-selected.

Roses are fabulous flowers which work well like this, but speak to your florist about which flowers will fit best within your specific budget.

6. Switch petals for paper

Photo © Paper Bouquets UK | See their Bridebook profile

Did you know you can still have flowers even if you don’t want real ones? Switching real flowers for faux or paper-made flowers works a treat and can cost less than the real deal. For example, at Paper Bouquets here on Bridebook, prices start from as low as £8! As an added bonus, you’ll have gorgeous floral paper creations to treasure long after the big day itself. For an extra touch of personalisation, you can also tie it to your wedding theme by making flowers from pages out of your favourite book or sheet music from your wedding playlist.

To save even more cash, you might want to consider making some paper flowers yourself. It’s not like they’ll wilt over time, so if you start early enough you should be able to make plenty. There are loads of paper flower tutorial videos on YouTube to get you started. Though these are unlikely to rival the masterful creations of a professional, if cheap flowers are your no. 1 priority, then the DIY approach can be both cost-effective and fun!

7. Double up

Photo © Honour Farm Flowers | See their Bridebook profile

After the wedding ceremony, your bridesmaids will probably have little use for their bouquets, so why not make them work extra hard and reuse them at the reception? Place them at certain focal points, or even use them as centrepieces on some of the tables. It’s unlikely that your guests will even notice!

8. Choose flowers that are in season

Photo © Pumpkin and Pye | See their Bridebook profile

The time of year at which you’re getting married can have a big influence over the cost of your flowers, particularly if there are specific flowers you have in mind, because seasonality plays a huge part in cost. For example, peonies, when not in season, can be four times more expensive than roses. This includes cabbage roses, which look almost exactly the same.

To keep costs down, choose flowers that are in bloom during the time of year when your wedding is taking place, for example:

  • Spring: tulips and snapdragons
  • Summer: freesias and irises
  • Autumn: roses and dahlias
  • Winter: poinsettias and amaryllis

9. Choose a venue with floral beauty

Photo © Colonnade Florist | See their Bridebook profile

You might not have to as much much money on flowers if you choose a venue that has plenty of floral beauty of its own. An inner-city hotel might need a little extra help in the flower department, whereas a countryside manor will likely have landscaped gardens, wonderful artwork and stunning decor which means you won’t need to rely on having many flowers to add any additional beauty.

For a bit of inspiration on finding a venue with gorgeous natural spaces, check out our post on 35 beautiful outdoor wedding venues in the UK.

10. Consider forgoing boutonnières and corsages?

Photo © Laurel Weddings | See their Bridebook profile

Depending on the number of groomsmen and bridesmaids you and your partner will have, one thing that bumps up the cost is the number of boutonnières and corsages you’ll need. Two ways to reduce costs is by cutting them altogether or getting creative to bring those costs down. Why not design your own with faux or paper flowers? Or you could pick them up for less than £2 each by using a website like TEMU or Wish. Just make sure you know what you’re willing to compromise on (obviously cheap alternatives to professionally-crafted florals are unlikely to match the quality and design of the real deal).  

11. Go green

Photo © The Wild Garden Florist | See their Bridebook profile

While flowers are beautiful and vibrant, and can make for some truly breathtaking displays, the more you have in an arrangement, the more you’ll have to pay. So, why not fill some of that space with a little greenery, instead? More greenery, like ruscus and baby’s breath, can bring new textures and shapes to an arrangement and accentuate the flowers so that they pop even more. Not to mention it will help keep the costs of your flowers down. Win win! 

12. Consider dried flowers

Photo © The Botanical Bunch | See their Bridebook profile

Dried bouquets are versatile and unique, and work whether you’re going for a vintage or more modern style at your wedding. They’re also more affordable due to the fact they last far longer than fresh flowers. Not only that, but you’ll be able to take them home afterwards and they’ll last for months, or even years. Dried florals works particularly well if you’re going with a rustic venue

13. Use your green fingers in the garden

Photo © Abbey Meadow Flowers | See their Bridebook profile

Fancy yourself as something of a gardener with particularly well-attended flower beds at home? If so, you might consider putting together some arrangements of your own? Or, if you’re not quite that adventurous, you could take just a few single stems, such as from a rose bush, to use in tall vases that would work as simple, yet elegant and highly personal, centrepieces on each table. 

As always with the DIY approach, remember that there’s always a risk. Growing and then designing your own bouquets will be no mean feat, and won’t come with the same level of service and quality as working with a professional florist. Your flowers might not turn out exactly as you wanted them or your bouquets might not come together as you’d envisaged them, and they might get damaged on the day, either in transit or at the venue itself. So, carefully weigh up whether saving money is your no. 1 priority, or if you’d rather go for a more hands-off and stress-free approach (which will of course come at a cost). 

14. Choose a local florist

Photo © The Cadogan Flower Company | See their Bridebook profile

When searching for a florist to design your flower arrangements for your wedding, make sure you choose one that is local to you. If you choose one based on price alone, you may be in for an unwelcome surprise when it comes to the cost of delivery and setup. Make sure you double-check the catchment area of the florist you hire so you don’t pay any additional delivery costs.

The only exception to this rule is if your wedding is taking place in London. Hiring a London-based florist is often more expensive than hiring one from outside the capital. So, if sticking to a tight budget is important to you, we recommend comparing prices to see if it’s worth hiring one that has to travel a little further, as it could save you money. Just remember to get plenty of quotes and weigh up which offers the best value for money.

Browse our huge range of florists and find fantastic floral experts close to you.

15. Sweep the supermarket for cheap deals

Photo © Bradgate Flowers | See their Bridebook profile

Almost all of the big-name supermarkets sell decent flowers, and if you (or someone you trust with the job) get there early enough on the day, you’ll have a reasonable selection to choose from. You might not want a bunch of supermarket flowers as your bouquet or centrepieces, but they can work well as welcome flowers or accents, and are considerably cheaper than the flowers you’d get from a florist. Though they won’t match the quality or complexity of design of a bespoke creation, they’re a valid choice if you’re on a tight budget.

Plan your dream wedding with Bridebook 

At Bridebook, we have all the tools, tips and tricks you need to plan your perfect wedding day. Sign up today and start your planning journey!

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Happy Planning!

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!

bridebook.co.uk blue flowers in blue vases
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.

bridebook.co.uk multi colour meadowy flowers
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.

bridebook.co.uk pot of colourful flowers outside a tipi
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.

bridebook.co.uk pale flowers in glass vases
Pair long stemmed and wild flowers with a variety of glass vases and you have the perfect vintage look

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. 

bridebook.co.uk - simon lycett portrait
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!

bridebook.co.uk - simon lycett hanging roses and lights
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.

bridebook.co.uk-simon lycett car filled with flowers
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!

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?

Photo © Amarante London | See their Bridebook profile

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?

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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

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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

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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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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! 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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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