Question 1

We love flowers and want to incorporate them into  our cake design. What do you recommend we look for?

Accepted Answer

A cake adorned with flowers, for me is a perfect combination. The first thing I recommend is to book a consultation with your designer. During my meetings, we discuss colour schemes, themes and ideas. I then create a bespoke design incorporating any specific arrangements we've discussed. Once you've decided on the design, there are several options available ranging from fresh to hand-made sugar versions. Fresh flowers need to be sourced from a reputable supplier to ensure they have been treated correctly. From my point of view, each stem then has to be dripped in a safety seal, wrapped with floral tape and then attached to the cake usually at the last minute to ensure it stays as fresh as possible. One of the benefits of this option is the blooms will match the rest of your floral displays perfectly. As a cake designer, I love nothing more than creating sugar flowers, from an elegant rose to a simple cherry blossom and pretty much everything in-between. They can be created in a variety of colours to suit your theme and can be preserved and kept as a keepsake from your special day. One trend I'm seeing at the moment is dried flowers. If the boho lux vibe is your thing, then dried blooms are a must, again these come in a variety of hues from natural tones to vibrant bouquets. The last option I suggest would be silk or artificial flowers, I work with a few suppliers who offer these, and they're so realistic you literally can't tell the difference.

Question 2

I'm planning to tie the knot next September and want flowers that will wow our guests. Do you have any ideas?

Accepted Answer

This depends on your colour scheme, but I find classic whites and greens create a strong impression. Flowers that work particularly well in floral arches are roses. Look for the traditional ivory option or versions like Rosalind, secret garden or David Austin roses. These paired with hydrangeas, astilbes, Jasmine and clematis will look stunning. Frothy white foliage, moss and verdant greenery make luscious wedding arches. An arch works best at large scale venues but could overpower a more modest church. It's much more impactful to create an oversized design rather than a delicate centrepiece. This will create an immediate wow factor as you walk in for the wedding breakfast.

Question 3

I'm getting married next spring and would love to incorporate some of the season's best flowers into my hair. Do you have any ideas of how I can do this?

Accepted Answer

There's an abundance of beautiful blooms available during spring that would be perfect for your wedding. - For a classic look, a single statement bloom could be pinned into a chignon or bun. This style also works well with a floral comb. - A loosely braided style can be enhanced by the addition of floral pins or vines. Dried options and gypsophila would work perfectly. - If you're having a bohemian-themed wedding, then a flower crown is a must-have accessory! These can be made with virtually any type of flower, from large statement pieces such as peonies and roses to more delicate options like daisies, wax flowers and forget-me-nots. To ensure your crown will last throughout the day without wilting, opt for artificial blooms. With a vast array of faux flowers available, it's often hard to tell the difference. These can even be matched to your bouquet.

Expert advice about flowers & bouquets