Once and floral: Sussex's wedding florists share their top tips and trend predictions

Flowers and weddings have gone hand in hand since the Ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians carried posies of fragrant herbs and wore floral garlands at their nuptials to ward off bad luck as well as to symbolise new beginnings, fidelity and fertility. Today, it’s difficult to imagine a wedding without them. Since those early days, they’ve become a staple of venue styling, bringing themes and palettes together and creating an atmosphere of joy and romance.

Our experts offered so many wise words we couldn't fit them all inside the magazine, not wanting to deprive you of them though, we bring you some more titbits below!

Credit: Chez Fleur

BELINDA CAMPOPIANO, CHEZ FLEUR
www.chezfleur.co.uk | @chezfleur

What are your 2024 wedding flower trend predictions?
Pale pink roses and eucalyptus are popular so far and to be honest they really are a perfect romantic combination – we add lots of other flowers and foliage for interest but you really can’t beat the classic English rose bouquet.

Bride, bridesmaids in burgundy with matching bouquest

Credit: Olivejoy Photography for Greenfingers

RACHEL WHITE, GREENFINGERS
www.greenfingersflorists.com | @greenfingersflorist

What’s your top tip for couples when it comes to planning wedding flowers?
Have ideas to bring to the table but go with what your florist recommends especially where the season of certain flowers are concerned. Try to organise having vases ready at your venue for bridal and bridesmaids bouquets to go into after the photographs, this will help to keep them looking at their best and provide venue décor for all your guests to enjoy.

Bridge and groom leaving ceremony through confettin throw

Credit: Will Hartop Photography for Hellebore & Rose

PENNY EVISON, HELLEBORE & ROSE
www.helleboreandrose.co.uk | @helleboreandrose

What are your 2024 wedding flower trend predictions?
Could we be waving goodbye to soft, muted tones in 2024? Wedding florals are predicted to lean towards dramatic tones with striking, vibrant colours, such as hot pinks, deep purples, fiery oranges, rich golds, and emerald greens. Such vivacious and energising colours provide a dramatic contrast against a conventional white wedding dress and dress a venue with a theatrical influence.

Modern-day couples are focused on sustainability, with eco-impact at the forefront of our collective conscience. Seasonal, locally-sourced flowers are favoured with florals such as dahlias, peonies, garden roses, hydrangeas and delphiniums remaining popular choices.

At Hellebore & Rose, we work closely with local flower farmer who provides us with beautifully-grown seasonal flowers and foliage.

Credit: Katie Rogers Photography for Petal & Bird

CLARE DAVIES, PETAL & BIRD
www.petalandbird.co.uk | @petalandbird

What are your 2024 wedding flower trend predictions?
My couples have been asking for loose and natural arrangements for their bouquets featuring wild flowers.

stunning autumnal toned floral spray bouquet

Credit: Costa Weddings UK for The Art Bunch

MEET ANDREA BEACH, THE ART BUNCH
www.theartbunch.co.uk | @theartbunch

What's your top tip for couples when it comes to planning wedding flowers?
Trust your florist to guide you on what's best and be honest about your budget from the beginning allowing it to be used in the best way. Focal, statement flowers make a lot more impact than lots of smaller elements, and always consider how flowers can be reused and repurposed throughout the day.

Credit: We are the James's for The Mirror & The Veil

MEET RACHEL GRIMES, THE MIRROR & THE VEIL
www.themirrorandtheveil.co.uk | @themirrorandtheveil

What's your top tip for couples when it comes to planning wedding flowers?
Trust your florist. Allow them enough freedom to really use their creativity and experience to bring you joy through floral designs that exceed your own expectations and ideas of what flowers are capable of.

vibrant wedding bouquet by The Village Florist

Credit: The Village Florist

LEANNE BUTCHER, THE VILLAGE FLORIST
https://the-village-florist.co.uk | @the.village.florist

What's your top tip for couples when it comes to planning wedding flowers?
There's SO much to planning your big day so allow plenty of time so you don't feel flustered and overwhelmed. If you have time, you can put the planning aside if it becomes a bit much and can pick it back up again when you feel ready. Suppliers also get booked up super-early so the more time you have, the more likely you are to secure your preferred ones.

For more words of wisdom from our floristry experts, check out our Once and Floral feature in the Feb/Mar24 issue of Your Sussex Wedding, free to download at www.your-sussex.wedding/free-download

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Once and floral: Sussex's wedding florists share their top tips and trend predictions

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