Autumn flower power

Image courtesy of Teri V Photography, www.terivphotography.co.uk

We receive so many wonderful words of wisdom from our experts that sometimes we can't fit it all in the magazine. That was certainly the case with our 'Flower power' feature that appears in the current issue (Feb/Mar) of Your Sussex Wedding. It would be remiss of us to keep it from you, so here is the extended cut, if you like, broken down into handy seasonal sections.

So here we are week two of our four part series and we're looking at...

AUTUMN

Nicky Milligan, Buds That Bloom, www.budsthatbloom.co.uk
Berries such as rose hip, snowberries and raspberries help add seasonal charm to an autumn bouquet. Then add to dahlias, nerines, hydrangeas in rich autumn shades to create a dramatic and warm look for an autumn wedding.

Samantha Karlsson, Samantha Karlsson Flowers, www.samanthakarlssonflowers.co.uk
Autumn is all about rich, deep tones and texture in abundance. Dahlias and large headed bloom chrysanthemums are a fantastic choice for an autumn wedding and available in a multitude of colours. Whilst a slightly more unusual choice, trailing clematis is perfect for shower bouquets.

Whilst roses are available all year round with English roses being at their best during the summer season, they have a second flush in September and October. These, along with hydrangea which are at their best at during the autumn season are perfect for adding touches of chic glamour to wedding floral designs.

Crab apples, blackberries and rose hips provide texture, form and a just picked hedgerow feel, whilst gourds and squashes are perfect for unique and unusual arrangements.

Annabel Grange, Butterflies & Bows, www.butterfliesandbows.co.uk
Bold, and bright is back in for autumn 2019!  Not only reds and orange, but add yellow, lime green, purple and hints of metallic – golds and copper.  Think out of the box and think as bright as possible! Add in vegetables, fruit, dried grasses, pumpkins for that autumnal feel, in the displays or in the base of vases or even mini pumpkins and gourds as place names or table names. Stack pumpkins on your gift table maybe? Berries are in season and definitely add the autumn feel and texture to flower displays. Lisianthus and roses are still available and some great chrysanth blooms in stunning orange, reds and copper colours. Also think about using copper  coloured leaves rather than all green.
 
Top tip: Buy flowers that are in season – this will give you not only the best quality flowers but keep the cost down by avoiding importing flowers from other continents.

Steph Willoughby, Chirpee Flowers, www.chirpee.net
For fashion-led brides you may want to overlook the obvious colour palette of oranges and yellows. For a richer, desirable look, choose opulent reds, dusky pink, dove grey with splashes of rich deep purple.

Flower of the Season: Large bloom chrysanthemum, astrantia, dahlias, nerines (Guernsey lilies), proteas

Top tip: Celebrate the autumn equinox by using lots of tealights, glittery candles and lanterns to create an atmospheric feel.

Budget tip: Use an abundance of trailing hops, tied bunches of wheat, oats, dried lavender, feathers even, and bunched hessian ribbons for a lavish harvest look. Team your table décor with a profusion of rosy red apples and black grapes.

Kelly Kearley, Not Your Average Flowers, www.notyouraverageido.com/flowers
As you move into autumn brides like to warm up the colour palette and start to add more texture with berries, foliage and grasses. Roses are still popular but dahlias in their many jewelled colours have really made a comeback, available as smaller pompoms right through to those known as 'dinner plate' Dahlias, such as the ever popular 'cafe au lait' - a gorgeous layered nude coloured bloom. As the weather cools, hydrangeas make a great addition to any wedding flowers - loving water, they don't stand up so well in the heat of summer so autumn and winter are great times to use these beauties.