I try to give my clients the time and attention they need, along with unique ideas, all the creativity I can muster, and the benefit of my experience. I think I do it pretty well, but there is always something I wonder about… I don’t really know what it’s like being on the receiving end of all that hard work.
Luckily, my photographer friend Rebecca Frost recently blogged about her own experiences planning her flowers, and is allowing me to share them here…
“Having had the pleasure to photograph many weddings over the years, I have learnt that for my own wedding its the little details that can can make a big difference. Wedding flowers in particular can make a huge difference to the background to wedding photographs. With my own wedding now only 4 months away I thought I’d let you into the secrets inside my own “little white book” and spill some of my planning secrets for the big day.
The first item in my little white book was of course the wedding photographer, but after booking the photographer well over a year ago the next tick on my wedding list was the florist. After years of being at various different weddings you learn that flowers make a huge difference, and from my experience they just tend to dictate the atmosphere of the day.
Before I even talked to a florist I sought out some inspiration. A good excuse to to put my feet up with a cuppa and a glossy magazine like “Brides” (and spend evenings on Pinterest). One of the trends on Pinterest at the moment is “vintage” style weddings with bunting and afternoon tea. However, I knew that was not for me; my own style tends to be simple chic (which I think proves itself in my photography!). The venue, The Four Seasons Hampshire, also has that understated elegant feel to it.”
“Once I had an idea about what sort of style I wanted I put in a call in to florist Jennifer Poynter. I’ve known Jen for a long time, we always kept each other company during wedding fayres and bridal shoots. After seeing her beautiful work at these events I knew Jen was the perfect person to choose!
When I met with her I explained that I didn’t want a massive bouquet as I was conscious of carrying it around all day! But I knew I wanted special centre pieces; this was something that I had thought a lot about and Jen had some amazing ideas! I didn’t have a bold colour as I wanted understated elegance, so we came to the conclusion to go for creams, whites and blush. I knew I wanted subtle colours and I think gold was the first I picked up on. The flowers ended up being the inspiration for our theme; after chatting with Jen and seeing the designs she created I decided on a loose Gatsby look. I’m sure the flowers are going to look amazing and compliment the whole day!
Whilst the little details are important, what really matters on your wedding day is that the special people in your life are there. So, of course, even Daisy the dog is coming to my ceremony at St Marks Church in Ampfield!
Jen is creating some “doggy flowers” especially for Daisy, that will sit round her neck, and she will look even more adorable than usual! We are still undecided if she will walk down the aisle with a bridesmaid or be an honouree member of the grooms party at the front with Lee, my fiance. I’m just a bit worried about a bridesmaid being pulled over!! It would be just like Daisy to be the centre of attention on my Wedding Day!
So whatever your wedding style might be; Garden romance, rustic elegance, perfect peonies or simple in style my advice would be that you discuss your dreams with your florist and be up front about your budget from the start. I cannot recommend Jennifer Poynter flowers enough and can’t wait to see her amazing flowers on my own special day!”
Thanks Becky for letting me share your words and pictures. I’m really looking forward to creating all that loveliness in June!