Choosing your wedding flowers is an important stage of your planning and a huge element of the day. Based in the historic village of Chaddesley Corbett, just 3 miles from Belbroughton, The Flower Room is a small, independent florists that specialises in beautiful flowers in succulent colours and scents for all of life’s events. And the added bonus? They pride themselves on the old-fashioned personal service you may have thought had disappeared in our tech-dominated day and age.
We spoke with the wonderful Helen to find out some of her top tips when it comes to choosing flowers to make your wedding day bloom.
Hi Helen, thanks for taking the time to share your floristry wisdom with us! To get started, tell us a little about yourself...
I've got floristry in my blood! My Mum and Grandmother both worked with flowers and after a few other careers I eventually realised my calling and got my little shop which I'd dreamed about having as a child, in the middle of Chaddesley village, 14 years ago.
My Mum still grows a lot of flowers and foliages just up the road for me just to use which makes my designs that little bit different. I source the rest of my flowers from another grower in Worcester and three Dutch suppliers who deliver to me several times a week.
At what point in the planning process should couples book their florist?
I think it's always a good idea to book all your suppliers as soon as you can, even if you don't have any ideas about what you want, as many, like me, will only do one wedding a week. Find someone whose style you like and get your date in their diary.
The florist you choose shouldn't be based on the cheapest price, it should be based on the style and feel of the work and the personal service that can be offered.
Which are your favourite flowers to work with and why?
I love to work with anything in its correct season, like spring flowers in March/April and peonies in June. You can get most flowers all year round but they are always best quality at the correct time of year.
Do you have any particular types of venues that you’ve enjoyed working at?
I've worked at lots of venues around the county and beyond into Wales, and work wherever the couple have booked. However, I love relaxed venues especially in the countryside as it really suits my style of floristry.
You have to have complete trust in the florist you choose to convey your vision.
What tips would you give to couples looking for the perfect florist to suit them?
Find someone you like – I'm a great believer in gut instinct. Your flowers will usually be the last piece you see in your wedding day jigsaw so you have to have complete trust in the florist you choose to convey your vision or understand the feelings you want to recreate on your special day
How would you recommend couples prioritise their flower budget?
Be realistic. Flowers can make or break the day for some people, they can create an ambiance for all your senses. Many people won't remember what was in the church but they will be looking at what is in front of them on the reception table for several hours! Also, any flowers you and your partner wear or carry will be on many of your photographs so make sure it's something you love.
Fresh flowers vs dried flowers – do you have any preference and are there any pros and cons?
I usually work with fresh flowers, although the current trend for dried material will certainly be getting stronger in the next year or so. Dried flowers can be prepared well in advance so that you will know what you are having and can be used afterwards as decorations for the home.
However, not all flowers can be dried so there is a slightly limited choice. With fresh flowers the choice is almost limitless in colours and varieties and you will often have scent too, but generally they won't arrive until the day or day before. Some like that surprise element, others require more control over the finished result!
Any flowers you and your partner wear or carry will be on many of your photographs so make sure it's something you love.
Does the type of venue affect the flowers chosen?
If you are in a marquee with an uneven floor you certainly don't want anything unstable like a tall lily vase. If you have long tables with sharing plates of food, smaller pots or a foliage runner can be dotted around and don't get in the way of plates and all-important bottles. I usually suggest using flowers for a church at the reception venue to get a double use if possible.
Are there any particular trends you’ve noticed recently?
Instagram and Pinterest are now big influences of what couples ask for, however they sometimes don't have a realistic budget for some of the bigger installations. I always try to get several uses out of designs like arches or pew ends from the church and use them at the reception. Pale grey, ivory, white sometimes with pale pink and powder blue always feature as timeless combinations year after year.
I once was asked to use the groom's football team as a colour theme!
Do you have any advice on how to choose a colour palette for wedding flowers?
Either go with your favourite flowers, colours of bridesmaids fabric or colours at your reception venue. I once was asked to use the groom's football team as a colour theme!
What are some creative ideas for displaying flowers at a wedding reception?
Each venue is so different but I tend to hire out vases and containers, and sometimes couples have their own and give the flowers away as gifts at the end of the day. Hanging hoops of flowers vertically, horizontally or in large balls are popular in marquees, but do require practical considerations from the marquee hire company.
Is it possible to add a personal touch to the bridal bouquet?
I’ve used flowers or foliages that I've cut from family gardens or that were planted by special people. I’ve also added charms or tiny photographs of lost relatives into a bride’s bouquet or tied them with a special lace or ribbon saved from their own parents’ wedding day.
Do you offer consultations at The Flower Room?
Absolutely. I see couples and create a bespoke estimate showing the range of prices so that you will know the minimum and maximum costs involved. It’s a living document that can be altered up to a month before the actual day.
I have to say, I do find it quite difficult when couples tell me they are seeing several florists ‘just to get a quote’ – choosing the cheapest may not always be a wise decision. The florist you choose shouldn't be based on the cheapest price, it should be based on the style and feel of the work and the personal service that can be offered.
Thanks for chatting with us, Helen!
If you’d like to get in touch with The Flower Room, you can contact Helen on helen_england20@btinternet.com
Website: www.theflower-room.co.uk
Instagram: @flowerroomchaddesley
Facebook: The Flower Room*