Here is a selection of Q&As from Your West Midlands Wedding magazine whether it be about flowers, hair and makeup, fashion, wedding themes, health & beauty, cakes, stationery, legal advice. If you would like your question answered by our experts, please email it to editor@yourwestmidlands.wedding
To view more expert advice on a different topic, please select one from the list below.
Summer romance
Q. What flowers and colours would you suggest for a summer wedding?
A. Kristie McCullough says: We're all happier in the summer when the sun is shining and the evenings are lighter, it's when our gardens bounce to life with colour and interest, so why shouldn't your wedding be the same? Bright vivid hues are easy to achieve with a beautiful mix of summer flowers. Why not be brave and mix a vibrant purple with a hot pink and yellow?
Flowers such as dahlias are available in lots of shades and can be a good substitute for a rose if you prefer to step away from the more traditional look. Astilbe adds interest and texture, while wax flowers, asters or lavender create a more wild look. Iris or delphinium can work well if you need to create height in your arrangements whilst still injecting interest.
Never forget foliage, green is the colour of nature, so be it delicate grasses for a messy design or kentia for a tropical feel, just the right amount will help your flowers pop.
Kristie McCullough, Sorella
sorelladecor.co.uk
Seasonal blooms
Q. I'm planning to tie the knot next autumn and want flowers that will wow our guests. Do you have any ideas?
A. Megan Barradell says: For flowers that look their best and have a real impact, see what's currently in season. Autumn has some amazing options such as dahlias, gladioli, anemone crocosmia and cosmos, and you could also incorporate berries, seed heads and grasses. It's the time for harvest, so you can go to town on edible elements within your floral designs.
Another way to make a real impact is to embrace colour. Soft pastels are lovely but for the wow factor consider more vibrant shades.
Don't just think about the tables, work with your supplier to look at the venue and think about hanging clouds or garlands – your florist will relish the challenge to get creative!
Megan Barradell, Twigg Floral Design
www.twiggflowers.co.uk
Summer loving
Q. We're getting married next July and are hoping to book our florist. What flowers and colours are popular at that time of year?
A. Carole Patilla says: July is when British grown flowers really hit their stride, so if you're looking for seasonal blooms, there is a lovely variety to choose from. Most colour schemes are easy to accommodate, whether it's a classic cream and blush or a festival wedding in bright jewel tones. One hue that can be a bit tricky is blue. Many flowers tend to be on the lilac spectrum rather than a true blue, but in July, you may be able to get blue Nigella (Love in a Mist) and agapanthus.
In recent years, I've seen a resurgence of colourful weddings, but restrained pastels haven't gone away either, so like every other aspect of your wedding, you're free to do it your way.
Sadly peony season will be over by July, but there are so many other options. British grown flowers naturally available include roses, snapdragons, sunflowers, cosmos daisies, dahlias in every shape and colour (except blue!), lavender, sweet peas, and this is just a fraction of the loveliness available. Any good florist can advise you on what will suit your style and colours. Don't worry about being an expert on flowers - that's what they're there to help you with!
Carole Patilla, Tuckshop Flowers
www.tuckshopflowers.com
Freshly picked ideas
Q. My wife-to-be and I are looking for a florist, but there are so many to choose from, and we're feeling a little overwhelmed. What do you suggest?
A. Carole Patilla says: Before you begin your search, set a budget and decide are your flowers going to be a major part of your day or a finishing touch? Be realistic about what you want to spend and scale your plans accordingly. Here are some of my top tips:
- If you loved your friend's wedding flowers, ask who did them.
- Google local florists and see what images and websites you're drawn to. Think of keywords that describe the style you want, such as wildflower wedding, English country and modern wedding flowers.
- Do an image search for florists in your area and explore those which appeal to you most.
- When contacting suppliers, think do they sound friendly, helpful and interested? Remember that weddings have a long lead time, and you may be working together for months/years, so it's important that you get on. Do they understand the style you have in mind? Is it something they do a lot?
- Do you just want lovely flowers or to have a say in every detail? Your own feelings about this may effect who would suit you best! Does your chosen florist understand how much involvement you want to have?
Carole Patilla, Tuckshop Flowers
www.tuckshopflowers.com
