If you are organising a wedding or event, you’re most likely going to need a florist.
Flowers by Helen Elizabeth is a beautiful independent florist based in Berkshire. Helen has been supplying flowers for weddings and events for over a decade and has supplied many of our local brides and parties. She has been one of our longest standing suppliers, supporting our sister company The Stunning Tents Company with fabulous blooms and table arrangements on their open days.
Flowers by Helen Elizabeth is owned and run by the utterly charming and calm Helen, a florist who has been in the industry for over a decade. We asked Helen, herself a bride-to-be next year, to give us her top tips and advice for our brides and party organisers on choosing your flowers and florist for your event.
How do you find your perfect florist?
I would advise going to visit a number of flower shops, and see who you click with. Like with any wedding or event supplier- you will need to liaise with them a fair bit in the run up to the date in question… so someone who has the same vision and passion for your big day is essential. Maybe phone ahead and see if they prefer you to make an appointment – or if they welcome you dropping by.
Ask to see some examples of their previous work – your event may not be at the same time of year as the time you are searching for a florist- so the selection of flowers to choose from may vary a tad (says she, who is talking to three December brides this week in July!!).
Lots of flowers are available all year round – but you may want to consider seasonal blooms to keep costs down. If you have the luxury of a year or more from the date in question- pop into your florist a calendar year away from your event, to see what’s in season.
What makes a good selection of flowers?
I would say get all of your ideas in one place… whether that be Pinterest, a spread sheet, mood board, or old fashioned cutting pictures out of bridal magazine- anything from your dress (if it has been chosen), bridesmaids dresses (or colours you are very likely to pick for them), venue, flowers you have liked in bunches you have bought before…anything wedding related.
This way, your florist can see lots of facets of the day and can suggest and build up suggestions accordingly. I like to have a preliminary chat with a big discussion of the theme, then get some physical samples of the flowers mentioned to you here in the shop in person – that way I can literally make a mock up sample bouquet for you. For lots of brides this is the best way to actually visualise what will be arriving on the day, and a great chance to check if dresses match or blend with your flower scheme.
What is your top tip?
FOLIAGE – don’t underestimate the power of foliage! It can transform a theme into something spectacular. Right from uniform ladder looking palms and ferns, to fluffy lime alchemilla mollis. Flowers are stunning, but foliage sets the scene for the flowers to leap out from.
Anything else?
Don’t forget IT IS YOUR DAY! If your theme is a rustic barn, with a relaxed feel – by all means we can pop together a host of different blooms to achieve a more informal look.
Some of my recent bridal bouquets have had in the region of 16 different flower materials used – which is huge! But only a snippet of each, to give this feel of just picking a quick bunch on the way to the church!! Or some have kept it super simple and just blended two or three of their favourites together.
My job is to help you achieve the look you want…and I can suggest what is in the colour scheme you need, what is in season, and most importantly – what is in budget!
What about if my wedding or event has a theme?
We have pretty much had it all in the nearly 10 years of me owning Croppers in Bloom. From a Lego Wonder Woman in the bridal bouquet and Lego man in the buttonholes, to carving pumpkins for table displays. At the end of this month I shall be doing the same with pineapples! I am also working with an airline theme as the couple met and got engaged on a plane. I’m also decorating dog ring bearers!
More notable achievements have been huge flower chandeliers, which made me realise just how high a marquee ceiling is when it needs decorating!
But that’s why I love what I do. No two days are the same, and neither are two weddings or events.
You’ve done some pretty spectacular arrangements! Do you have a favourite?
Ooooh, that’s a toughie! My flower chandeliers are always a wonderful challenge and its such an wonderful feeling to see them finally up. I so love what I do – and I hope it shows!
Further Info
Helen would be delighted to help with your event. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with Helen if you need any help with flowers for your event. She can be contacted via her website.
Photos: Stunning Tents / Croppers In Bloom