Here is a selection of Q&As from Your Bristol and Somerset 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@yourbristolsomerset.wedding
To view more expert advice on a different topic, please select one from the list below.
The beauty of autumn
Q. How can I reflect the best of the autumn through my bouquet?
A. Jenny Hopkin says: Autumn blooms are my absolute favourite. It's that magical time of year when nights get darker and cooler and the leaves on the trees turn golden. As we shift seasons, nature transitions from rich greens to an array of golds, silver, bronzes, browns and deep reds. October and November weddings can be some of the most stunning as we're spoilt for choice with stunning flowers that thrive at this time of year. From textured fiery foliage to dried grasses and berries. A few of my favourites to include in an autumnal bridal bouquet are dahlias, spray roses, hypericum berries, eucalyptus, thistles and I love incorporating fiery foliage and dried grasses to create plenty of texture.
Autumn colour palettes don't need to be all reds, vibrant orange and browns. If you want more of a classic bridal design for your wedding day, go for a more muted design and use a soft palette of off white, pale peach and natural tones throughout your florals for a sophisticated ethereal effect that can be enhanced by hints of rich cappuccino and rust in the foliage giving it a full seasonal feel.
Jenny Hopkin, Clifton Flowers
cliftonflowers.co.uk
Seasonal beuaty
Q. We're getting married in the spring and would love to incorporate some of the season's finest flowers into our arrangements and bouquet. What would you recommend?
A. Grace Haskins says: Spring is the perfect time for weddings and there are so many flowers to choose from, it's really hard to pick! If you're tying the knot earlier in the season, then anemones and ranunculus are always firm favourites, but if you're after something whimsical and a little bit different, then definitely take a look at butterfly ranunculus or Icelandic poppies. They're papery and delicate and really make an impact without being heavy visually. Combine these with blossoms and it's a winning combination. We also love unusual narcissi varieties such as Geranium for the scent – narcissi doesn't just mean yellow daffodil anymore! There are some showy varieties with coral centres and frilly edges, so they're perfect for adding a certain something. For a later spring wedding, I'd recommend peonies all the way. In fact, it should possibly be illegal to get married in late April or May and not have peonies! From the rich burgundy Buckeye Belle, which I had in my own wedding bouquet, to soft pink Mothers Choice, there's a variety of tones to suit most spring palettes.
Grace Haskins, Bramble & Wild
www.brambleandwild.com
Bloomin' lovely
Q. We're getting married in the autumn and want flowers to wow our guests. What's available at this time of year and how can we show them off?
A. Jenny Hopkin says: Autumn weddings offer a great opportunity to bring together all those gorgeous, deep seasonal tones and add a luxurious look to your big day. Make the most of foliage such as eucalyptus and oak leaves mixed with hypericum berries, peach or dusky pink roses and deep red tones. These can be lightened with delicate freesia or wax flowers, which provide a beautiful scent to your bouquet with a down-to-earth, natural look. Dried varieties too are the perfect seasonal choice and can be added to most designs, before becoming a treasured keepsake for years to come.
With the evenings drawing in at this time of year, I like to recommend table centres that include candles or tea lights to bring an extra glow and romance. It's always best to check with the venue though that naked flames are allowed.
You're likely to be spending most of your time inside, so it's worth asking your florist for advice on your specific venue. Flower archways, garlands and chandeliers can really wow your guests on chillier evenings.
Jenny Hopkin, Clifton Flowers
www.cliftonflowers.co.uk
Boho blooms
Q. What flowers should we choose for a summery boho wedding?
A. Louisa Du Rose says: Bohemian weddings are relaxed and ethereal – let your imagination run wild! I take a natural and sustainable approach to floristry, by avoiding floral foam, growing my own flowers and opting for seasonal varieties wherever possible. Bohemian-style flowers are textured, unstructured and full of blooms and foliage. They have a romantic, dreamy feel, which is inspired by nature.
British flowers, herbs and greenery are in their prime during the summer months. They not only look glorious, but the scent is incredible too. I will be cutting sweet peas, geranium leaves and herbs for their fragrance. Cosmos seem to dance in a bouquet and give it movement, while nigella, cornflowers, celosias, poppies, lupins and geums give a fantastic pop of colour. Roses and peonies provide a whimsical feel, while foxgloves, delphiniums, dahlias and amaranthus add height.
Imagine the most abundant and incredible cottage garden has erupted from the ground and entwined its effortless beauty and wildness into floral arches, meadow shapes and hanging installations. Grab your flower crown and be inspired by the beauty of nature.
Louisa Du Rose, Bohemian Blooms
www.bohemianblooms.uk
