Kerry Ashby is a local florist who covers Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and surrounding counties. She has a unique talent for floristry which shines through her work. Her passion is contagious and she loves to work with brides, creating their vision for their day. Her business is rebranded to “Foxgloves and Alice” from its previous title “Cottage Garden Weddings”. We are excited for Kerry in her new fresh label, and are excited to hear what she can tell us about what to expect from your wedding florist. 

Amazing flowers can totally transform your wedding. They are the perfect accessory to compliment that all important dress. From a fabulous statement bridal bouquet to stunning centrepieces and buttonholes that unify the bridal party to perfection. But how do you ensure you’re asking the right questions and choosing the perfect florist for you? 

1. Meet your florist after you’ve found the dress and venue. 

This is so important as this will dictate the theme and feel for your flowers. The colours and textures of your dress will determine what core colour is chosen and will run throughout the ceremony and the reception. Where possible, meet with your florist at the venue and take a tour together, your florist may see spaces you hadn’t considered. 

2. Check out your florist’s background and experience.

It always good to find out if your florist has worked at your venue before. Ask to see images of weddings they have previously worked on at the venue for inspiration and rest assured that they are familiar with the venue for loading and delivery purposes.

3. Do your homework.

If possible source a price guide before your meeting. This will ensure your budget is in line with the chosen florist and your desired flowers; prices vary depending on what they offer and what sort of style they work to. And in turn save you a lot of time and disappointment.  

4. Take along an inspirational moodboard.

Compiling clippings from magazines or a Pinterest page are a great starting point for inspiration and will give your florist an idea of your vision. From here your florist can build upon your ideas to create the perfect look.

5. Think seasonally.

Don’t be afraid to discuss flower options but it is advisable to listen to your florist’s experience. I like to accompany my brides to the flower market to see the flowers we have discussed close up! This can really help bring the vision to life. Ask your florist whether your flowers will be in full bloom on your day and always ensure you choose flowers that are seasonal! Out of season flowers are very expensive and normally small headed where they are grown unnaturally in greenhouses. I love to use British locally grown flowers wherever possible for their quirkiness and beautiful heady scent.

6. Always ask where you can cut costs

Think about the most important floral elements for you. Quite often floral arrangements can be repurposed, pew ends can be placed in the reception area and reception flowers are used to decorate the ceremony room by placing the table centres on plinths in and around the aisle; after the ceremony they are moved back to the reception tables. If you are having a large display, for example at Jewish weddings it’s possible to re-use all the chuppah flowers on the top table; a great way to save money on a full top table display.

7. Strive to be original

Where budget allows, work with your florist to create something different that your guests may not have seen before – suspended floral displays make a beautiful visual backdrop for photography, whilst table centres are the perfect thank you gift for special guests.

8. Follow your florist on social media

Being able to see the work of your suppliers on a daily and weekly basis is a great way to stay in the loop of what they are doing, venues they work at and other suppliers they work with too

9. Enjoy!

Choosing your flowers should be exciting and one of the highlights of your wedding planning journey – take your bridesmaids and Mums to discuss all the options over a glass of bubbly or cup of tea! Most importantly choose a florist who has the same excitement for creating something amazing for your wedding as you do.

Thanks so much for all the helpful tips Kerry!

We hope this has helped guide you in the search for your florist, and also on how to best meet with them to discuss the vision you have for your day!