Confessions of a Florist Bride: My Wedding Flower Story
So, here's the thing: when you're a wedding florist, your own wedding flowers are kind of a big deal. Like, really a big deal. It’s not just about throwing together a pretty bouquet; it's about translating your entire aesthetic, your love story, and your floral philosophy into a living, breathing display.
And, let's be honest, there's a certain pressure when you are a wedding florist, and everyone's expecting a floral masterpiece. But hey, no pressure, right? Just my own wedding, a lifetime of floral experience, and the slight fear of messing it all up!
Let's dive into how I navigated the wonderful, slightly chaotic, and utterly blooming experience of creating my own wedding flowers...
Initially, I envisioned an autumnal dream. Think warm, rustic hues, rich textures, and all the cosy vibes. But, as the planning progressed, a little voice inside me whispered,
‘You can do anything! It’s your wedding!'
And that's when the vision took a sharp turn. Why stick to one season when you can have a full-blown floral festival? After all, weddings should be a celebration of joy, and what's more joyful than a riot of colour?
So, out went the muted tones, and in came the vibrant, playful palette. I wanted festival vibes, a celebration of all things bright and beautiful, and a reflection of the sheer happiness of the day. It was time to ditch the rules and let the flowers run wild!
Our venue was a wonderfully blank canvas: a beautiful house in Lochearnhead, surrounded by stunning scenery, with a marquee to host the reception & the cutest little courtyard for the ceremony. It was the perfect outdoor setting for our festival-themed wedding.
Of course, as the florist, I took on the floral responsibilities, creating everything from my bridal bouquet and bridesmaid bouquet to the groom's buttonhole, buttonholes for the best man, my dad, brothers, and even our son. Thankfully, I had my amazing sister by my side, who was an absolute rock and a huge help with all the floral preparations. We also had a sweet flower girl basket with bright pink rose petals for my daughter, a stunning archway for the ceremony, aisle flowers, bud vases scattered throughout the table, and a breath-taking ceiling installation in the marquee.
The biggest challenge? Letting go of control.
As a florist, I'm used to orchestrating every detail, but this time, I had to trust my family and friends to bring my vision to life.
Plus, I constantly felt like I needed to be in five places at once!
While I was busy creating the floral magic, I was missing out on setting up all the other elements I had meticulously planned for months.
It was a strange feeling, being both the creator and the bride, and trying to balance it all. I can't forget my wonderful mum, who was a superstar with all the little details and kept us all going with her endless support. I genuinely couldn’t have pulled it off without them!
Since I had the luxury of choosing exactly what I wanted, there wasn't a single favourite flower element – it was all a dream come true!
However, the bridal bouquet and the groom's buttonhole held the most meaning for me. They were the tangible symbols of our love and commitment, crafted with my own hands.
My family, husband-to-be, mother-in-law, and best man all helped, making it a true collaborative effort. Everyone played a part, and all helped to bring the marquee and ceremony location to life. The teamwork was incredible. Seeing the amazed expressions on our guests' faces as they entered the marquee was absolutely priceless. And watching my vision come to life, from the initial sketches to the final bloom, was simply amazing. It was a feeling of pure joy and accomplishment, knowing that I had created a floral wonderland for our special day.
However, let's get real for a moment. Choosing my own flowers was surprisingly tough. I know so much about flowers, and that actually made the decision-making process harder! It was like having too many options in a candy shop.
My biggest tip for couples?
Unless you're a florist yourself, I wouldn't recommend taking on the flowers. Even I, with years of experience, struggled! I missed out on so much of the pre-wedding setup and excitement because I was constantly in my studio, working on the flowers. It's not just a matter of spending the night before with your bridal party, casually throwing bouquets together. It takes weeks of planning, countless changes, and the meticulous process of designing and bringing those designs to life.
There was even a slight fallout with family over some decisions – it’s just not worth the extra stress!
Trust me, hire the professionals.
Let them handle the floral magic so you can focus on enjoying every precious moment of your wedding day. It’s their job to make your life easier!
Looking back on our wedding day, a few months down the line, I'm filled with a sense of warm nostalgia and immense gratitude.
It truly was a floral dream come true, a testament to the power of passion, creativity, and the unwavering support of my loved ones.
While the experience reinforced the importance of hiring professionals (trust me on this!), it also reminded me of the profound joy that flowers bring to life's most significant moments. Those memories, the laughter, the colours, the shared effort, are now woven into the fabric of our story.
As a florist, this experience has only deepened my commitment to creating not just beautiful arrangements, but lasting memories for every couple I work with.
And to all those planning their own celebrations, remember: surround yourself with joy, let your vision bloom, and trust the experts to handle the petals, so you can focus on creating the memories that truly matter.
Of course, no wedding is complete without an amazing team of suppliers! I’m so grateful to have worked with some truly talented professionals.
📸 Colburns Capture the Moment Photography
🏠 Dunearn Heights
💅 Paintbrush Nails
A huge thank you to everyone who helped make our day so magical! ✨
