Beautiful Blooms

It’s the month of romance and roses, but are we really so taken with such traditional posies? The floral trends for this year move away from ‘vintage’ to more natural garden concepts. Claire Pitcher spoke to the local experts for their pick of the bunch and ideas for 2018 weddings, Valentine’s and Mother’s Day.

CREATING a gentle, back to nature look when choosing flowers was one of the biggest trends when it came to floral displays in 2017. From wedding bouquets to bunches ‘just because’, understated greenery and delicate flowers were some of the most requested styles. This year, as we slowly but surely move away from the ‘vintage’ trend that’s been around for a good few years now, florist industry experts are suggesting garden design is very much the inspiration in 2018. Imagine living greenery bouquets with succulents and eucalyptus, mixed in with textured foliage like jasmine, acacia or foxtail grass.

FLOURISHING FOLIAGE

“Pinterest and Instagram are now inspiring brides with design ideas from florists around the globe and 2018 will prove the most creative and diverse so far,” says Bryn Evans of The Flower Studio in Marlow.

“Foliage arrangements will reinvigorate wedding floral displays this year,” he continues, “We have definitely noticed an increase in requests for foliage, including table garlands and hanging displays that transform venues into woodland wonders.”

As for bridal bouquets, brides are beginning to experiment with darker, moodier blooms: “Deep clarets and burgundy colours are replacing the traditional peach and cream tones of previous years,” Bryn points out. Find out more about wedding flowers and bouquets for all occasions at The Flower Studio, 4 Liston Court, Marlow SL7 1ER. Tel. [phone] or visit their website at www.flowerstudioshop.co.uk

THE FLOWERS FAMILY

Expert florist Sue Barnes of Lavender Green Flowers in Windsor founded her company 27 years ago, originally opening as a retailer in Maidenhead. Sue now co-owns the company with her husband, David and has a team of 40 staff, including three Barnes children.