This month’s guest blogger is the very creative Erin Swaney from Rosebud & Willow Floral Design. Her artistic approach to floral work is sure to inspire you.
For women their wedding day is one of those days that are especially important to them and it is not often I meet a bride that is not particular about how they want their day to unfold. Even if they have no idea about flowers, you can bet they have still thought about what elements they want to incorporate into their day and type of ‘feel’ they want to capture. Wedding flowers play an important role in helping to achieve this, and more than most people realise.
Different flowers evoke different feelings and senses, and once these are identified they can really help to bring a wedding to life! As I mentioned earlier most brides already have an idea of what they want their wedding to look like. As an example, I worked on a wedding recently where the bride wanted to keep things very classic and minimal but wasn’t sure on flower choices. When I met with her, I was able to show her the best florals to achieve this. The result was gorgeous foliage table garlanding consisting of Ruscus, Berried Ivy and Deep Green Mistral and the bouquets consisted of a mix of White Avalanche Roses, and White Spray Roses with White Carnations and Crisp White Bouvardia.
Other looks that are super common with brides at the moment include the Romantic Bride, the Bohemian/Rustic Bride and the Funky/Alternative Bride.
The Romantic Bride generally has visions of a luxe occasion with flowers and props that emphasise love. Romantic Brides are usually after blush pinks in their flowers and soft delicate, dreamy colours. This type of occasion is usually rather elaborate incorporating lots of flowers to create the ultimate wow factor and atmosphere. Florals that would usually be included in a wedding of this nature include: Roses, Lisianthus, Hydrangea, Stock, Peonies, Dahlias & Queen Annes Lace.
The Rustic Bohemian Bride covers a large range of looks but all have one thing in common in that they are all after a more relaxed look and approach to their day. Brides who are after this type of look generally like more natural tones and colours and like to incorporate lots of foliage into their arrangements. Creams, Peaches, Gold and Greens are common colours to feature. Flower Crowns are so popular in this look incorporating lots of vine and leaves with a few flowers for the ultimate Bohemian look. Another item that is really trending at the moment are “all foliage bouquets”, these bouquets look amazing when done right and the way to achieve this is to incorporate different tones and textures within the bouquet and utilise a combination of berried foliage and flowering foliage. Other Florals that are regularly used to achieve this look include: Garden Roses, Hellebores, Scabiosa, Flowering Jasmine, Ivy, Berzillia Berry, Hypericum Berry, Eucalyptus, Conifer, Viburnum and many more.
Our Funky/Alternative Bride is quirky and loves different, she is not your run of the mill Bride and delights in standing out. This type of Bride is probably a florists dream as we are able to use our own creative licence to produce something different and something that stands out. Funky can be in the way colour is used in an unlikely way or in the types of flowers that are used to create an alternative look. Quirky and different types of florals that would work for this type of bride could include, King & Queen Protea, Leucodendron, Sea Holly, Scabiosa Pods, Orchids, Hypericum Berry and Green Trick (Dianthus). The above mentioned combined with regular florals and foliage can create something unique and beautiful.
It is important that all Brides have a chance to express what they want on their Wedding Day and it is a Florists job to help guide and advise Brides on the best way to approach and achieve what they are after. A good florist will know what is available to use in the season of each wedding and if something isn’t available, will be able to provide similar alternatives to the original ideas.
Regardless of what ‘Type’ of Bride I am working with, I always count it a privilege to be invited into the Bride & Groom’s day and to work closely with them to produce something I am proud of and that they love.
Rosebud & Willow was founded by Erin Swaney at the beginning of 2015 and since then has seen swift growth. They specialise in bespoke wedding and event work, and as their name suggests they work best with natural products drawing much of their inspiration from their natural surroundings. Rosebud & Willow relish in creating gorgeous arrangements that are beautifully crafted and speak for themselves.
To see more of Rosebud & Willow’s work or book them for your wedding or event, check out their website or find them on any of the social media links below.
www.instagram.com/rosebudandwillow
www.facebook.com/rosebudandwillow
www.pinterest.com/rosebudandwillow
© 2015 As You Wish Events Ltd. Want to use this article in your E-newsletter, blog, or website? You can as long as you include this complete statement: Auckland, New Zealand – Event Planner & Designer Nadine Crozier publishes the ‘As You Wish Events’ blog filled with secrets, tips and how-tos for planning your fabulous event. Get your exclusive inspiration, tips and tricks at http://www.asyouwish.co.nz. As You Wish Events is an event planning and design company based in Auckland, serving the Auckland region and certain areas of Northland.