By Emma Bradford, FloraLife U.K.
Although weddings occur year-round, Spring and Summer remain the most popular seasons to be married in, because although rain on your wedding day may be considered good luck, nobody actively wants to get wet on their big day.
These seasons not only offer improved weather, but they also bring with them a huge offering of seasonal flowers that can be difficult to source year-round, such as delphinium, scabiosa, and anemones, but which give each wedding celebration their own unique personality.
The key to perfect wedding flowers is planning, planning, and more planning. Before choosing any stem, always be mindful of where the flowers will bedisplayed, how they will be used, and which ones will perform best while fulfilling into your client’s aesthetic.
HERE ARE A FEW TIPS TO HELP YOU CHOOSE THE BEST FLOWERS FOR EACH WEDDING:
Choose the right flower to fit the environment
• Avoid displaying delicate or thirsty flowers, such as hydrangeas, in areas of full sun or in arrangements that will be kept dry.
• If you must use a troublesome flower, ask your supplier to suggest the hardiest varieties.
Have your flowers delivered in plenty of time, allow 3-4 days before the big event
• If any flowers need to be opened, place them in a flower food solution and store them in ambient temperatures until the desired opening stage is reached, then place them in the cooler until needed.
• Do not physically force open flowers as this can cause damage.
• Watch for signs of mold or disease in your flowers and remove any affected stems to prevent cross-contamination.
Treat your flowers correctly from the moment they arrive
• Ensure any buckets or tools that come into contact with flowers are clean.
• Give your flowers a drink of hydration solution on arrival.
• Request that any ethylene sensitive flowers be treated with an anti-ethylene treatment before you receive them.
• Store flowers in a 34-38°F (1-3°C) environment with a 75-85% humidity. Tropical flowers should be stored at 55-65°F (13-18°C).
• Don’t forget to hydrate greens and ferns too.
• Allow plenty of room in each bucket to easily lift the flowers in and out without causing damage. Additional breathing room is also a good disease (such as botrytis) prevention measure.
Prepare your flowers for the big day
• Using an anti-transpirant on all your flowers and greens will help lock in the moisture they need to look great all day.
• Do not over fill boxes or buckets for transportation as this can cause damage.
• Bring extras in case of any breakages caused in transit.
• Use flower food in all vases displaying flowers.
• Don’t forget to breathe
For additional information regarding outdoor events, read this article:
To learn more about best practices from the experts in flower care, visit www.floralife.com
