The first in a series of video help for any future bride planning a Central Coast Wedding is finally here and features Tanya from Angel Blooms, one of the most respected and talented florists who services weddings on the Central Coast, Newcastle and the Hunter Valley.
The ‘concept’ behind the series is to give you, the bride to be, all the answers you need before even making contact with a service. I approach each interview as a total novice when it comes to ‘my’ wedding and ask all the questions hopefully on your mind, including the big one – COST.
Have a look and let me know what you think… and please leave your comments, suggestions or recommendations below.
Don’t have time to watch the video but you still want to know everything Tanya reveals in her interview? No problem, click here to read the entire transcript of the video.
I hope you enjoyed the video and come away with answers to all your questions regarding wedding bouquets, table decorations, prices and much more. Were you aware that every single flower is individually wired in a bouquet? Totally shocked me.
I wanted to ask Tanya one last question to add to the interview which I forgot to ask during the video, which I think is an important one.
What advice would you give to a bride that was working on a shoestring budget but still wanted nice flowers (she wants to do the flowers herself)?
Are there certain flowers that are better? Where is the best place to buy them?
“Hmmm on the coast there are some rose/flower farms that you can buy directly from which is one option.The other is to go to the flower markets at 5am and buy directly from one of the flower farms. At the market, you know it’s fresh and what is in season. Either option will keep the cost down.”
You’ll find that some florists will be able to help you with more than just flowers – these items are all from Tanya’s display
Obviously Tanya isn’t the only florist on the Central Coast, so I thought I’d ask some other top wedding florists for their 3 most important tips for anyone planning their wedding when it comes to choosing a flowers and a florist.
Some gowns have detailed beading that you may want to show off on the day and not have it covered by a large trailing bouquet – Carolynn Manners Floral Designs
I emailed Carolynn from Carolynn Manners Floral Designs for some tips for future bride and here is what she suggests:
- It is always best to have a face to face meeting with the florist who will actually be designing and creating your wedding flowers. You will want to go over the fine details, look over pictures together and see images of other real weddings that your chosen florist has created to ensure they are capable of creating exquisite bouquets and flower arrangements for your Wedding Day.
- It is important that your floral designer has a feel for the theme you would like to create on the day whether it is romantic, beachy or vintage, so spend time with them helping them to see your vision.
- Your Wedding Florist is trained to help you choose a bouquet style that will best compliment your wedding dress, so don’t be afraid to ask for advice if you are not sure what style of wedding bouquet would enhance your dress.
- Try to be realistic with your budget. Be upfront with your florist and ask about options. A smaller bouquet can look elegant and designer touches can turn a simple bouquet into an amazing bouquet that you and your guests will remember for years to come.
How much do the flowers add to this shot!
Gai from Gai Hyde Flowers had these tips to offer:
- Have a vision and collect as many ideas and images as you can that will communicate that vision to your florist – together, then you will create the perfect flowers for your wedding day.
- Build good communication with your florist and choose someone with who you feel you can build a good rapport and trust. Someone who treats your wedding individually and is happy to avail themselves to your questions and concerns – no matter how big or small. Be guided by his/her expertise on choice of flowers/ foliage, availability and suitability.
- Always follow your own first instincts, it’s easy to get confused – it’s your wedding day and should reflect your own personal style. Enjoy the experience!
Flowers are about more than just bouquets… don’t forget table decorations, aisle decorations, lapels, corsage and hair
My suggestion is to not deal with lilies – without experience you don’t know how long they take to open or how to encourage them to do so if they aren’t. Also, the pollen is very tough to deal with. There are tricks to getting it off your clothes when it gets on you while removing it from the flowers, but it’s really a lot to have to deal with on your wedding day if you are inexperienced – Tanya from Angel Blooms
Every floral shop has its own personality. Look for the qualities that best fit your needs, such as:
- Creative flair
- Outstanding service
- Personal attention
- Helpful suggestions
- Selection and variety
- Top quality product and good value
Many florists can accept only a set number of weddings on a given day, so it is important to contact your florist well in advance to begin planning.
A good rule of thumb is to contact your florist at least three months in advance – Fadia from Oops a Daisy Florist
Don’t forget the flower girls when planning your wedding – it’s usually small bouquets or a basket of petals
Fadia also added, If your wedding is going to be an exceptionally elaborate event, take place during peak wedding season or fall on a holiday, then six months to a year is not too soon to contact your florist. This will allow the florist to begin looking for any props or specialty items you might need.
Wedding flowers can be highly specific and colours often have to be very precise, so florists need advance notice to place flower orders.
I hope there was plenty of juicy information to help you decide on your wedding flowers and at the very least, where to start!
If you’d like to contact any of the florists featured in this article, who all come highly recommended, I have included their details below.
Tanya from Angel Blooms-0405 736 936
Carolynn Manners Floral Designs – 0432 203 555
Gai from Gai Hyde Flowers-0434 330 843
Fadia from Oops A Daisy-0412 635 371
For Newcastle Brides looking for someone closer to home, Natalie from Impact Images Newcastle, highly recommends:
Jade from Jade McIntosh Flowers-0421 089 054
There are so many variations available – all you need is an idea, colour or concept and your florist will help you with the rest
If you’re looking for more tips on how to get the most out of your wedding day photography, make sure you see this post.
Interested in seeing what separates Impact Images from EVERY other Newcastle Wedding Photographer, Central Coast Wedding Photographer and Hunter Valley Wedding Photographer, make sure you jump over and see this.
Lastly, if you have any experiences with your florist, your wedding day flowers or anyone else you’d like to recommend, I’d love to have you add your comments below.
Awesome insight into the world of flowers – thanks for sharing! So much great advice in this clip (and things I didn’t even realised went into the process). Love the guide at 11:45 regarding centrepieces! Very good idea.
Hey Simon – great to see you back here and commenting on the blog!
I gotta say, it was pretty cool playing the part of the bride and really going into this knowing very little about flowers and floristry, especially from a wedding point of view.
I learn’t plenty and as with every business, found there is so much more that goes into the finished product than meets the eye.
Thanks again for stopping by
Andrew
No worries Andrew (you guys always have good content on your blog!). I agree there is always lot’s going on behind the scenes in all areas of weddings. Seeing it exposed like this is very interesting.