MORETON PADDOX, WARWICKshire

I have had the good fortune to know Molly for some years now, and as I have watched her floral empire grow and her arrangements become more expressive and lush I wanted to get some time in with her to ask her more about why and how she does what she does. Much like photography, there is a real art to floristry and each bouquet says so much about the person who made it!

Meet Molly...

Molly lives and works on a working farm in Moreton Paddox, and has had a passion for arranging flowers since she was 14. Qualified and with years of experience under her belt, she now uses her skills, knowledge, passion and affinity with Warwickshire's rural landscape to bring joy and colour to lucky couple's wedding days across the county and beyond!

I headed over to the farm (on possibly the windiest day of spring) to meet Molly and quiz her on all things bouquets, from colour trends to floral combinations, to the importance of thinking seasonally when planning the flowers for your big day...

THE INTERVIEW

What is your favourite flower for a bouquet and why?

One of my favourite flowers to use in a bridal bouquet is a Delphinium. They most commonly come and are used as a pale blue flower, but they also range from cream to indigo. Delphiniums make major statements, their tall stems can add some extra drama to an arrangement, they can also be cut down to add delicate touches to a bouquet.

What are the main colour trends you have been seeing coming through this year?

During the colder months, blush colour palettes with warmer jewelled tones have been popular. The touches of burgundy against pale peach colours give off a deep and romantic feel to the flowers. Although I’m still working with a lot of natural and pastel colours, in the coming months I have a number of bright, vibrant weddings which again I’m seeing being popular for 2024 as well.

Why should couples be choosing wild or seasonal flowers in bouquets?

I think its important to be able to use and take advantage of the flowers that surround us throughout the different seasons. There’s such a vast and impressive selection of flowers we have available to us right under our noses! Being able to use beautiful peonies at the start of the summer, tulips and narcissus in the spring months, or berries and textural foliages over autumn and winter. By using seasonal flowers not only are we using them at their natural best, we’re also cutting down on unnecessary air miles to get out of season flowers delivered to us.

What are the main considerations when choosing seasonal or wild flowers?

The main considerations are seeing if the seasonal / wild flowers are right for your wedding. They tend to have a softer and delicate feel to them, so if you’re after a more structured, modern wedding bouquet they might not be the best choice for you. You also need to take care which particular flowers you’d like to be used, as some flowers won’t last as well out of water in bouquets and arrangements as others. Speak to your wedding florist and they can guide you.

When should couples be ordering their flowers / what is the latest time before the wedding?

Ideally you want to secure your wedding florist 12-14 months before your big day. Wedding florists get booked up fast, especially during the summer months. This gives time to discuss ideas to help make the day just perfect. However get in contact with a wedding florist, as last minute arrangements can often be catered for.