Welcome to “Ask an Expert” – your chance to have your wedding planning questions answered by our crack team of wedding pros! Each issue of the magazine will spotlight a different wedding expert, so whatever help you need, email us with the subject line “Ask an Expert,” and your question might be featured in a future edition

We don’t have a huge budget for flowers but we want to source the ones we do use as sustainably, and mindfully as possible. Is this an impossible dream?

Absolutely not! It’s entirely possible, especially with the growth of English flower farms in recent years. These farms have become a fantastic resource for florists, particularly during the spring and summer months when they’re abundant with stunning, locally grown blooms. These flowers are not only more sustainable (since they don’t have to travel long distances) but also bring a natural charm and freshness that imported blooms often lack.

It’s worth noting, however, that while locally sourced flowers are more sustainable, they are typically priced similarly to imported flowers from Holland or the EU. This is because the cost of growing flowers – whether locally or abroad – includes factors like labour, cultivation, and transport. That said, choosing local flowers significantly reduces your carbon footprint, as they require less travel and are often grown using more environmentally friendly practices.

What would your advice be for getting the wow factor with your flowers, in the most cost-effective way?

Focus on areas that are most meaningful to you rather than trying to stretch your budget too thin. For example, personal flowers for the married couple – such as bouquets or boutonnières – should take precedence over providing floral arrangements for extended family members and friends.

Another way you can achieve wow factor displays but keep within a budget is repurposing your floral arrangements from ceremony to reception to maximise their use. For instance, arrangements and end of aisle displays can be moved to your reception space and used to decorate the head table, the bar, the cake table, or other focal points. This approach allows you to get double the value from your flowers!

Open communication with your florist is also essential for achieving what you want without overspending. Share your vision, budget, and priorities clearly, but also be open to their suggestions. We are here to provide you with our best work, and can often recommend creative solutions that maximise your budget while still delivering stunning results.

Lastly, consider choosing specific floral stems that naturally command attention and create dramatic visual interest. Flowers like anthuriums, Café au Lait dahlias, reflexed roses, phalaenopsis orchids, and oncidium orchids are excellent options for pulling focus and adding a touch of luxury to your arrangements.

Which flowers are best for each season?

In Spring (March to May) blooms like peonies, tulips, ranunculus, and anemones are best and are ideal for soft, cheerful designs.

In Summer (June to August) consider vibrant options such as dahlias, cosmos, roses, sunflowers, and sweet peas.

Autumn (September to November) highlights rich, earthy tones with flowers like chrysanthemums, zinnias, and marigolds, often paired with rustic foliage like eucalyptus.

During the Winter (December to February), though more limited in variety, amaryllis, hellebores, calla lilies and winter greenery are great options. In the new year (January – March) you’ll also find Icelandic poppies and mimosa in season for a very short period! Planning around the natural availability of flowers ensures that they are a higher quality and a reasonable price. However, climate changes can impact availability, so flexibility is key. If your desired flower isn’t in season, your florist can suggest alternatives, garden roses instead of peonies, for example, to achieve a similar look.

About the Author

Sid founded their Peckham-based florist studio, Sid’s Flowers, during the 2020 lockdown, transforming a pastime and passion into a thriving career. Specialising in weddings, events, and bespoke floral deliveries, Sid’s Flowers brings a unique, stylish, and creative touch to every arrangement, crafted with seasonal stems.