Choosing wedding flowers is an essential part of planning your special day at a wedding, especially in a picturesque location like Dover. Known for its stunning landscapes and historic sites, Dover offers a unique backdrop for any wedding. In this guide, we’ll explore various aspects of selecting the perfect wedding flowers, from understanding the local floral scene to matching your blooms with Dover’s natural beauty.
Understanding Dover’s Floral Palette
Dover, located in the southeast of England, is blessed with a temperate climate, making it home to a variety of beautiful flowers. The region’s natural flora includes classic English garden flowers such as roses, peonies, and hydrangeas. When choosing your wedding flowers, consider incorporating these local blooms for a touch of Dover’s natural charm.
Seasonal Considerations
The season of your wedding can significantly influence your flower choice. For a spring wedding, consider daffodils and tulips, which are abundant in the UK during this season. Summer weddings can feature bright and bold flowers like sunflowers or dahlias. Autumn brings with it rich, warm tones found in marigolds and chrysanthemums, while winter weddings can be brightened with hellebores and amaryllis.
Venue Matching
Dover offers a range of wedding venues, from historic castles to seaside resorts. Your flowers should complement the venue’s style. For instance, a castle wedding might call for more traditional and elegant arrangements, such as roses or lilies, while a beachside venue could be enhanced with more relaxed, whimsical floral choices like wildflowers or sea lavender.
Color Scheme Coordination
Your wedding color scheme will play a crucial role in flower selection. If you have a soft, pastel color palette, consider flowers like sweet peas, peonies, or blush roses. For a more vibrant palette, look for bright gerberas, poppies, or ranunculus. Remember, the flowers should enhance your overall wedding theme without overpowering it.
Bouquets and Arrangements
The bride’s bouquet is the centerpiece of your wedding florals. A popular trend in Dover is the hand-tied bouquet, which offers a more natural and relaxed feel. For table arrangements, consider the height of your flowers – you don’t want them to obstruct views across the table. Low, sprawling arrangements can create a sense of intimacy, while tall, slender arrangements add a touch of elegance.
Working with a Local Florist
Collaborating with a local Dover florist can make the process easier. They can provide valuable insights into what’s in season and what works well in the local climate. They can also help you achieve a cohesive look that ties your venue, theme, and floral arrangements together seamlessly.
Budgeting for Flowers
Wedding flowers can be a significant expense, so it’s important to set a realistic budget. Discuss your budget with your florist and
be open to suggestions. They can often recommend beautiful alternatives that fit within your price range. For instance, if peonies are too expensive, garden roses can be a lovely, more affordable substitute.
Personalization and Meaning
Adding a personal touch to your wedding flowers can make them even more special. Consider incorporating flowers that have personal significance to you and your partner, such as the first flowers you received from them or blooms that represent your birth months. Additionally, many flowers have traditional meanings; roses symbolize love, while lilies represent purity and elegance.
Sustainability
With a growing focus on environmental responsibility, consider sustainable options for your wedding flowers. Ask your florist about locally sourced flowers to reduce carbon footprint. After the wedding, you can donate the flowers to a local hospital or care home, or compost them to minimize waste.
Bridal Party Flowers
Don’t forget about the bridal party! Bridesmaids’ bouquets, boutonnieres for the groomsmen, and corsages for close family members should complement the wedding theme. These can be smaller or simpler versions of the bridal bouquet, maintaining a cohesive look throughout the wedding party.
Ceremony and Reception Decor
Beyond bouquets, consider how flowers can enhance your ceremony and reception spaces. Floral arches or stands at the ceremony can create a stunning focal point. At the reception, consider flowers for the cake, guest book table, and even the chairs or pews.
Trial and Error
If possible, have a trial run with your florist. This can be especially helpful if you’re unsure about colors or styles. Seeing a sample centerpiece or bouquet can help you visualize how the flowers will look on the day and make any necessary adjustments.
Day-Of Logistics
Discuss the logistics of flower delivery and setup with your florist. Ensure they are clear about the times and locations for delivery. Also, consider who will be responsible for moving flowers from the ceremony to the reception venue if needed.
Preserving Memories
Think about how you might preserve your wedding flowers post-ceremony. Pressing, drying, or even having them professionally preserved in resin can be a beautiful way to keep a piece of your special day.
Trust Your Instincts
While trends and advice are helpful, ultimately, your wedding flowers should reflect your personal style and the love you share with your partner. Trust your instincts and choose flowers that make you happy and add to the joy of your day.
In conclusion, selecting wedding flowers in Dover offers a wonderful opportunity to blend the natural beauty of the region with your personal style and wedding theme. By considering factors like seasonality, venue, color scheme, and working with a local florist, you can create floral arrangements that enhance the beauty and ambiance of your special day. Remember, your wedding flowers are more than just decorations; they are a symbol of the natural beauty and love that surrounds your union.
