Floral Angels: an amazing charity

I have just been made aware about a fantastic charity called, Floral Angels. They are a group of woman who have set up an organisation which adopt used flowers from events such as weddings, photoshoots etc, rearrange the items which are then donated to worthy causes to bring a little joy and happiness.

It really is a great idea as the flowers can be reused allowing the joy of having them to continue long past the original intention for them.

Currently they operate in London, so if you are having an event in the city, which will include flowers, why not donate them to these lovely lady's after the event has finished and let them pass them on to some worthy recipients.

For more details visit their website: http://floralangels.com/ or their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/floralangelproject?fref=

Give the gift of flowers.

Last day in the flower shop

Today, very sadly is my last day at Jazz Flowers for a while. With my wedding less than 4 weeks away, I need my weekends back, plus my best friend is getting married also in 2 weeks. So a lot to do and not a lot of time. 

Today however has been great, loads of customers and I had he task of making a butting hole; great practise for 27 days time!!! 

The button hole contained a creamy hire rose, white statice (which I LOVE; amazing paper texture), lissi buds (another favourite) and a couple of sprigs of ruscus. So a very classic and elegant button hole. This time I've not opted to wrap ribbon around the end so it's been left as is and looks lovely; no detection from the flowers which are of course the main focus.

In addition to the button holes, when I had a spare no I made a couple of arrangements using brightly coloured vases; both of which would be great as table centres at weddings events. Each have quite a cottage garden feel and not formal in their architecture. 

Anyway, time to sweep up and tidy up the shop before home time. 

What to have for my on wedding bouquet

As a budding bride myself, and with only 4 and a half weeks to go, I am still very much in a quandary as to what I would like in my bouquet.

As such, I really wanted white anemone's, however, the end of July when my wedding is, is just too late for me to have these.

I will be going to a wholesaler, near to where my parent's live and where we are having our wedding and having a look to decide what to get then...pretty much I will be winging it.

My favourite colour is yellow, but with coral coloured bridesmaid dresses, this might end up looking a bit club tropicana. I could play safe and stick with whites, but I really do want some vibrancy.

So far in the 12 months of being engaged, I have come up with about 8 different options, but as soon as I have put my plan together, I change my mind a few days later.

Anyway, as I am still puzzled as to what I should have; I suppose being a florist and choosing my own wedding flowers is a bit of a busman's holiday...but a really good one! I am a lot more decisive when offering advice to others, I suppose because it is not my final decision so it is a lot more fixed in some respects.

I have however found this really great link from the Wedding Magazine website, which has proven inspiring for me in particular: http://www.weddingandweddingflowers.co.uk/article.php?id=272&gm=1&galid=3371.

Any other brides-to-be in need of help, look no further!

Below are a few images from the website to give you some inspiration. I love the third one. Sadly the florists in question, I can't credit as their names are not given on the website.

 

Price List

With momentum now building and more people making initial inquiries, I have put together a price list.

I have tried to establish a price range which is competitive, but of course commercially viable for myself.

These are just starting prices; depending on the choice of flower required etc, prices may of course increase. If for instance you are dead set on having sun flowers in November, when they aren't in season, that will mean importing them far a far flung land with a warmer climate and therefore, the cost to purchase such an item will be a lot more than if they were available at peak season of April/May/June time.

Anyway, please have a read. Should you need me to put a quote together do not hesitate to get in touch. I will endeavour to provide a service that is competitive price wise, but second to none in terms of quality!

Events don't just need flowers...

I feel that it is important that those involved in the catering for weddings and events, as I am doing and intend to do more of, are given adequate recognition. As such I'd like to note the following, skilled people I have had the pleasure of meeting along the way:

Hannah Woolford is a make up artist and a very talented one at that. She is based in Reading but willing and able to travel within London. For more information about the services, Hannah can provide, please visit her website  www.makeupartist-byhannah.co.uk to find out more Hannah offers competitive prices and an exemplary service. 

Liz Harman, aka Betty Bakes is a master baker and expert cupcake maker. Having produced exquisite items for me personally I can without hesitation recommend the services offered by Liz is based in Northamptonshire so able to service this county. Please contact her directly if she is willing to travel further afield. www.betty-bakes.co.uk 

More recommendations of other people offering great services, to follow. 

Facebook page now live!

In a bid to stay completely immersed in the modern technological age, I have created a Facebook page for further updates and so on. 

For more information, please follow this link: https://www.facebook.com/FlowersByHollySaunders

Eventually also I intend to have a fully functioning, singing and dancing, and generally blooming well brilliant website! So keep your eyes peeled for more!

The day after

So, I finished the 6 bouquets etc at about midnight in the end. It was a very long day therefore. 

As this was my first wedding order and it was for a very good friend of mine, I was even more meticulous than normal with how I made the required arrangements. It had to be perfect for her at all costs. 

After a fair few weeks of practise though, when it came to tying the bouquet I managed to make it in one go! Result! The bride wanted peonies which to tart with I was apprehensive about using for fear of them drooping and wilting at they can do. Colour wise she wanted dusky pinks, whites and creams; very classic and timeless. And then the stems to be wrapped with ribbon to finish it off.

Needless to say, the bride was really pleased with her bouquet, so much so that she refused to throw it! She couldn't bring herself to give it away! Instead she threw a bridesmaid bouquet, which I also made and consisted of gypsophila and white freesia. 

Anyway, please have a look at the photos, any comments are welcome as usual. 

PS, I also got an enquiry for another wedding in 18 months time! Amazing! :)