Wedding Floral Installations: What to consider?

At Your Story Events we love flowers and all things floral. So when a couple want to go big on their wedding floral design with floral installations then we are all open. Todays journal post is a special Q&A post with London Wedding Florist Nicola from Flowers by Eve to talk about floral installations including what exactly is a floral installation, what's popular and what logistics there are to consider, so let's get started.

1. What exactly is a floral installation, and how does it differ from standard wedding floral arrangements?

   A floral installation is a large scale floral display which is designed specifically for a space. The idea will be to work with the venue space and original features to create a statement floral piece that creates impact and enhances the wedding venue space.

   
   

2. What are the most popular types of floral installations for weddings?

   Marquees are perfect of hanging installations such as hoops or clouds and garlands of foliage. Floral columns and arches are always very popular for ceremonies and larger spaces. If the venue has fireplaces or grand staircases then these are perfect places to create a focal point for the installation.

   
   

   

   Natasha Hurley Photography

   
   

3. What factors should couples consider when deciding if a floral installation is right for their wedding?

   When considering a floral installation look at the space you have and work with your floral designer. Pinterest is full of wonderful ideas, some of which have been created for a photoshoot rather than a real wedding. Your installation will need to work with the room as well as the flow of the day. Think about how guests are going to use the room with the installation in. Does it work with the original features of the room and the style of the venue. Also ask does the venue allow us to attach things to the wall or ceiling and you will need to ask what are the timings for set up and take down. If I have worked at a venue before I will most likely know what works best for the rooms and be able to advise you. Sometimes no matter how much you want a large floral arch it may not work in the room.

   
   

4. How do you design a floral installation that complements a couple’s wedding style and venue?

   I always start by discussing the ideas and the couples vision. If they have any mood boards or pictures they like this is also helpful to have as it gives me a good idea of style and colours to get started. We have to also talk about budget to see if the budget is aligned with their flower vision. A site visit to the venue is always recommended to walk through where the installations will be, see the space and visual how big the installation will be.

   
   
   
   
   
   

5. How much time does it take to install large-scale floral pieces?

   Large scale installations will always be made on site. They take time and a large team to create. So we will always work with the venue with regards to timings. If there is a tight window for set up this will involve us having more staff and will be reflected in the cost of the installation. We will also consider the taking down of installations and the time frame for that.

   
   

   

   Georgina Piper Photography

6. Are there any venue restrictions that couples should be aware of when planning floral installations?

   Some venues won’t allow you to attach anything to the wall, fire exit signs or doors should not be covered and some suggested the banister on the stairs to be clear for people to hold on to. Other restrictions may be to do with access and set up times.

   
   

7. How do floral installations impact the overall floral budget?

   Floral installations are a big investment and will be a big part of your floral budget. When looking at your floral budget I would always suggest pick one big focal point and spend the money there rather than on lots of small bits that won’t be noticed Your guests will remember the ceremony flower backdrop, but they probably won’t remember the flowers in bud vases in the toilets. Talk to your florist about your budget, as wedding floral installations are in investment piece as they involve a lot of work and a big team of people.

   
   

8. How do you ensure sustainability in large-scale floral designs? Do you use foam-free techniques or repurpose flowers?

   Where possible our floral designs are foam free, though sometimes we may have to use foam where the mechanics are tricky or we are not allowed to use water. It is difficult for guests to take flowers from larger installations but where possible and depending on take down times we will package the flowers up to be taken by guests. Any left over flowers are then sent to confetti club London who repurpose event flowers in to confetti to raise money for cancer charities. We then compost any left over foliage and reuse our mechanics.

   
   

   

   Matthew Scott Photography

9. What floral installation trends are you seeing for the upcoming wedding season?

   The trend for floral arches and floral columns (or sometimes known as broken arches) are still going strong with meadow arrangements down the aisle accompanying them.

   
   

10. What's your favourite floral installation to create?

I love a mantlepiece or a staircase that we can really go to town on. Using the original features of the venue to create a statement piece is always my favourite thing to do. I like the flowers to work with and enhance the venue and it's features.

Thanks so much Nicola! I hope that has answered some floral installation design related questions, you can find Nicola's website here. If you need any more guidance with planning your wedding or just getting started and in need of a full service wedding planner, then Your Story Events would love to hear from you here.