So you can finally get married in England with 30 people in attendance and then have a small reception to celebrate as of August 2020. Of course that is not what many want when they think of their big day but if your plans have been postponed then it is definitely worth considering getting married now with perhaps a larger celebration  to follow next year with all your family and friends.  A difficult decision to make. I have one couple who have had to change their plans three times so far (although not all due to Covid). We are hoping for third time lucky next year.

As a wedding florist I can say that a small wedding can be as lovely as a larger one. There is something wonderful about the intimate ceremony especially when you still have flowers to beautify and consolidate your big day .. but I would say that! Princess Beatrice had a very small wedding on 17 July 2020 at the Royal Chapel Lodge at Windsor, adorned with the most beautiful flowers.  So small does not mean you have to avoid flowers but the decision has to be made as to what sort of ceremony you would like and whether you are also decorating a venue later next year for a family and friend get together.  Of course, your guests needs must also be considered as many may have to travel or are elderly which may cause you to delay and hope for better times next year given the current quarantine rules, lack of flights and infection risks. 

All of my current Verdila couples have managed to find a date for next year to have the wedding of their dreams but I am now finding a few who want to actually be wed sooner.

There has been a note from the BFA (British Florist Association) this week to the effect that a No Deal Brexit in December will mean Europe imposing an 8% tariff on all imported flowers into the UK next year. As an independent florist I can source locally in the UK but this will depend on the time of year and the type and colour of flowers chosen.  Not sure if the tariff will come to pass or if it is just postulating prior to final negotiations but is definitely another factor to consider when weighing up the pros and cons of the current difficult situation.

There is still much to be thankful for in the flower world. In terms of supply of flowers, this has never been better at the moment! Flowers do not know there is Covid or Brexit looming. They just grow and flower away. I am grateful every time I create a floral design at the moment as I get to handle and marvel at all the floral beauties.

Whenever and however you are getting married I wish you joy and every happiness with a flower filled, happy day.

 #brexitflowertariff #weddingflowernews #britishfloristassociation #flowertariff #smallwedding #marrynoworlater #verdilaflowers #brexitflowers

 ​It has been a while since my last post. I have had my busiest few years and something had to give. Sorry diary blog. Of course with lockdown all plans were off and I have spent my time updating IT, rejigging wedding dates for next year ( hearts out to my lovely  couples who have had to rearrange their big day) but mostly tidying.. lots of folders, cupboards and workshop studio stuff to sort through. But it has not all been bad. Time for reflection and lovely walks on the nearby heath allowed me to get back in touch with the wonderful British plant and bird life and gave time for planning and floral ideas. Also the garden is looking in great shape although the lawn has succumbed in the recent heatwave.
I am now back to taking orders for gift flowers, funerals. I had an especially lovely request recently for a floral tribute for a local Roystonian that reflected the town with incorporated flora. Royston has the rare purple pasque flowers and a great heath and wood on its edges that could all be reflected in my choice of plants.  

​2021 looks like being a busy one for weddings too! 
One recent highlight from last year was Abi and Tom's wedding appearing in the final of the www.easywedding.co.uk competition. 'Mainly down to the lovely flowers' was Abi's comment. We went for a slightly unusual colourful 'country rustic' vibe.
The wedding service was held in the beautiful Wimpole church on Wimpole estate, Cambridgeshire. It is available for marriages of residents of the village  and workers of @wimpolehall  now owned by the National Trust.

The walkway up to the church was lined with 32 flower filled  hanging jam jars  with welcome pails and bunches  of flowers at the gates and church. I hire out hanging jam jars, pails and churns to make your day extra special.
Two large colourful pedestals in a riot of colour framed the altar with raffia tied pew end flowers lining the aisle. ​

 Tom had a billy button and wheat based buttonhole. The bridesmaids posies were smaller versions of the brides colourful bouquet.
At the reception marquee Verdila relocated the pail and churn flowers, as well as placing the hanging jam jar flowers and tied bunches to enhance garlands already in place. 
Guest tables were informal with jam jar flowers atop  hired tiered  log slices  scatted with petals and flower heads.
The crowning glory, if I say so myself ,was the Verdila floral hoop suspended over the bride and groom table. This included peony and sunflower with trails of amaranths to soften. It took 3 of us to decorate including one to hold the hoop steady and  to look out for  flower gaps- sorry Alex for your wet arms on that one! 
​
Will try to post more regularly now with tips and hints  and  wedding  comments  for you to enjoy.
Xx
Helen at Verdila

 #verdilablog #verdila #verdilaflowers #weddingflowershertfordshire #weddingflowerscambridgeshire #hertfordshireweddingflowers #cambsweddingflowers #hertswedding #cambswedding #lovelyflowers #roystonweddingflowers #roystonwedding #floristnherts #hertsbride  #funeralroyston #giftflowersroyston #giftflowersmelbourn