Are you hoping to create a unique botanical wedding, but struggling to find new ideas? I speak to three wedding industry experts who aim to innovate, not imitate.
USE PLANTS IN SURPRISING WAYS
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Stationery by Flamboyant Invites, styled with a beautiful air plant
Natalie Drage, founder of Flamboyant Invites, champions the use of tropical foliage and bold botanicals. “This love comes from my Caribbean heritage, having grown up surrounded by stunning tropical flowers and plants. However, I do like to mix things up a bit too, with other style-led themes such as metallic accents or vivid patterns; creating a unique juxtaposition of classic and modern styles.”
“Our Coco Palm invitation suite is a cool contemporary botanical invitation suite, which takes the tropical theme in an entirely different direction. The style could be described as ‘plantation chic’, harping back to a different era and yet combined with contemporary touches of gold geometrics; perfect for a modern and unique botanical wedding style.”
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Stationery by Flamboyant Invites
I love how the cool simplicity of Flamboyant Invites’ designs have been styled here with an abundance of monstera foliage for a vibrant, glamorous feel that isn’t too overworked. I think the look needs the tapered candle and cut glass to elevate the concept and be wedding-worthy, but as Natalie points out – “the beauty of the botanical theme is that it is timeless and suits both classical venues and those with a modern urban vibe.”
“the beauty of the botanical theme is that it is timeless and suits both classical venues and those with a modern urban vibe.” – Natalie Drage, Flamboyant Invites
Natalie continues, “rather than going for a classic centre piece on the table, a series of glass curiosities and vases containing tropical leaves and foliage can provide an elegant and unique table setting. Complete the look with plain white plates simple linens and contemporary place cards mounted in an air plant holder, or placed on a simple leaf.”
Photos from a styled shoot with the following creative team:
@amandakarenphotography / amandakarenphotography.co.uk
@alwaysandriweddings / alwaysandri.co.uk
@cassandrakingflowersandstyling / cassandraking.co.uk
@flamboyantinvites / flamboyantinvites.com
INCORPORATE ANIMALS LOADED WITH BEAUTIFUL SYMBOLISM
Vaishali Shah is a high-end stationer with an appreciation of high style and heartfelt symbolism. In 2017, she was a Finalist in the London Asian Business Awards for ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’. She is relentless in her pursuit of excellence and providing her customers with unique details that represent their culture and heritage. Vaishali tells me, “If it’s a multicultural wedding, I spend time exploring and understanding what elements are important to both families, so we can be sensitive to, and mindful of, the values of both sides – and in so doing, being culturally aware. I ask a lot of questions during my consultations to turn the brief into something even more personal and meaningful. Ananya means “without equal”, and I deliberately chose that because that is, in essence, my mission – stationery that is unique and distinctly individual.”
I really admire the way Vaishali infuses her stationery with intricate and meaningful detail, whether it’s in the design, the textures, or the wording. It’s a skill I aim to echo in my Wedding Bouquet Illustration Service. Through its bespoke nature, I am able to accentuate tones and species that are the most loaded with symbolism or sentiment for the recipient.
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Ananya’s “Trio of Life” Collection
“I love using nature and animals as a source of inspiration,” continues Vaishali. “In our ‘Trio of Life’ Collection, the elephant, parrot and fish each represent one of the three essential elements for all life forms: air, earth and water. Each has a special significance in Indian and Buddhist scriptures.” Hand-drawn and then printed in gold foil, these animals make the perfect motif to represent traditional richness and elegance, but with a contemporary and multicultural twist. “And,” concludes Vaishali, “we love finding ways to hand finish each design, to really wow your guests with that experience of artisanal craftmanship.”
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Ananya’s “Trio of Life” favours
USE JUST ONE OR TWO TYPES OF FLOWER, FOLIAGE OR EVEN FRUIT
Peony bouquet: Sweet Pea Rosa. Photo: We Heart Pictures
Walthamstow-based floristry Sweet Pea Rosa loves the idea of using just one or two species for an entire wedding scheme. There are financial advantages to bulk buying less variety. But creatively, advises founder Sally, there is an opportunity to make a real visual impact. “I recently did a wedding that was just peonies with a touch of pink blossom,” explains Sally. “I used big beautiful coral charm peonies and we placed them in lots of carafe style vase that lined the tables. It looked stunning. The bridal and bridesmaids bouquets were solely peonies.”
“Laying seasonal fruit along tables is a great way to add colour and shape” – Sally Bastard, Sweet Pea Rosa
Sally also has another beautifully unique idea and is just seeking out a bold bride wanting a truly unique botanical wedding concept. “Laying seasonal fruit along tables is a great way to add colour and shape, they can look amazing on their own or incorporated with flowers. I would love to do this for a client and really go to town on it. Using lots of different foliage can look great, especially when it is high up so that everyone can see it. Draped around columns or even hiring in small trees and plants in pots to creates effective focal areas.”
I also love this image of apricot branches and think it could be incredible striking and surprising for a wedding. I’d love to know your ideas for a unique botanical wedding, so please do share in the comments below or join the discussion on Instagram.
Image via Soil and Stem. Photo: Jacquelyn Hayward
Come and join the fun on my Instagram: @Craftist_in_Residence
Find exquisite maximalist stationery suites at: Ananya
Chose contemporary stationery suites from: Flamboyant Invites
Stylish East London wedding floristry and workshops: Sweet Pea Rosa
Alternative Wedding photography: We Heart Pictures
Ultimate floral inspiration (US based): Soil and Stem
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