The sun is finally out, the bubbly is on ice and the Great British summer wedding season is now well underway.

Nothing says summer quite like florals. So, we spent a morning with Jane - owner and founder of The Bees Nees Floral Design based in Solihull who has supported with many an occasion at the beautiful Forest of Arden Marriott Hotel & Country Club, to find out some of her (many) top flower tips and trends for the upcoming months.

Thanks so much for taking the time to talk to us – this must be a really busy time of year for you?

It certainly is! Although most florists are busy throughout the year these days, summer is still one of the most popular times to throw a party and of course, to get married. Couples will always risk the great British sun in the hope it shines on their day for the ultimate wedding celebration. That goes alongside the numerous birthdays, golf days, christenings, and corporate events we collaborate on over the summer months, too! It certainly keeps us busy.

Can you let us in on any floral trends we should look out for over the summer months? 

Overall, I think it's fair to say that floral trends usually last a few years. Since 2020, we've really noticed a shift away from heavier, colourful florals and foliage to more considered delicate flower designs. Less is most certainly more these days.

In terms of colour, we are seeing a lot of ivory, blush, and dusty pinks with an abundance of green foliage taking a real centre stage, too. 

Loose, natural hand ties, muted colours and elegantly understated arrangements have really taken off, fully embracing the classic English country garden and celebrating the theme of ‘bringing the outside in'.

Statement, bloom type flowers are also as timeless as ever - think peonies, hydrangea and stocks, as are large garden roses with unfurled petals. 

Lastly, arches and installations for events are still big news, too. The rise and rise of Pinterest and elaborate celebrity weddings has really inspired these large-scale floral pieces, with designer floristry really influencing the high street and creating demand. From green arches and blossom arches to statement entrances and selfie areas, these more stylish floral installations are becoming a real must.

Anything we should know specifically about floral wedding trends this year?

I think the trend of texture and tones; as well as a demand for dried ingredients will continue to spill over into weddings this year and beyond.

Think tonal, neutral colour palettes, the use of contemporary and unusual ingredients and minimalistic yet stylistic installations creating key focal points in neutral surroundings.

We are certainly seeing fewer large teardrop or shower bouquets in favour of smaller loosely handtied pieces, too. 

Any tips or tricks from Bridesmaid bouquets to buttonhole requests? (such as how to keep things fresh at summer weddings?)

One of my favourite top tips for summer weddings is to make sure you have a vase of fresh water ready on the top table for you to slip your bouquet into. So often, we see beautiful bouquets left out in the summer sun, when ideally, they should always be popped back into some water. 

Displaying your bridal and bridesmaids' bouquets on the top table (or the cake table) is a great way to show them off and make sure they last the day. It also really adds to the table display at no extra cost. 

Always keep your posies in the water right up to the last minute before walking down the aisle, too. 

What are the merits of using fresh over faux flowers and vice versa? Do faux flowers lend themselves better to any certain type of arrangement?

Events over the next few years will be more sustainably considerate than they have been in the past, with a growing rise in the popularity of both seasonal British grown, locally sourced flowers as well as faux flowers. 

Faux flowers have had a real surge in popularity over the last few years as they not only look great but also last a lifetime and can cost up to a third less than their real counterparts. 

Some events like to mix and match the two depending on their requirements. For example, a 6ft welcome wall made entirely of faux avalanche roses will certainly stand the test of time better that one using freshly cut flowers. 

We are seeing a number of bridal parties mixing up fresh and faux too, with larger bridal bouquets using fresh and smaller bridesmaid bouquets going faux.

We always encourage our clients to be realistic and flexible about their flowers. We all know that in abundance they can truly make a space magical, but it's an expense that needs careful consideration and needn't have to cost the earth. 

Early discussions with your florist can explore any exciting ideas you may have and come up with beautiful solutions and alternatives with great quality faux flowers that make wonderful keepsakes for years to come.

Any helpful tips on what's hot in table decoration this year?

I think table decorations are following suit with the less is more approach. 2022 really is the year of keeping things simple, with extravagant balloon sculptures and colourful decorations being shunned for more discreet and elegant displays. 

Tall floral displays at events (especially wedding top tables) are really in favour, and are ideally displayed in simple, refined clear glass or acrylic vases. At any event, it is key that table displays don't ever block the eye line of the main event, be that the bride or the birthday girl. We even use stands so thin they are barely there, so it looks like the flowers are literally floating above the table. I'm not sure we can get more minimalistic than that!

Any final pointers before we let you get on with today's arrangements? 

As with any element of your event, being prepared is absolutely key. For example, we suggest you start choosing your flowers roughly 10 months before your wedding date, by which time you might know your chosen wedding colours. It is important you let your florist know exactly what these are, so that they can start thinking of flowers that will complement and enhance your decisions.

Do you have a vision for your floral arrangements at your upcoming celebration with us? Share your ideas and Pinterest boards with your Memory Maker to help bring your vision to life.