There’s much to love about summer when it comes to flowers. And it’s not just the fact that the peonies are finally out and about…(we’re not the only ones who’ve been waiting all year for these blousy blooms to show their heads, right!?). No, on top of the sunshine and permanent barbecue haze that shadows the air at this time of year, summer brings with it a new wave of colours and floral varieties that we can’t get enough of.
And it’s not just the couples who swoon for summer, the florists are just as excited. With an abundance of blooms and choice that the later months of the year simply can’t deliver (especially when you’re after locally-grown stems), Veevers Carter is just one of many floral teams that warmly welcome the summer sun. For a studio like Veevers Carter, where floral design goes well beyond the bouquet at sits more in realm of installations and petalled sculpture work, this flexibility means everything.
Since launching, Veevers Carter have decked out some of London’s most prestigious wedding venues as well as galleries with a client alumni boasting the likes of the Tate Modern, the National Gallery and the V&A. So when it comes to advice, you know you’re in good hands!
Helping us get to grips on all the season has to offer, as well as talking trends and ideas for your big day, Your Day caught up with the managing director Joanna Rhodes.
We speak to…Joanna Rhodes
What florals does Veevers Carter love for summer?
“Peonies are fabulous in early summer, big and blousy, yet delicate at the same time. The season is short but I just adore them! Delphiniums are another summer favourite, they are just simply striking.”
How do you keep flowers hydrated throughout the warmer weddings during the summer months?
“Each flower is unique in the way it is cared for, there are many florist tricks that help to ensure longevity in the hotter weather. If it is unusually hot, we would suggest a plan B and use hardier flowers if required. We will often water tube flowers if we think there is an opportunity for them to become unhappy.”
Why should couples be looking to the seasons when it comes to their wedding flowers?
“We always guide couples with which flowers are in season for their wedding date, it’s when they are at their most beautiful, plus, sourcing florals out of season can be very expensive. For example, if couples are wanting peonies out of their season, we would offer an equally beautiful alternative, such as an open English rose, it looks very similar to a peony and has a heavenly scent too.”
What are some creative ideas Veevers Carter use to integrate florals into a wedding?
“Recently, we have been producing concepts that utilise a mirror water pathway with flowers – creating floral reflective illusions. I have become a little bit obsessed with tapered candles in lots of colours, and draping muslin in marquees to give a different sense of warmth/ and dimension, with lots of layers and pockets of ceiling flowers!”
Advice for keeping costs down?
“I advise to focus on larger designs rather than lots of smaller designs. They always get lost.”
Are there any floral trends you’re loving at the moment?
“Always add fresh British foliage where possible, it gives a greater sense of depth and can bring flowers alive!”
What happens when a couple first approaches you? How does the process unravel from there?
“There seems to be two types of couples, the slow and very organised ones who touch base a year, or two in advance, or the last-minute couples who get in touch four to six months ahead and are like a whirlwind.”
“Whatever the case, I try to tune into the couple and work out what they are wanting to achieve for their special day. Where do they drink coffee, how they met, if they are a serious couple or wanting a bit of fun.”
“The next, very important step is to firm up budgets as this helps with expectations throughout the process. Alongside this, it really helps to understand every detail for the couples big day, the dress designer, the invitations, and any other inspirations and insights! Of course, we love to sell the dream, however, we will always advise where it is best to place budgets as part of the process. Once we understand all requirements, we create bespoke illustrative design boards to present to the couple. The design boards normally have several concepts, and go through several iterations. Once the couple are happy with the designs and price points, we send across the final design boards and breakdown of costs.”
Where do you source your flowers from?
“We have a buyer who sources all our flowers for Veevers Carter. Ensuring we get the best quality and price. Where possible we try and source locally and we are on a mission to work with a larger selection of British growers. When needed we try and buy all our flowers fairtrade from Aalsmeer, Holland.”
Is sustainability a consideration for you?
“Absolutely! As a leading florist we are striving to promote positive changes. Currently, we are zero to landfill and have pledge in place to be carbon neutral by 2030.”
Quick-fire round…
Favourite flower Poppies or Peonies!
Go-to greenery Scented Trailing Jasmine – Veevers Carter signature foliage!
Colour scheme of the moment Fresh subtle nude tones
Favourite venue We love a private marquee wedding, with lots of time to create beautiful displays
A bridal brand you’d love to work with Elie Saab the wedding dress designer
A piece of advice for couples Listen to your planner and suppliers – they all have great experience and advice! Ensure all the suppliers have great relationships in place as they all need to work collaboratively on the big day
Tipple of choice Always champagne
Your dream commission A wedding in Lake Como, at the water’s edge, with elegant nude floral tones
Favourite brunch spot Shoreditch House, relaxed and fun!
The details…
Photographers The Makers, Amy O’Boyle, Lara Arnott Photography
For more floral inspo, head directly to Veevers Carter here
If you’re ready for more wedding planning ideas, return to Your Day
