Easter is early this year and we are all hoping for some lovely weather over the weekend to enjoy meeting up
with family and friends and possibly indulging in a square or two of chocolate, with the little ones chasing after hidden easter eggs.

Starting from Lent on Ash Wednesday for about six weeks before East Sunday, you might notice that your church
does not have flowers during this time.  If your wedding is during this period of devotion it might be worth checking if
they will allow you to have them for your day.  

The white Lily is used a lot for arrangements over Easter as it is supposed to represent Purity and Goodness which is
why if you do go to a church service over the Easter weekend, there could be that heady scent in the air.

There are lots of budding trees and shrubs about now.  Some of the more sturdy branches might be good to cut and use in a vase to hang those ever popular painted eggs, or as I saw somewhere the other day, dainty flowered tea cups.  Gorgeous.

I love fresh spring flowers in a simple vase.  Even an old preserving jar works.  Place three of these down the centre of your Easter Sunday table.  Brings some sunshine into the room.

​Have a very Happy Easter and crossed fingers for the weather.

When I meet with brides, mothers of the brides and indeed bridegrooms there is usually an idea floating as to what flowers and style they would like for their wedding.

I always have some flower books, magazines and indeed photographs to peruse but usually mobile phones
are at the ready with photos from that helpful site Pinterest.  Got to love it.

However looking at the nitty gritty of all those lovely flowers that have struck a chord, discussion then has to happen as to if flowers choices are available at the time of the wedding, can we substitute something for a less expensive variety (usually that can be a yes), and then colours.

Just a few tips here, if you want to go for one colour, say pink, then perhaps look at adding interesting foliage and different varieties of flowers in the pink spectrum that will give some texture this will then allow the  flowers to look less flat. 

Shamelessly I am going to mention a magazine I always recommend and that is Wedding Flowers and Accessories - available from Sainsbury's, or a newsagent should be able to get it for you.  It is full of lovely ideas and even more importantly it has a section called Flower Lookbook that showcases bouquets, table centres and colour palettes.  Invaluable..

Bride's Magazine is also good for showing bouquets to go with dresses, but not specific flower choices.

The process of choosing flowers for a wedding can take days, or moments.  Before I go, another top tip is to speak with your photographer and let them know what photographs you would like of your flowers.  Usually they are amazing at seeking out those essential shots, but if you have a specific flower you have chosen for a sentimental reason that has been included in your flowers, then it might be worth mentioning so they can take some lovely photos.

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There are many ways you can create a button hole and there are many elements you can use in a button hole.

I have always wired and taped myself.  This means not leaving stems on.

If there is a lot of material being used for a desired button hole then leaving the stems on can make this quite a
bulky item to pin to a jacket or dress.  However if the theme of the wedding dictates the need to leave stems on
then I would maybe keep the button hole simple.

​If roses are being used then sometimes I will pin the sepals (found at the base which are there to protect the petals), but again if a rustic look is required I might leave them as they can add a flourish.  

                   So here is a sweet button hole - rustic variety -
                   with stems on.  Wrapped wth some hessian
                   ribbon.

This little spring button hole has had all its elements wired
and taped so making it really light to attach to a jacket.  Cute

Finally I have always advised that men should pin their button holes on the left lapel of a jacket or waistcoat and women should attach their corsage/button hole on the right.  They will have to withstand a lot of hugging during the 
course of a day, so be prepared that it might not survive the following day, but the one above dried to perfection and would be wonderful as a keepsake., so it might be worth asking your florist to make an extra one just for that purpose., 

I love making button holes - it is usually the last job to do before delivering the wedding bouquets.  Very satisfying to see everything come together.