Hart & Flowers

Hart & Flowers

Ideally, you should start looking into florists and discussing your vision for the overall aesthetic for your florals around 6 to 12 months before your wedding date.

In the early stages of decision making, and once initial details have been discussed, we can provide accurate quotes for the key components of your florals, and booking early secures your date and a florists services for your wedding, particulary if they are a highly sought after florist. 

Some factors that play into this would also be the time of year, such as peak wedding seasons (Spring and Autumn) dates can book up quickly.

The seasonal availability of certain flowers; if you have your heart set on any specific varieties for example, the ability to have those conversations well in advance is recommended to establish if they will be available on your wedding date, or if alternative suggestions can be made.

The complexity of your wedding and the overall logistics for a larger scale event would also be a factor, the more elaborate the designs and extensive the florals are, the more they would benefit from an earlier start to the planning.

Ultimately if you allow yourself the 6-12 month window you have the flexibility to make sure the florist you choose is the right fit. It's a much more pleasant process if you can take your time making the decision. Florals have such a huge impact on the look and feel of your day, and if the flowers are a really important part of that for you, then it shouldn't be a last minute decision. 

Hope this was helpful. 

Hart & Flowers

Choosing your wedding flowers is such an exciting part of the planning process, and at Hart & Flowers, we're passionate about helping you create floral magic that truly reflects your unique style. Let's dive into some dos, don'ts, and delightful choices for your Australian wedding:

Dos:

• Do Embrace Seasonal Blooms: Australia boasts an incredible array of native and cultivated flowers throughout the year. Choosing seasonal blooms ensures freshness, vibrancy, and often better value. For example, during spring, you can enjoy stunning peonies, sweet peas, and ranunculus, while summer offers beautiful natives like waratahs and gum blossoms.
• Do Consider Your Venue and Theme: Your flowers should complement your venue and overall wedding theme. A rustic barn wedding might call for wildflowers and textural foliage, while a sophisticated city venue might suit elegant roses and orchids.
• Do Prioritize Your Personal Style: This is your wedding! Don't be afraid to express your personality through your flowers. Whether you love classic elegance, bohemian chic, or modern minimalism, let your florist know your vision.
• Do Think About Fragrance: Fragrance can create a beautiful ambiance. Consider incorporating scented flowers like garden roses, sweetpeas (my personal favourite), or jasmine. But be mindful of strong scents if you or your guests have allergies.
• Do Consult with a Professional Florist: At Hart & Flowers, we believe in creating a personalised experience. We'll work closely with you to understand your vision, offer expert advice, and bring your floral dreams to life. We take into account the australian climate, and what flowers will last best, and what will thrive in the heat.

Don'ts:

• Don't Overlook Your Budget: Flowers can be a significant part of your wedding budget. Be upfront with your florist about your budget, and they can suggest creative ways to achieve your desired look without breaking the bank.
• Don't Choose Flowers Solely Based on Trends: While trends can be inspiring, focus on choosing flowers you genuinely love. Timeless blooms will ensure your wedding photos look beautiful for years to come.
• Don't Forget About the Weather: Australia's climate can be unpredictable. Discuss weather-resistant flower options with your florist, especially for outdoor weddings. For example, some delicate flowers may wilt quickly in the heat.
• Don't Leave it to the Last Minute: Booking your florist early is essential, especially during peak wedding season. This allows ample time for consultations, planning, and sourcing the perfect blooms.

Hart & Flowers

Preserving your wedding bouquet is a wonderful way to cherish the memories of your special day. Whether you choose a DIY method or opt for professional preservation, you'll have a beautiful keepsake to remind you of your love and commitment.

Here's a breakdown of DIY and professional methods, along with some additional creative ideas to cherish your bridal bouquet:

DIY Preservation Methods

• Air Drying: This is the simplest and most cost-effective method.
• How: Tie the stems together and hang the bouquet upside down in a cool, dark, and dry place for several weeks.
• Pros: Easy and inexpensive.
• Cons: Colors may fade, and the bouquet may shrink.
• Pressing: Ideal for bouquets with delicate flowers.
• How: Separate the flowers and place them between sheets of absorbent paper, then press them between heavy books or a flower press for several weeks.
• Pros: Simple and preserves the flowers' shape.
• Cons: Flowers will be flattened and may discolour.
• Silica Gel: This method helps maintain the flowers' original shape and color better than air drying.
• How: Bury the flowers in a container filled with silica gel for several days.
• Pros: Preserves color and shape well.
• Cons: Requires silica gel, and some flowers may not be suitable.
• Wax Dipping: A traditional method that adds a protective layer to the flowers.
• How: Dip each flower in melted paraffin wax, then allow them to dry.
• Pros: Preserves color and shape, adds a subtle sheen.
• Cons: Can be messy, and the wax may crack over time.

Professional Preservation Methods

• Freeze Drying: This is the most effective way to preserve the bouquet's original shape, color, and texture.
• How: A professional freeze-dries the flowers, removing moisture while maintaining their structure.
• Pros: Best results for preserving the bouquet's original appearance.
• Cons: Can be expensive.
• Resin Preservation: Flowers are encased in resin, creating a beautiful and long-lasting keepsake.
• How: A professional dries the flowers and arranges them in a mold before pouring resin over them.
• Pros: Creates a unique and durable keepsake.
• Cons: Can be expensive, and the resin may yellow over time.

Creative Ideas Beyond photography

• Floral Art: Commission a custom painting or illustration of your bouquet.
• Embroidered Art: Using various embroidery techniques, the artist meticulously recreates the flowers on the fabric. 
• Jewelry: Have your flowers preserved and incorporated into jewelry, such as a necklace or earrings.
• Keepsake Box: Create a shadow box or display case to showcase your preserved bouquet along with other wedding mementos.

Additional Tips

• Act quickly: The sooner you preserve your bouquet, the better the results.
• Handle with care: Be gentle when handling your bouquet to avoid damaging the flowers.
• Consider professional help: If you're unsure about DIY methods or want the best possible results, consider hiring a professional preservationist.

Preserving your wedding bouquet is a beautiful way to keep a tangible reminder of your special day, and with so many increadibly talented creatives out there, the options are vast.