Post from the pros - Ash Tree Floral designs
Welcome to ‘Post from the pros’ our inside look at all things wedding. This month we interviewed specialist wedding florist Ashley Edwards from Ash Tree Floral designs. Based locally at the old print works in Balsall Heath, midlands born and bred Ashley has a passion for sustainable floristry and is a pro at all aspects of wedding flowers. From statement festooning foliage to creating a corsage collar for a couples pooch, Ashley has a huge wealth of experience to bring to the table so we knew she would be perfect to answer our burning questions.
Check out her hints and tips on all things wedding flowers in our interview below,
How long have you been designing wedding florals and what do you enjoy most about your job?
I retrained as a florist in 2018 at the Botanical gardens in Birmingham after I got married! I loved planning my wedding so much and working with my wedding florist that it inspired a career change. My previous career was fashion visual merchandising and my degree is in fine art.
What wedding flower trends are you loving most at the moment?
Sustainability! Using seasonal UK grown flowers to limit air miles. Organic flowers with no pesticides. Dried flowers so you can gift them afterwards or reuse them.
I also love love love large installations of flowers and foliage. I think couples should invest their budget into larger statement pieces to create impact and enhance the atmosphere of their big day!
Where do you source your flowers from, do you use local suppliers?
I am very interested in sustainable floristry and work closely with a local flower grower based in Alcester. I also have contacts for British grown flowers in Cornwall too.If wedding couples have specific flower requests or are getting married outside of British flower season I can source and import flowers from the Netherlands and Colombia.
Is there a favourite bouquet or arrangement you’ve made for a client?
I actually would find it hard to pick a favourite wedding...all my clients are so different! I do love working with colour though so wedding couple's who choose bright happy flowers for their wedding day really excite me!
What’s the most unusual or interesting request you’ve had from a client?
Haha! I'm not sure if I've had anything that unusual really...I did make a little flower dog collar last year for the wedding couple's tiny little pooch. That was fun and super cute!
Do you have any favourite venues that you’ve worked with?
I've worked at some stunning venues throughout the Midlands and beyond. I'd have to say my favourites include Highbury Hall, The Old Library, Davenporthouse and Cripps Barn.
What would your dream wedding bouquet look like?
Ooooh that's another tough one! As I said, I love colour and seasonality. If I was getting married again I would choose an Autumnal theme and carry a highly textured and wild bouquet filled with scented foliage, large blousy Dahlias and interesting and sculptural seed heads and grasses.
On average how much time in advance would you recommend a customer to contact you to prepare the flowers for their wedding?
12- 18 months in advance really especially if you are getting married in peak wedding season those dates book up quickly.
What are the most common questions (and answers) you are asked by your clients?
What flowers are in season when I am getting married?
Spring- tulips and ranunculus
Late spring- peonies, sweet william, stocks
Summer- Dahlias, hydrangea, snap dragons, daisies
Autumn -seed heads, chrysanthemum
Winter- foliage and berries
What side do buttonholes go on?
Boys on the left, girls on the right. Traditionally girls should wear their corsage upside down but you don't see that often nowadays.
Do you have any tips for preserving some of your wedding flowers or bouquet as a keepsake?
Use a professional company, a quick Google will help you find local companies who specialise in this. If you intend to preserve your flowers, look after them on the day and put them in a vase of water in a cool place after the ceremony to keep them looking fresh.
If you are drying or pressing your flowers at home make sure you start the process as soon after the wedding as possible so they press and dry looking their best.
What advice would you give to your clients for their wedding day?
Try to grab a quiet moment with just the two of you to stop and take it all in. The day goes by in a blur and often you don't actually see much of the person you have just married because you are too busy trying to get round all your guests!! Drink plenty of water! Enjoy all the cool stuff you have organised and paid for. At my wedding I missed the evening food and my husband didn't have any wedding cake!
And lastly, what’s your favourite flower?
Cafe au lait Dahlias. I love them so much that I have a tattoo of one on the back of my calf.
Thank you so much to Ash Tree Floral Designs for such an insightful look into designing wedding flowers and some top tips for the big day!