3 Signs You Need a Wedding Florist Who’s About More Than Just Flowers

3 Signs You Need a Wedding Florist Who’s About More Than Just Flowers Planning a wedding is a whirlwind, and finding the perfect suppliers can feel like searching for a unicorn. But what if that elusive creature existed: a floral stylist who not only crafts stunning blooms but also elevates your entire wedding aesthetic with linens, accents, and candlelight? Here are 3 signs you need this magical being in your corner: 1. You Dream Beyond Bouquets Your vision goes far beyond just centerpieces and bouquets. You see your wedding as a full experience, where every detail tells a story and flows seamlessly. You’re looking for someone who can understand your theme, colour palette, and overall vibe, and translate it into a stunning visual tapestry using florals, fabrics, textures, and more. 2. DIY Feels Daunting (or Time-Consuming) You love the idea of personalised touches, but the thought of sourcing, styling, and setting up everything yourself sends shivers down your spine. You need someone who can take your ideas and run with them, creating a cohesive look without the DIY stress. Imagine the peace of mind knowing one supplier can handle both florals and styling elements, ensuring everything complements each other beautifully! 3. You Want Uniqueness and Storytelling You want your celebration to reflect your love story, personalities, and shared passions. A floral stylist becomes your creative partner, weaving your story into the fabric of your wedding through their expertise in florals, textures, colours, and unique props. They’ll help you create an atmosphere that your guests will remember ,that truly feels like “you two,” not just another Pinterest-perfect wedding. Finding Your Floral Stylist Unicorn: If you resonate with what I’ve just said then Karen Alexander could be the one for you. I’m here to transform your vision into a stunning reality while taking all the stress away from you. My background in wedding planning coupled with my expertise in both florals and styling mean I can create a wedding that feels like an extension of yourselves.  Image Credits: Neil Jackson Photographic Josh Bewick Photography Let’s talk about your dream wedding Get in touch

Kay & Luke – An Easter Wedding at Horton Grange

Kay & Luke – An Easter Wedding at Horton Grange Spring is a favourite time of year for loads of florists because  spring flowers are so beautiful. Kay told me she wanted lots of fluffy pastels for her wedding flowers and she left the rest to me. They had a beautiful moongate arch as a focal point to their ceremony and used their centrepiece flowers to dress the ceremony too. Kay carried a statement bouquet packed full of garden roses, ranunculus, lisianthus, hydrangea, astilbe and wax flower. We used gold compote bowls for the centrepieces paired with gold candlesticks and tapered candles to bring a really elegant look to the guest tables Are you getting married at Horton Grange? I’d love to chat to you about your wedding flowers and/or wedding styling?   Suppliers Venue: Horton Grange Photography: David Conaty Flowers & Styling: Karen Alexander Weddings Table Plan & Signs: Lavelle Lettering Cake: Pure Knead Bakery Dress: Bridal Wish Blagdon Hair: Kara Scott Make Up: Kitty Kerry MUA Let’s talk about your dream wedding Get in touch

How to elevate your wedding from ordinary to extraordinary

How to elevate your wedding from ordinary to extraordinary All weddings are about love at the core but we all want to create a wedding day that our guests will be talking about for years to come. To do this you have to think about the guest experience. Now we’ve all seen candy bars and caricaturists at weddings but let’s think about some other ideas. If you have a healthy budget then you can pay for all sorts of amazing things at your wedding day like an up close magician, singing waiters, alpacas you can take for a walk, live painters creating wedding art and lots more. These create unforgettable moments for your guests but it doesn’t have to be something that costs a lot. Here are some ideas that you can do without blowing your budget. A Pimp my Prosecco or Pimp my Gin garnish station is a great option too. Lay out lots of cut fruit, fresh herbs, edible flowers, fruit juices and syrups so that guests can make their own drink the way they like it. Ask your venue to create a personalised cocktail menu for you that guests can order at the bar. They can be named after something that has meaning to you as a couple. Interactive guest books have been popular for a while because they are a hit with guests. Sometimes people feel nervous about writing in a blank book but an instant camera or a jenga set that people can sign is much more approachable. What other ideas can you think of for an interactive guest book? Instead of a printed table plan consider an interactive escort card display. There are so many options for this that you can personalise it to you and your wedding decor. You just need to create a beautiful display with each guests name attached to something that then tells them their table number or name. If you get creative this could double up as a favour too. In the evening a glitter bar or temporary tattoo station is fun. You can order the supplies online really easily, just make sure it’s eco friendly glitter. How about some late night snacks? You might have evening food such as sausage sarnies or wood fired pizza but how about some good old fashioned retro crisps? If you DIY any of these ideas just bear in mind the overall look and style of your wedding day and tie it all together. Ask your florist for some extra bud vases of flowers to pop on tables where you set these things up, add fabric runners in your colours, add candles to anything that will be available in the evening and make sure any signage is in beautiful frames and ties in with your other on the day stationery. Let’s chat about how you make your day personal and memorable. Let’s talk about your dream wedding Get in touch

Small Wedding, Big Style: How to Create an Intimate Wedding That Impresses

Small Wedding, Big Style: How to Create an Intimate Wedding That Impresses Your wedding day is a special occasion that celebrates love, commitment, and your unique bond. For some, a big wedding with all the bells and whistles is the dream, but for others, a small and intimate event is the perfect way to say “I do”. However, don’t let a smaller guest list fool you into thinking that style is compromised. In fact, an intimate wedding provides loads of opportunities for creativity and personal touches that a larger event may not allow. In this article, I’ll share some tips on how to create a small wedding that is big on style. From choosing the right venue to incorporating unique details, I’ve got you covered. So, if you’re planning an intimate wedding and want to make it unforgettable, keep reading. Choose the Right Venue One important aspect of planning an intimate wedding is choosing the right venue. A smaller guest list provides flexibility when it comes to selecting a location, as you won’t necessarily need a large ballroom or outdoor space. Consider the overall vibe you want to create and choose a venue that matches. A cozy country inn, a chic city private dining room, or a charming garden courtyard could all be perfect options for a small wedding with big style. When evaluating venues, make sure to consider the logistical details as well. Will the venue accommodate your guest count comfortably? Is there a designated space for the ceremony and reception? Does the venue have any supplier restrictions or requirements? These are all important factors to think about when making your final decision. Choosing the right venue for your small wedding can set the tone for the entire event. By taking the time to evaluate your options and consider the logistical details, you can find a location that is perfect for your intimate celebration. Some of my favourite north east venues with intimate wedding space: The Parlour at Blagdon Barn on the Bay The Willows at the Woodmans The Secret Tower   Consider the Season Another crucial aspect to consider when planning a small wedding is the season. The time of year you choose can influence the ambiance, atmosphere, and overall vibe of your big day. For example, if you’re having a winter wedding, it’s best to opt for indoor venues that can be transformed with soft lighting and cozy decorations. Somewhere with a garden or park for couples photos is perfect for a spring wedding, allowing you to take advantage of the natural light. Summer weddings, on the other hand, lend themselves to places with an option for an outdoor ceremony, where you can let the scenery be the backdrop. And an autumn wedding can be celebrated with the picturesque colors and textures of the season. Choosing your venue based on the season can not only enhance the overall experience for you and your guests, but it can also help set the tone for your wedding design. With the right venue, you can create a beautiful and cohesive aesthetic that ties in with the season and showcases your personal style.   Create a Cohesive Design Choosing the right season for your small wedding can do wonders for the ambiance and overall atmosphere of your big day. But once you’ve found the perfect venue that complements your chosen season, it’s time to tie everything together with a cohesive design. The key to creating a beautiful and well-thought-out wedding design for an intimate wedding is to stick to a consistent color palette and aesthetic. This means choosing your decorative elements, such as table settings, linens, and centerpieces, with the season and venue in mind. You want everything to come together seamlessly to create a stunning and unforgettable experience for you and your guests. With a well-planned design, you can make your small wedding look and feel like a grand event. Consider adding personal touches, such as family heirlooms or DIY decorations, that showcase your unique personality and style. And don’t forget about the power of lighting and ambiance. Candles, string lights, and other sources of soft lighting can transform any space into a romantic and intimate setting.   Think Outside the Box with the Florals Once you’ve created a cohesive design that ties in with the season and your personal style, it’s time to think outside the box with your florals. Intimate weddings offer an opportunity to go for it with a statement floral arrangement or installation to create a focal talking point. Don’t be scared of going big on flowers just because you have a smaller guestlist. Make a feature of the dining table but make sure that the flowers and centrepieces don’t obstruct the view between guests. We want to encourage the informal, intimate atmosphere between the guests so table decor should either be low enough to fully see over the top or it should be high enough to not block the eyeline when seated.   Make it Personal with Unique Details As you plan your small wedding, remember that it’s the little details that can make the biggest impact. Personalizing your wedding with unique details can create a truly intimate experience that reflects you and your partner’s personalities, interests, and love story. Consider incorporating elements that hold special meaning to you and your partner. Perhaps you could use a family heirloom as your “something old,” or display photos of your loved ones who couldn’t be there in person. These small touches can add a sentimental and heartwarming touch to your special day. Finally, think about incorporating unique decor elements that reflect your personal style. Maybe you love vintage books, and could use them as centerpieces or incorporate them into your table settings. Or, perhaps you’re a nature lover and could use natural elements like branches, leaves, or stones to create a rustic and earthy atmosphere. By adding these special details, you can make your small wedding truly unforgettable and create a day that’s all about you

Shelly & Jamie – Shotton Grange

Shelly & Jamie – Shotton Grange Shelly & Jamie married in June at Shotton Grange in Northumberland and wanted their wedding flowers and styling to have a summery feel but with an edge. For the colour palette, we took inspiration from Jamie’s kilt and the bridesmaids forest green gowns. For the wedding ceremony flowers, I created a statement fresh flower arrangement on the fireplace with lots or dark green foliage, white roses and lisianthus. On the signing table there was a long and low arrangement to frame the couple for their photos. This moves to the top table after the ceremony. We dressed every other chair with an ivory chiffon sash and added a stem of lush green foliage to the other chairs. For the bridal party wedding flowers, Shelley’s bouquet was full and loosely textured with lots of texture from the foliage and packed with fresh white roses. The bridesmaids carried posies which were a smaller version of the bridal bouquet. The buttonholes and ladies corsages were a simple white rose trimmed with foliage. Shotton Grange is a venue that can show off any style of wedding flowers. When dressing the venue, Shelly wanted touches of gold to add an elegance to the overall look, so we used gold geometric lanterns as well as pillar candles on glass candlesticks. Forest green napkins brought the main colour to the tables and the look was completed with the couple’s own signs. Thank you for choosing me as your wedding florist. I absolutely love a green and white colour palette. All images: Joss Denham Photography Let’s talk about your dream wedding Get in touch

Robyn & Andy – Healey Barn

Robyn & Andy – Healey Barn Robyn & Andy married in September and wanted to capture the mood of the season with their autumn wedding flowers at Healey Barn. For the ceremony, I created a statement fresh flower arrangement on the fireplace which used loads of locally grown dahlias and foliage as well as roses and berries. On the signing table there was a simple garland which is a great foam free alternative for those who are more eco conscious like this couple. These floral arrangements framed the couple for the ceremony creating a backdrop for the photographs. The bridal party flowers were made in my signature style which is, loose, gathered and natural with lots of texture and movement. Robyn’s bouquet was full of dahlias and roses with lots of mixed foliage. The bridesmaids carried a smaller version of the bridal bouquet which looked amazing against their green dresses. For the styling elements, we honoured the rustic nature of the venue and used wooden accessories. Black glass lanterns gave a modern touch and these were used on the aisle during the ceremony then moved to the tables to create a centrepiece. Robyn is super talented and made her own table plan from wood which I dressed with foliage. Thank you for choosing me as your wedding florist. Autumn wedding flowers are my absolute favourite! All images: Joe Mather Photography Let’s talk about your dream wedding Get in touch

Kimberley & Michael – The Parlour

Kimberley & Michael – The Parlour Kimberley and Michael married at The Parlour at Blagdon in May this year. Kimberley was originally only looking for a local wedding florist to provide bright fresh wedding flowers, but after working together for a while she asked me to do the wedding styling too. Kimberley wanted a vibrant colour palette for her wedding flowers, with hot pinks, warm oranges and fresh greens to balance everything out. For the bridal bouquet, and all of the wedding flowers, I used coral peonies (which are right in season in May), peach roses, orange ranunculus, daisies and the brides’ favourite – white freesia. The scent of the bouquet was amazing! For the wedding ceremony decor, I dressed alternate chairs with white sashes and the others with a stem of foliage to bring the fresh green into the ceremony space. I hung a foliage garland with flowers overhead at the end of the aisle to create a focal point for the couple to stand underneath to say their vows. I also added glass cylinder vases with pillar candles and foliage to highlight the aisle and another garland on the signing table. In the Willow Room, where the reception is held, bright paper lanterns bought the colour palette into the space. It was such a pleasure to work with you both! Thank you for choosing me to be your wedding florist and stylist. It was also really lovely to meet laylamart.co.uk  who did a live painting at the wedding and presented it to the couple once she’d finished. She’s very talented and what a lovely keepsake from your wedding day. Check her out. These gorgeous images are all courtesy of Carn Patrick Photography Let’s talk about your dream wedding Get in touch

Steph & Steve – Doxford Barns

Steph & Steve – Doxford Barns Steph & Steve had to wait so long for their wedding day (thanks to Covid) that they had a baby in between. Little Hudson stole the show on the day and was just the cutest pageboy you’ve ever seen. Marrying at the beautiful Doxford Barns, Steph wanted to keep the wedding styling sympathetic to the rustic style of the venue so we used lots of natural textures of wood and also used milk churns to create statement arrangements to dress the ceremony. Ceremony Styling In the Threshing Hall (the ceremony space) I placed large milk churn statement arrangements at the start of the aisle to welcome the guests into the space. I also dressed the fireplace with a big floral arrangement and the venue always fill the hearth with lots of candles giving the ceremony a really romantic feel. There was a long and low floral arrangement on the signing table and the aisle chairs were dressed with burgundy chiffon chair drapes. Steph provided loads of glass jars that we filled with candles to finish off the look. The ceremony styling was rustic and romantic, creating a really cosy intimate atmosphere. Reception Venue Decor In the main barn, we kept the wedding venue decorations light and elegant with ivory chiffon chair drapes. The wedding flower centrepieces were made in whitewashed brick moulds and finished off with the bride and grooms own number signs. The long and low floral arrangement from the signing table in the ceremony moved to the top table. Wedding Flowers The wedding flowers were all designed to complement the bride’s bouquet which was a full, luxurious gathered bouquet packed with dark red, blush pink and ivory roses, white lisianthus, blue thistles, blue delphiniums and mixed eucalyptus. The bridesmaids bouquets were a slightly smaller version of the bridal bouquet and the grooms buttonhole was made to complement too. Steph & Steve (& Hudson) had such a wonderful day full of love and joy, it was such a pleasure to work with them to design and style their wedding decor and all of their wedding flowers. Are you getting married in a barn in Northumberland and looking for a wedding florist? I’d love to chat about your dream day so get in touch here. Supplier Credits: Venue: Doxford Barns Photography: Rosie Davison Photography Flowers, Styling, Venue Decorations: Karen Alexander Weddings Ceremony Music: Abbey Strings Cake: Chemily’s Cakes Let’s talk about your dream wedding Get in touch

My Top 6 Tips for Planning Your Wedding Flowers

My Top 6 Tips for Planning Your Wedding Flowers Choosing your wedding flowers is a big task, so we’ve provided our expert tips to help you plan your dream wedding flowers because your bridal bouquet and wedding flowers are likely the most important accessory to an outfit you will ever wear. Create a moodboard How did we ever plan a wedding before Pinterest? An online moodboard is the perfect way to start collating ideas for your wedding flowers. Make a collection of wedding flowers that you like and then look back for a common theme. Do you see a similar colour palette in lots of the pictures or are all the bouquets a similar shape? This will help you (and your florist) to get an idea of an overall style. Make sure you’re following me on Pinterest for ideas and inspiration. Choose a colour palette A common belief is that couples should match their wedding flowers to a specific colour elsewhere in the wedding, such as a bridesmaid’s dress or the groom’s pocket square – but that’s not always the case. Flowers vary so much in colour, even from week to week! The same variety can look different in a matter of days and if the shades don’t match then it can look clumsy. When planning your wedding flowers, opt for a range of tones in the same colour umbrella (such as blush pink) to safeguard any problems you may run into. Another way you can ensure your flowers match is by using a complementary colour palette to guide your florist, this way everything will work together even if it doesn’t match exactly. Ceremony flowers When picking your ceremony flowers, think about where you will sit and stand – these are the areas that you want to decorate with additional florals. Additional flowers can act as an archway, hang over your head or decorate your signing table. Finally, highlighting the aisle creates a beautiful walkway to make your entrance. Petals or foliage scattered along the aisle; floral bundles tied to chairs or floral aisle runners are all elegant options for incorporating flowers into your grand entrance. Wedding reception flowers If you’re having a seated wedding breakfast, think about the centrepieces you’re going to place on each table. There are so many design options to choose from, but an important rule of thumb is that centrepieces need to not obstruct your guest’s view of each other when seated.  This is the same for the top table, too – the flowers should frame the wedding couple and allow them to be seen by the guests. Decide on your wedding flower budget Wedding flowers can be expensive and while there are a few expert tips to maximise your budget (including using seasonal flowers, using the same arrangement twice in different parts of the day and focussing on fewer, statement pieces) ultimately the cost will depend on the quantity required. I recommend choosing a florist because you like their style, and they understand your vision rather than shopping around for the cheapest quote. A good florist can work with a range of budgets and offer creative suggestions, just be aware of any minimum spend requirement they might have and then be upfront with what you would like to spend. When to book your wedding florist Ideally, you should book your florist 8-12 months before your wedding. Wedding suppliers can get booked up a long time ahead of the wedding day and you don’t want to be left disappointed if you’re unable to work with your dream supplier. However, if you book too far in advance you might change your mind on the style and look of the wedding and end up having to redesign, which could incur additional costs! The key to your wedding flowers is to work with your florist, a good wedding florist will be able to create the perfect wedding flowers that compliment your gown, colour scheme and overall theme. If you are in search of a wedding florist in Newcastle to help you create your dream arrangements, get in touch – we’d love to hear from you. Let’s talk about your dream wedding Get in touch

5 Last-minute Planning Tips For A Heatwave Wedding

My Top 6 Tips for Planning Your Wedding Flowers The summer months are the most popular time to get wed in the UK, but it’s only a few couples that are lucky enough to experience a wedding with temperatures of over 20°C. As the big day approaches, you may be wondering if there’s anything you can do last minute to make a hot day easier for you and your guests. We’ve put together 5 planning tips to make your heatwave wedding an easier one. Talk to your venue! Thanks to COVID, ceremonies can now take place anywhere outside, so moving a ceremony outside last minute should be an option.  If you’re keen to make the most of it, talk to your venue about moving either the ceremony or your drinks reception outdoors. Keep indoor ceremonies and receptions cool For indoor ceremonies or receptions, ramp up the air con or keep doors and windows open to ensure your guests aren’t going to overheat. If you’re in an older venue, electric fans are just as beneficial – just work with your stylist to ensure none of your décor gets compromised by the sudden breeze. Planning tip: arrange a row of chairs for the wedding ceremony. Create shady spots for guests Shade is everything for weddings in a heatwave. Setting up a gazebo or a small seating area under a shady tree will be popular with elderly guests, children and anyone who suffers in the heat. Keep bouquets out of the heat Heat, unfortunately, can cause your wedding flowers to wilt. When you’re done taking pictures with them, place them in the shade in a vase with plenty of water to prolong their lifespan. Keep your guests hydrated It’s likely you’ll already have a bar on the go, but a water station with regular refills of iced lemon water will be appreciated by guests, especially if you’re spending a few hours outdoors. Dehydration in hot temperatures can be dangerous, so encourage your guests to make use of the water station as much as you can. If your wedding day is going to be a scorcher, hopefully these tips will make the day run just as smoothly. Let’s talk about your dream wedding Get in touch