Unveiling the best colour combinations for your wedding

Unveiling the best colour combinations for your wedding Flowers are the heart and soul of any wedding celebration, adding a touch of vibrant life and setting the mood for your special day. But with a vast array of colours and endless design possibilities, choosing the perfect colour palette can feel overwhelming. Fear not, lovebirds! This blog is your guide to exploring the most stunning colour combinations for your wedding flowers, ensuring they bloom beautifully and reflect your unique love story.   Classic & Timeless: Blush & Ivory: This elegant pairing exudes a timeless romance. Use garden roses with hydrangea which will create a soft and sophisticated look. This palette is perfect for a traditional wedding with a touch of modern flair. White & Greenery: Embrace a clean and minimalist aesthetic with white flowers like roses, calla lilies, and orchids. Lush greenery like eucalyptus, ferns, and olive branches add a touch of nature and texture. This combination is perfect for a modern wedding or a celebration with a rustic charm. Bold & Romantic: Burgundy & Blush: This passionate combination is perfect for creating a dramatic and luxurious atmosphere. Deep burgundy roses, dahlias, and calla lilies pair beautifully with soft blush peonies and garden roses. This palette is ideal for a fall or winter wedding and adds a touch of sophistication. Marsala & Peach: A trendy and sophisticated choice, Marsala (a deep reddish-brown) adds depth and richness when paired with the cheerful vibrancy of peach roses, dahlias, and garden roses. This unexpected combination creates a unique and eye-catching statement. Whimsical & Playful: Lavender & Lilac: This calming and whimsical palette evokes a feeling of serenity. Lavender roses, hydrangeas, and freesia create a soft and dreamy atmosphere, perfectly complemented by the delicate beauty of lilac orchids and lisianthus. This combination is ideal for a spring or summer wedding and adds a touch of fairytale magic. Sunflower & Yellow: Embrace the sunshine with a vibrant palette featuring sunflowers, yellow roses, and solidago. Accents of greenery or blue thistle add a touch of dimension. This cheerful and playful combination is perfect for a summer wedding with a relaxed and joyful vibe. Beyond the Palette: Seasonal Inspiration: Consider incorporating flowers and colours that are naturally in season. Spring boasts pastels and soft hues, summer offers vibrant brights, autumn showcases rich jewel tones, and winter features deep purples and snowy whites. Your Personal Style: Don’t be afraid to experiment with colours that reflect your personality and wedding theme. Love a particular hue? Build your palette around it! Venue & Décor: Consider the colours of your venue and overall wedding décor when choosing your floral palette. Ensure everything complements each other seamlessly. Remember, your wedding flowers are a personal expression of your love story. Don’t be afraid to break the mold and create a unique colour combination that reflects your taste. Ready to discuss your floral dreams? Contact us today at Karen Alexander Weddings and let’s create a colour palette that will make your wedding a truly unforgettable celebration!semasema Let’s talk about your dream wedding Get in touch

Peach Fuzz: Wedding Flowers Inspired by Pantone’s Colour of the Year

Peach Fuzz: Wedding Flowers Inspired by Pantone’s Colour of the Year Calling all flower enthusiasts and soon-to-be brides! As you dream up your perfect wedding day, let’s dive into the world of blooms inspired by Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2024: Peach Fuzz. This soft, velvety peach hue evokes warmth, tenderness, and a touch of modern elegance, making it perfect for creating a romantic and inviting atmosphere. Beyond the Blush: Shades of Peach Perfection Forget predictable blush! Peach Fuzz offers a wider spectrum of peachy goodness to play with: Soft Apricot: This warm, sun-kissed shade adds a touch of vibrancy to your bouquets. Pale Coral: Evokes a serene seaside vibe. Dusty Rose: This muted shade adds a touch of vintage charm and pairs beautifully with greenery. Blooming Inspiration: Your Floral Dream Team Roses: From classic garden roses to playful spray roses, they offer endless variety in texture and shade. Dahlias: These showstopping blooms come in an array of peachy hues and stunning ruffled petals. Ranunculus: With their fluffy, multi-layered petals, they add a playful and romantic touch. Peonies: Luxurious and fragrant, these beauties add a touch of elegance and softness. Scabiosa: Their delicate, pincushion-like blooms come in a range of peachy shades and add a unique touch. Beyond the Bouquet: Ceremony Aisle: Line the aisle with delicate sprays of peach blooms or scattered petals for a romantic touch. Centerpieces: Create arrangements that overflow with peach tones, accented by greenery and candles for a warm glow. Decorative Accents: Incorporate Peach Fuzz ribbons, napkins, or tablecloths for a cohesive look. Cake Flowers: Adorn your cake with sugared peach slices, edible petals, or fresh blooms for a delicious and elegant touch. Pro Tips for Your Florist: Discuss your vision and share inspiration photos to showcase your desired colour palette and style. Consider seasonal availability and consult your florist about alternative blooms in similar shades. Embrace texture and dimension by mixing flower types and greenery. Don’t be afraid to experiment! We can help you create a unique and personalised floral masterpiece. Remember, your wedding flowers are a personal expression of your style and love story. Use Peach Fuzz as a starting point and let your creativity flow. If you’re getting married in the north east and want to include peach in your colour palette get in touch below to chat about your wedding flowers. Let’s talk about your dream wedding Get in touch

Beyond Budget: Finding a Florist Who Celebrates Your Vision

Beyond Budget: Finding a Florist Who Celebrates Your Vision Let’s face it, weddings can be expensive. In amongst the whirlwind of decisions, floral costs can feel overwhelming. But before you resign yourself to the “cheapest wins” consider this: your wedding flowers are more than just decorations. They’re an expression of your unique love story, setting the scene for everlasting memories. So, what if you could maximise your budget while finding a florist who truly understands your vision? Here’s why prioritising value over the lowest price leads to a more fulfilling and beautiful wedding experience: Expertise, not just expense: A skilled florist is an artist, not just a supplier. They have the knowledge and creativity to transform your ideas into stunning arrangements, even within your budget. Their expertise extends beyond flowers, they can suggest alternatives, talk about repurposing florals during the day and choosing seasonal blooms. Collaborative vision-building: The right florist becomes your partner, not just an order taker. They take the time to understand your dreams, colour palette, and overall wedding theme. Through open communication and collaborative brainstorming, they can translate your vision into a floral masterpiece that reflects your individuality. Transparency, honesty and trust: A trustworthy florist is upfront about costs, explaining flower pricing, seasonal variations, and additional charges. They work with you to prioritise your floral needs and suggest options that fit your budget without compromising quality. They will also tell you if something isn’t achievable with your budget rather than try to talk you into a cheaper alternative that won’t have the impact you’re looking for. This transparency creates trust and allows you to make informed decisions with confidence. Resourcefulness and creativity: A skilled florist understands, embraces and translates your unique aesthetic and finds creative ways to stretch your budget. They might suggest local, seasonal blooms, incorporate greenery strategically, or repurpose arrangements for different stages of the wedding. Their resourcefulness ensures your flowers tell your story, not just follow a trend. Remember, your wedding flowers are an investment in memories. By prioritising value over the cheapest option, you gain a supplier who celebrates your vision, maximises your budget creatively, and delivers stunning florals that become cherished memories of your wedding day. So, let’s look beyond the price tag and find a florist who sees your dreams bloom within your reach. Let’s talk about your dream wedding Get in touch

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