An autumn outdoor wedding ceremony in Wiltshire, with sustainable British-grown flower-filled floral columns, vintage wooden crates & natural wedding bouquets.
An October wedding outside in the UK? Likely? Well, that was what was discussed – but we had options – that’s the beauty of Chalk Barn in Rushall, Wiltshire, it is perfectly situated for easy access from Salisbury, Marlborough, or further afield. You can have your ceremony inside or out with just a few tweaks, and I always plan the wedding flowers for ceremonies there accordingly. Plus you just have to see those views over Salisbury Plain to believe them.
"S" was sooo excited about her flowers, as was I. The brief was “Nothing too perfect or neat. Naturally imperfectly beautiful. Seedheads, grasses, and texture. Lots of autumnal greenery.” Natural flower arrangements were definitely on the cards for this Wiltshire wedding.
The colours chosen were perfectly autumnal - Oranges, reds, burgundies, peaches & white. here are some images from the mood board I created for this couple during our consultations.
The wedding bouquet was to be a loose natural style of Bridal bouquet with an elongated profile and gentle movement. Peachy-toned silk ribbons with trails. A stunning and very natural wedding bouquet, using all British-grown flowers, and many locally grown flowers. Some from just a few miles away from the wedding venue in Wiltshire.
Beautiful Bridesmaids dressed in green satin carried gently rounded hand-tied bouquets of the Autumn wedding palette, these were tied with off-white silk ribbon with a pinned finish. I loved that the bridesmaids had different dress styles. Definitely, a trend I love.
The Groom and his Crew were beyond handsome in their tweed three-piece suits in autumnal tones from Abitto with burnt orange ties. I'm sure you will agree they wore them exceptionally well and they looked comfortable in them as well as smart. We pinned a buttonhole to each of them to finish the look.
A truly impressive pair of flower and foliage columns decorated the wooden Pergola at Chalk Barn where the couple would say their vows, for their outside ceremony, and I don’t think I’ve seen a more perfect October day for a wedding. The sun shone, the sky was blue, the clouds were fluffy, the smiles were huge, and there may have even been a few tears!
A pair of our signature Vintage Wooden Crates filled to the brim with flowers and foliage created impact and greeted the guests and the wedding couple as they walked down the aisle. They were moved to either side of the top table for the reception. These are made without plastic-based floral foam, and often people think the flowers are growing in the crates as they look so natural. Creating a natural, garden-gathered look for your wedding flowers.
The wedding breakfast tables held mini milk bottles that the couple had tied with green velvet ribbon, filled with vibrant flowers. With vintage books and candles aplenty completing the guest tables.
The top table held a tablescape of autumn foliage, more bud vases of flowers, and plenty more candles. Heart-shaped confetti from vintage books was liberally flung around to complete the look.
As always for My Flower Patch the table vases were carefully planned so that guests can easily chat and catch up over the flowers.
By using British-grown flowers, I can create truly natural, truly seasonal wedding arrangements that fit into their environment without damaging the planet, sustainable wedding flowers at their best.
All the flowers used in the wedding were enjoyed afterward by the couple, their family, and friends. Part of my aim for sustainable wedding flowers is that the flowers are used for longer than just one day. I love it when my flowers are enjoyed after the big day by the couple and their guests, but if for any reason you can’t take the flowers home with you, I can offer a breakdown service, and then I donate the flowers to local people and businesses for others to enjoy. It’s fun being a flower fairy and turning up with an arrangement or bunch of flowers when people are not expecting them. Anything not good enough to be enjoyed will be composted. Wedding flowers are designed to be at their best on the big day, but often my clients are surprised by how long they can enjoy them after the event.
The wedding bouquets featured roses, dahlias, eucalyptus, alstroemeria, grasses, and seedheads.
S took the time to contact me the very next morning! Here is what she said
“Morning Sara, I just wanted to say thank you so so much for creating the most amazing flowers I have ever seen for our wedding. We had so many lovely comments from all our family & friends on how beautiful your flower arrangements were. It was everything I wanted and more 🥰 I still cannot get over how amazing the columns looked, and my bouquet has to be the most beautiful bouquet I have ever seen! All the colours were amazing. It was just wonderful🥰 the buttonholes and corsages were beautiful. Everything was perfection. You are Incredible. I will highly recommend you to anyone that asks who did my beautiful flowers. Thank you so much once again, you've been amazing to work with 💕 xx”
Hair and makeup Katrina Tuktareva
Dress Sophia Tolli sourced through The Bridal Mill
Suits Abitto
Cake H R Cakes
These photos were all taken by Dan Watkiss, I love his captures, his natural style as well as a few posed portraits – which don’t feel too posed. I’m so grateful when Professional Photographers share their image with me after the wedding. Thanks again, Dan.
So if this post has inspired you to think more about making the best of British-grown flowers feature in your Wiltshire, Berkshire or Hampshire Wedding then do
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