Start Planning Your Dream Wedding in February

February is A Great time to Start The planning! Some Helpful Pointers To Get You Going!

As a SUSSEX BASED WEDDING FLORIST, I’ve met couples and lovers the day after they’ve gotten engaged, three weeks before they get married and even some of my lovely brides have been in touch with me years before they’re partner got down on one knee as said ‘Will you marry me?’ At every stage of the process, I believe there are 5 keys points that you need to prioritize/ discuss/ iron out at the very beginning in order for the process to become and visions and then to bring that vision to life.

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GUEST COUNT

Genuinely, the most important thing to agree on and understand is the size of your wedding. If you’re imagining an intimate ceremony and restaurant reception, you’re going to have to know how many guests you are allowed in the ceremony room, and how many guests you can afford to pay for at the reception at a restaurant. Private dining areas are slightly more dear, because of that intimate and luxury element, as well as the personal waiting staff ensuring you have the best time. Usually between 6-20 people for a private dining area, or slightly more if you want to rent the whole restaurant.

If you are like me, and your mam would be livid if you eloped and left the whole of the Irish side out of the wedding (we spoke, I would be throttled) you’ll be looking at guest numbers of between 80-120. And even more for those who have larger families, and want to invite everyone they know! Any option is so fab, it’s your special day! As long as you genuinely want to invite them… then you have to take on board the amount of guests that will be there and what venue and spaces can cater for the amount. Some town halls can’t cater for over 100 guests, but some can. But please, only if YOU want to invite everyone, don’t be pressured into it.

You’ll be wanting to know tough guest count before booking your ceremony and reception venue. I suggest sending a preliminary save the date, and ask for an rsvp within a month to gauge rough numbers. You can do this through whatsapp or email, to help keep costs down.

VENUE

So, you’ve agreed on the guest capacity (even if it’s rough)! Now the best thing to do is look at your venues. .

You’ll looking at what kind of venue suits your style, BUT don’t let the style of the spaces sway you completely. Remember even if you didn’t want an english country feel wedding but you’ve decided on a marquee in a vineyard, you can STILL create a modern and contemporary feel with styling. The most important part of this, is what does the venue offer you that you love- is it space, ease for guests to get to, hosting the wedding party throughout the evening/ weekend? If you’re looking for LGBTQI+ venues, does the venue show allyship? Sometimes venues offer discounts for the queer community, and those with disabilities- this is something to enquire when visiting the spaces.

Venues offer discounted rates during weekdays, and off peak season. Make sure to ask about that! Also, venues can get booked up years in advance on the peak dates. So make sure in enquire as soon as possible, like.. today!

Looking at venues can be overwhelming and time consuming. A Lot of venues have 3D tours online and brochures that will help you visualise. Then whittle it down to your favourite 3-5 and book in a time to visit, or ask them when their open days are. Open days usually mean a free glass of fizz, and you meet local suppliers showcasing their work.

PLANNER

I used to think WEDDING PLANNERS weren’t necessary, oh how wrong I was. I think if you are having a wedding that is more than 20 people… it’s more than likely a planner will be the best money you’ve spent.

Planners now offer hybrid arrangements. You can have them throughout the entire journey of your planning, form day one- helping you with budget, guest count, venues, catering, suppliers.. they know it all. If you already have your favourite cake maker or florist in mind, that’s no problem- they will work with what you have in mind. A planner takes the stress out of meetings, time sheets, paying suppliers in time, designing the day/ weekend, designing the menu- they do it all. And if you need just an on the day coordinator, to help organise the guests from ceremony to reception, then trust me, it’s a big fat yes from me. You don’t realise how much pressure they take off of you and your guests.

Choosing your wedding planner is incredibly important. Yu want one that resonates with you. Make sure you look at their portfolio, their testimonials and their ethos- then you’ll be fireworks!

BUDGET

As a WEDDING FLORIST, most of the time budget is discussed right at the beginning. So for this to be fourth on my list of what to look at when PLANNING A WEDDING is wild.

Budget should always be discussed with your fiancé and also those in your family who may be contributing. Sometimes talking about money can feel awkward, but as soon as there is transparency it takes the awkwardness out of it and you realise how important it is to actually keep it in mind with everyone who is helping to organise know where they are. Budget dictates everything.

The size of your wedding/ guest count does not mean you’ll have a ‘cheap’ wedding. Sometimes the largest amounts of guests have the smallest budgets, and you have to then consider how to navigate your day around this. Your experience of the day becomes priority over the guests. However if you have a healthier budget, your day becomes a little bit more about telling your story and ultimately you prioritise the most important things to you.

Budget usually scares couples. I only want to spend £x amount- this is a great start. Your suppliers and planners will help you understand the average costs, and where you should save your money or spend it.

YOUR STORY

My ethos is telling your story through flowers. The design should speak to you, and about you. When you and your guests look at your bouquet, or the table flowers or the ceremony design, we want them to say, ‘Oh yeah that is SO them, she has always loved Sweet peas’, or ‘He bought her roses on their first date, so of course, she has an all yellow rose bouquet’.

The whole of your wedding should be the same. Incorporating things you love, together. What food do you both enjoy, what drinks are your favourite, what’s your favourite things to do together, do you like the same artwork? Once you design around YOUR STORY, you start to really create a unique, special and bespoke day(s) that reflect you. This is your time, this whole experience is about you, your love and the union you are embarking on, with either a few or a lot, of your friends and family around to witness that.

Think about your favourite dates, your favourite holidays, what you do together often. Then I suggest creating moodboards and Pinterest pages- this really helps solidify your main themes, styles and feel for your WEDDING DAY.

All photos in this page by the divine @batesandbates taken at The ASYLUM CHAPEL (MAVERICK PROJECTS) in September 2025.

January. Let’s be Having You.

The Festive Season Has Passed, And January Usually Hits Like a Cannonball. Think Self Assessment Taxes, Proposals, Comparing Yourself On Instagram- The Works. So, How Am I Tackling january?

Last January, I remember feeling anxious and worried for the year to come. Ultimately, it ended up being a great year for Studio Dandelion and a monumental year for my personal life. We created the biggest wedding to date, we designed using fully 100% home grown flowers, made friends with 50% more farmers (so great) moved cities (bye London, Hello Brighton!, we had the biggest adventure holiday of our lives and so much more. But ultimately, I totally freaked out in January because it seems to last forever, and even though I saved and paid for my taxes it feels like such a worry. To break into the luxury market, your not supposed to talk about money unless there’s an abundance of it- so how do you get more luxury weddings, but also your business is feeling the pinch. Here’s a few things I am doing this January to help me maximise profit, stay sane and ultimately not dig myself into a compasrisonistis hole that makes me want to befriend the black dog.

My Brother is Getting Married.

Although he’s not wanting any flowers, that’s for his big wedding next year, I have had the pleasure on focusing on helping him find a hair and MUA for his fiancé and sourcing a local Brighton photographer- thrilled to say, they picked my first choices.

I am also now in charge in sourcing some beautiful pale pink stems for my sister-in-law-to-be’s bouquet. I’m hoping we can get our hands on some beautiful cyclamen or anemones (like the ones in this image, but in blush!) or maybe some seasonal Daphne- that was my granny’s name too!

Anyway, I’ll be immersing myself in their marriage in my new hometown, and enjoying spending time with new family and friends!

MAKING FRIENDS AND INCLUSIVE WEDDING PACKAGES

So, in December between the wreath workshops, the sickness (flu twice), the moving cities and generally feeling EXHAUSTED I updated and completely re-designed my website. It’s slick and very easy to navigate- wouldn’t you agree? Created by the wonderful Sara at Hatch Website Design.

I have decided this year, that we had an influx of micro wedding inquiries. Just a bouquet or two, and some floral flourishes in the form of buttonholes or bud vases or even hair flowers. The new Micro- Wedding package is available here, and free delivery in Brighton postcodes.

I want to focus on actually getting to know my surroundings, so hopefully meeting new wedding planners, suppliers and generally making friends. If you’re Brighton, Sussex or London based and would like to be pals- please get in touch. I love a chai latte and a dog walk on the beach!

WORKSHOPS

As a seasonal florist, there are really big markers in the year where I find it difficult to share work. For example, Valentine’s Day I won’t be making bouquets full of red roses, or any roses for that matter. But, my pal Bub made an excellent suggestion saying she and few friends would like to do a vase workshop, to learn how to arrange flowers… LIGHTBULB!

I do vase workshops for heaps of corporate companies, but never even thought about bringing it to people’s houses. I provided vases, scissors, mechanics and of course flowers and foliage and teach in a lovely 1.5hr course- and voila! You have a beautiful vase of flowers and you learn to arrange all the flowers you will receive from then on!

What do you think? Would you like to join our Valentine’s Make Your Own?

READING AND PRACTICE

I watched a programme about how therapy is considered dangerous in the UK because it’s not regulated. I decided to undergo a diploma in Therapy & Counselling 5 years ago and am coming to the end of my learning this year,

Floristry has been my main source of income for 15 years now, but in the pandemic I realised I wanted to incorporate flowers and therapeutic healing. Not in a wishy-washy way, but truly brining florals and design into homes and offices, to teach and allow expression. Even on Good Morning Britain, Andy Peters was taking part in a pottery class explaining how we, the general public, are so stressed these days that a two hour session in something like pottery, floral design etc can help calm and cleanse our anxieties.

Essentially, I’m reading loads of books on therapeutic practice and actually putting it into practice too. As well, as being a certified counsellor by July this year! Brighton Floral Workshops- here we come!

BEING GRATEFUL

I spent a lot of last year working through personal hurdles and trying to make sense of things before I gave them time to unfurl, or just to accept. The last few months have been hard in so many ways, but i have had so much support from Tommy, my partner and even our ruddy dog, Bozzy.

Spending this month telling them how grateful I am for them, the support we give each other and ultimately, listening to each other and the compassion and love that comes with that.

I have found working with flowers in the hardest times, genuinely, life saving. And then coming home to this mega babe makes it even better!

Where To Get Married In Brighton

Wether you’re recently engaged, or it’s been on the cards for years getting married in Brighton is iconic. I am a new resident to the seaside town, with a small spat of living down here for a year about 11 years ago and since then a lot has changed.

My first wedding I did was along the coast near Rottingdean, it was a lovely pub and I just decorated the tables with bud vases and did a small hanging hoop from the outside flag pole. Now, we have so many venues in and around Brighton- but what suits you? Best to look at capacity, style, licensing and budget. This is a brief list of places, I think suit different weddings but ultimately most of the pubs, restaurants and even swimming pools will host your wedding- just make sure it suits you and the rest of your favourite suppliers!

J&T Outside Duke of York’s, Brighton/ photographer @kittywsphoto

1. DUKE OF YORK’S CINEMA- I am a huge cinema-going-lover. And so if there’s a chance someone is getting married at a cinema, and a cinema as special as Duke of York’s.. i want an invite. It hosts over 100 seat capacity, and you can rent it for the wedding ceremony and drinks after. Imagine, popcorn, a drink and watching your sister getting married- I LIVE! To me, the cinema is a great place to tie the knot, and you can even have a private screening of your own cute movie if you get your act together in time.

   https://www.picturehouses.com/cinema/duke-of-york-s-picturehouse/venue-hire

G & L Walking Out from Brighton Town Hall/ photography @

2. BRIGHTON TOWN HALL- yes, it’s obvious but it needs to be told. I’ve got my brother’s wedding next week, their ‘small’ one and they’re having a small ceremony at the registry office and then onto a beautiful restaurant in Hove. We are all meeting for drinks in a nearby bar beforehand, but the convenience of it is IT IS RIGHT IN THE CENTRE OF TOWN, so close to the lanes and perfectly situated in between bars, restaurants and shops (most notably Dr Martens, in case you need to buy something new and that will suit your surroundings). You can pay for a registrar and your ceremony can be done in 30 minutes- signed, sealed, delivered!

https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/births-deaths-marriages-civil-partnership-and-citizenship/ceremonies-and-approved-venues/ceremonies-brighton-town-hall

Mingling before dinner service @ Patters/ photography @kittywsphoto

3. PATTERNS-seafront location with heaps of room. Fully licensed bar and catering, and you can most definitely fit your band in. There’s downstairs if you have an enormous party but ultimately turning the upstairs into a dance floor is the most fun. Such a wonderful location, central, on the coast and if it’s good weather (we can only hope), you can go for a post-first-dance-dip… anyone?

https://patternsbrighton.com/hire/weddings/

Jess & Clare just before the I do’s!

This is far from a comprehensive list, but it’s the start. And I will add to it the more weddings I do in my now hometown! If you are looking to get in touch about your wedding flowers, look no further!

Can You DIY Your Wedding Bouquet?

Okay, so has everyone seen it. The NYC influencer making their own bridal bouquet.

You haven’t? Okay, I’ll set the scene..

Beautiful content creator/ influencer is getting married (or their best friend is), they wake up early looking absolutely STUNNING, get to the flower market, peruse the enormous array of flowers the market has to offer, probably annoy quite a lot of traders/ tradees/ anyone else there, they buy the trending flower stems for three times the price florists get them at (trust me, there’s no prices on the flowers so the stands can charge what they want, and you have to buy in bulk minimum of 15 stems for each variety)- Amaranthus, liatris and probably Anthurium. They get a cab back to their apartment, set up the tripod, make their bouquet pretty badly (but whatever, it’s subjective) and then finish their statement with ‘I saved thousands on a florist and did it myself’.

‘Eloise, you bitter babe! Who cares, they’re happy and their flower suited them’.

You’re right! I am not bitter they did their own flowers, I actually think it’s such a great thing to do- what makes me feel something is that they belittle wedding floristry down to ‘I can do it myself, florists overcharge blah blah’. I know they’re not my customer ANYWAY but I do think the conversation is there to be had.

And I want to know your opinion, genuinely.

Do you think wedding flowers are necessary? Would you like to make your bouquets yourselves- maybe with a professional there to help? In London, the NCFM, isn’t just for trade- it’s completely open to the public so there’s a real gap in the market there for customers having access to this fun, twilight world, having ‘a go’ and ‘playing with flowers’.

Can you see how this ever so slightly undermines the value of a trade like wedding floristry?

images from https://www.tiktok.com/@liz.cu

Okay, so fair. This bride has done a really good job of creating a bouquet that’s in similar colours (chartreuse, creams and yellow-limes) and using very similar flowers (orchids, callas, anthirium, amaranthus).

My point, however, is if this is fast becoming a trend to make your own bouquet- which I absolutely love but as a seasonal princess I’ve popped together some ideas of how to be part of the trend without shitting on your wedding designers.

Here are some ways where you can make your own bouquet, buy seasonally and even encourage a wonderfully paid supply chain in your community.

HOMESTEAD FLOWERS/ FLOWER AND FARMER/ LITTLE PINK GARDEN

1. Ask your wedding florist to discuss your bridal bouquet in detail, if you want to be part of the process. For my brides, I do a trial Bridal bouquet morning and we mock up together and go through shape and size, as well as nibble on some treats, tea or fizz!

2. See if you can make your bridal bouquet from the same farms your florist is getting their flowers from. Ask your florist, they may give you details of the farms- most flower farms have open days, and sell DIY buckets!

3. Practice and play with flowers from your local nursery or florist. By all means trial out the flower market if you want to, but you’re going to have to buy in bulk which costs much more than you think. Buy a few stems locally, and make a day of it with pals!

By Lisa Jane Photography- Jules carries an all white ranunculus bouquet

Luxury Shouln’t be Boring. But Right Now, I Feel It is.

It’s hard to think about ‘luxury’ weddings I’ve seen on socials recently and not see lots clouds of gyp (still- why!), loads of reflexed Roses and piles of Hydrangea and Cala Lilies- and don’t get me started on the ridiculous waste in over wired fruit & veg styling.

I’M BORED.

It’s not that the artist isn’t incredible, I’ve just seen it before, and they’re not crediting the artists that inspired them- the ones that came before. I think it’s bad sportsmanship. And quite frankly -cheap. And I’m bored of it.

Bronze Red Chrysanthemum grown by Sussex Farmhouse

Okay, so it is tough to steer a client to use truly seasonal products & stems when the flowers start dying off and they're not longer so ‘pretty’. It’s easy to be swamped with the Instagram and social media posts of luxury weddings in deep December with white Ecuadorian roses, white Columbian hydrangea and swathes of eucalyptus. Maybe we’re just used to it, but to me it’s not classic- it’s quite boring. There’s no imagination there, you wouldn’t see our favourite designers copying each other season after season because it looks good on socials- it doesn’t. For me, it looks tame, it doesn’t say anything abut you, your brand or your union- it just says ‘I went with what I saw on that channel’.

Don’t get me wrong, there’s classic, timeless and a feel that works again and again. But I think timeless can have a personal and unique spin on it, to make sure it represents the event. person or couple. Take for example a luxurious, velvet inspired, after-the-wedding-party. They wanted red anthuriums- so I said, her- instead of doing what everyone seems to be doing. How about let’s elevate the unsung hero, the common chrysanthemum, and create texture and form with tonal, humble raffia- I think, a star was born.

I spent the last few weeks dreaming up, bringing to life and installing different events and weddings that incorporated use of fabrics, as well as some florals. Working with independent shops, finding the perfect palette swabs and diving in to wrapping, bunching, knotting, sewing and finessing our final looks.

Venue: 30 Knightsbridge Planner : Always Andri Professional Photos: JessicaLilyPhotography Cake Artist: Lemon Tree Cakes

I was speaking to my pal and florist-friend today, we spoke about imagination. We were describing people who had similar vision, and it was those who work not settling for trends but create using their imagination. I sent my e-brochure out to some of the wedding planners I’d like to work with in the next year or two, and a whole section was dedicated to imagination and how it sets designer and artist apart. But essentially, you need trust from your client. Once they believe in you, then you can let your work flow- I think that’s what creates quiet luxury. Stand out, artistic, unique work!

I trust in the seasons. I trust that whatever the growers are able to give me, even if stems haven’t worked or died, or crops have failed, I trust that my skills and vision can be brought to reality. Okay, and yes sometimes I will drive to the deepest parts of Somerset or Oxfordshire to get the right stems- but that’s by the by!

Again, repeat customer Maslow’s, a private members club in Soho, annually ask me to decorate their bespoke hanging hoops for their winter bar installation. This year we adorned the hoops I had especially tailor made for them with woven fabrics’ silks, threads, wools, raffia and organza were scrunched, bunched, manipulated and sewn onto the hoops to create a ‘souk’ and bazaar’ theme. I absolutely LOVE the outcome.

Venue: Yasmin, Soho

I think that's enough for my first BLOG. Maybe I'll actually keep this up. Would be quite nice to have a weekly or bi - weekly post/ blog etc. Like Anna Jones or Daisy from The SelfHood… you never know x