Florists

Scents of occasion

Garlic and thyme were among the ingredients in the first bridal bouquets. They were designed as a way of warding off unwelcome guests, particularly evil spirits. Lit candles were used at weddings for the same reason.

Rather than acting as a complement to the beauty of the newlyweds, bouquets were primarily a useful means of keeping crowded celebrations fragrant at a time when bathing was a rare activity.

It was not until the 19th century that the decorative bridal bouquet arrived, when Queen Victoria carried a posy at her wedding to Prince Albert in 1840.

In Victorian times, flowers were also assigned symbolic meanings and were selected not merely for their aesthetics. Today, however, we choose them mainly for their appearance and their scent.

"This year's stand-out trend for wedding flowers has to be the 'less is more' philosophy and the more creative the ideas, the better," says floral designer Laura Kuy. "Brides are choosing flowers that are in season. It simply means you get much more flower for your money.

"When brides come to me, I ask them to have in mind a budget for their flowers. I email prices, so they can work out an approximate budget, then I can tailor a package sticking within this budget."

Write a list of what you will need. It might include buttonholes for ushers, best man and dads and something for the mums - perhaps a wrist corsage or bag corsage.

Chupah flowers, tables flowers, focal pieces, bar displays - "ask your venue where other people have put flowers," advises Laura.

Colour trends for the 2011 bride are earthy tones, grey, coral, cream, latte and big bold blooms, says the florist. Vintage is trendy, so antique roses are popular. "These are great value for money and always do the trick.

Choose Colombian and Ecuadorian roses if you want the most stunning and vibrant of colours. The new 'stop the press' Norma Jean white rose with it's to-die-for scent will have you bowled over.

"On the other side of the spectrum, there's fuchsia, chartreuse and deep red, punchy colours that look amazing together."

Hand-tied bouquets are still the most popular for the bride, and you can add sentimental value by attaching items to the handle, such as a brooch that belonged to your grandmother, or ribbon from your mother's wedding bouquet.

"For an outstanding chupah, tulle can be added. Grouped and then fanned, it looks amazing," says Laura. Laura Kuy Flowers offers a free take-down service after the ceremony, transporting chupah flowers to the reception where they can be used for focal pieces and larger displays. You can view her designs at www.laurakuy.com

Specialising in both Jewish weddings and showbiz occasions is Designer Flowers, based in northwest London, with a second branch in the London Hilton on Park Lane. The company has designed for Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez and Princess Diana. But owner Shirley Poyntz, says that wedding flowers are her passion. Her designs include bridal bouquets with hand-tied Grand Prix red roses and a large "round" of white Avalanche roses.

Another stylish option is a mix of pink and white orchids with trailing ivy or a mix of white Casablanca lilies and red roses. Headdresses include mango-coloured flowers combined with burnt orange tinted roses.

For a chupah, Designer Flowers might use ivory roses, hydrangeas and Casablanca lilies, together with entwined ivy, roses, and bright summer flowers. A chupah at the Sheraton Park Lane featured white birch trees and sparkling miniature lights. Spectacular toptable designs of roses, cascading ivy and scented candles together with scattered petals, are a speciality.

Designer Flowers is now celebrating its 21st anniversary and to celebrate it is launching a special decoration for barmitzvahs - an LED-lit bespoke, full-size football trophy in perspex, which can change to the chosen colours of the birthday boy's favourite football team.

For a gallery of floral creations, see www.designerflowersuk.com