One of the key decisions that can really help this process is whether the couple wants the overall wedding day to feel formal or informal – or somewhere in between. This decision does much to dictate both the style of flower arrangements and the types of flower and foliage that will work. Here we look at a selection of formal and informal styles that we have created for previous weddings, enabling you to see which style appeals to you most.
Wedding Flowers Essex – See a selection of our creative designs for wedding flowers for Essex, Hertfordshire, Suffolk, and Cambridgeshire weddings.
Formal Wedding Flowers
Formal wedding flowers will typically be arranged in recognisable shapes and structures, using traditional arrangements and classically styled vases or holders. Chosen shapes will have definite outlines and where there are multiple arrangements together (table decorations, for example) the same pattern will typically be repeated in a predictable way.
The type of flowers chosen will tend to be very traditional, such as Roses, Lily of the Valley and so on, and the colours chosen will also tend to be highly traditional such as cream, white, pink and yellow, usually limited to one or possibly two types of flower. Colour choice will also tend to be limited to one or two colours, and will tend to use paler or muted shades.
Whatever flowers and colours are chosen, the effect is restrained and controlled, giving a very sophisticated effect, with a more "serious" edge, although nonetheless stunning as the following examples illustrate.
In this table decoration a very formal but traditional effect is achieved by using a perfect globe shape supported by a silver candelabra. The colour palette is muted, using cream and very dark red. However the formality is slightly softened by the use of different types of flower within this colour scheme.
But a formal style can also be achieved in a very contemporary way. In these table decorations a highly modernist sculpture features two perfect globes of cream carnations. The overall effect is stunning and original, proving that "formal" definitely does not mean the same thing as "stuffy".
Sometimes the formality is less in the flower arrangement itself, but the overall arrangement of a table or a room. In this example, the use of identical globe vases in a row, with a row of single roses marking each place setting, creates a formal but very inviting ambience for a wedding reception.
The formal look can include a bride's bouquet of course. In this traditional bouquet, cream and pale pink roses are arranged in a sphere, just slightly softened by the foliage. The formality of this arrangement perfectly matches the formal and traditional style of the bride's dress.
Informal Wedding Flowers
Informal wedding flowers will typically involve less structure and looser arrangements, perhaps using more varied shapes, or using shapes with no clear outlines – for instance flowers and foliage allowed to splay out or hang naturally.
Where shapes are used, these may be more unusual and make use of non-traditional vases or holders. And you may also expect to see more non-floral elements amongst or around the arrangement such as shells or strewn petals.
Informal arrangements tend to use a wider range of flowers and colours, as well as brighter colours.
The overall effect is more "fun" with the emphasis on relaxation and exuberance.
In these table decorations a multitude of flower types in a range of yellows and oranges is loosely arranged in silver bowls, giving a sense of relaxed, overflowing abundance.
Even more informal is this use of individual orchid plants as table decorations. Here, the flowers haven't been "arranged" at all, simply presented in the pots they were grown in, giving a very natural feel while still feeling very special.
In this informal bouquet arrangement, a range of flower types is used, mixing cream and different shades of orange, with some of the flowers allowed to hang naturally. Using longer stems and an irregular arrangement gives the impression of simplicity and innocence, perfectly complementing the style of the bridal gown.
Formal and Informal Mix
If neither of these approaches quite hits the mark, arrangements can include both formal and informal elements, for an effect which lies somewhere between the two. This can be a useful compromise for couples where one prefers formal and one prefers informal. It is also an ideal approach when couples want to make a definite design statement, but also want an atmosphere in which guests are encouraged to relax. In this approach we will tend to see an underlying formality which is then departed from in various ways, either through variety of blooms, colour or shape.
For instance, in this table decoration, a silver candelabra gives the arrangement an overall formal structure, which is then softened with entwined roses and foliage in a loose, almost random way.
In this brightly coloured arrangement there is a mixture of flowers and colours and no strong outline to the roughly circular flower arrangement itself – but the globe vase and square mirror with candles placed at each corner gives it just enough formality to work as a table decoration.
This vibrant room decoration is perhaps the ultimate mix of formal and informal. Overall the arrangement is highly symmetrical with a clear arch shape and presented on a traditional pedestal, giving an overall sense of formality. But the inclusion of multiple flower types in strong and contrasting colours, tall spikes growing out of the top of the arch and free hanging foliage below, give it all a very natural feel and successfully emphasises the celebratory nature of the occasion.
Informality can be signalled by the use of unconventional vases and holders. In this pretty table decoration a cream bird cage appears to be bursting with cream and muted pink roses, as well as other flower varieties and foliage. The bird cage provides the formal element of the arrangement while the flowers produce an informal and very relaxed overall effect.
Finally, In this semi-formal bouquet, the choice of simple, cream Lily of the Valley creates a level of formality, but the loose arrangement gives a very natural and informal feel.
If you've enjoyed seeing some of the many arrangements and styles of wedding flowers that we have created for Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire weddings, please take a look at our wedding gallery or contact us today for your free wedding consultation.
Wedding Flowers Essex – Tolly's are based in Newmarket, Suffolk, conveniently located for the provision of wedding flowers for Essex, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Suffolk and Norfolk weddings.
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