Supplier Spotlight - The Fabulous Florist

TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE FABULOUS FLORIST
Hi, my name is Kat, and I am the Fabulous Florist. I have been a florist for almost 17 years, and started up as The Fabulous Florist in September last year. I had decided to just concentrate on weddings and events, as these are my favourite things to design.

WHAT THREE WORDS WOULD YOU USE TO DESCRIBE YOUR BUSINESS?
Fabulous, Unique & Tailored

WHAT’S YOUR BIGGEST BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT TO DATE?
I have had a few highlights in my career. From designing a bouquet for Royalty, to creating the perfect wedding flowers for an Influencer on Instagram - who has over 80 thousand followers, and has become a very close friend. Also had the pleasure in part of a 3 day epic wedding event at Eastnor Castle, a couple of years back. That was such an amazing experience. Combining traditional British style, and flowers with a Brazilian twist!

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?
Although I can design any aspect of style, from modern, and contemporary, to a natural wild design, I always add my own little spin on it. Whether its clustering the flowers together, or adding something a little different just to give the finishing touch.

WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION FROM FOR YOU FLORAL DESIGNS?
Like most people, I get my inspiration from places like Pinterest, Instagram etc. I also find I get inspiration form fellow florists. I always admire other florists, and when I see something new, I always look to see how I can use it in my own work. With a few tweaks here and there.

ON THE LEAD UP TO A WEDDING, WHAT IS YOUR TYPICAL SCHEDULE?
1 month before, is a catch up with the bride, to finalise things. 1 week before, is final confirmation, as things may slightly alter ( buttonhole number etc, as people sometimes forget someone). Then the week of the wedding, I sit down and go through each aspect, and imagine what flowers I would put in that design, then tally it all up and order. The flowers would generally be delivered on the Thursday (for a Saturday wedding), then I would condition all the flowers, and check they are all okay and let them drink for a good 24-36 hours. Then on the Friday, I would start creating, and designing the pieces. I also send a picture of the bridal bouquet to the bride, so she can see what it is like, and if any changes need to be made. This is something I have always done, and it gives the Bride a piece of mind, that everything is on track, and exactly what she was after.

Then on the Saturday, I would complete any fragile work, i.e. flower crowns, buttonholes etc, deliver to the respectful address, and set up if required. Normally finished by 2 hours before the start of the ceremony, and checking with the bride that everything is to her liking, and then depart, leaving them to enjoy their day.

IF YOU WERE GIVEN FREE REINS TO DESIGN A BRIDAL BOUQUET, WHAT COMBINATION OF FLOWERS AND COLOURS WOULD YOU CHOOSE?
For me, it would have to have an Autumnal feel, with a slight Harry Potter twist. It would have things like, berries, cones, feathers, seed heads, leaves, herbs, dried elements, with a few deep coloured flowers, Spray roses, Hydrangea, Lisianthks, Hypericum. Just gorgeous!

WHAT FLORAL TRENDS ARE CURRENTLY BIG RIGHT NOW?
Pampas Grass is HUGE at the moment! Which is great, but people forget that it is actually quite expensive. So unless, you have some in your garden, then be prepared for a cost.

WHAT TOP TIPS WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE ORGANISING THEIR EVENT OR WEDDING?

  • Be realistic, and have a plan B!

  • Look at your venue. You fell in love with your venue, for whatever reason, so your flowers are there to finish off the look.

  • Get lots of pictures for inspiration, but be wary that if you want a big, huge display for your tables, then it does cost more than £50…. Over the years I have had so many people wanting big and wow table centres, and when I tell them how much it would be, they are thrown, as sometimes they don’t appreciate how much flower goes into a display like that.

  • Also, just have a plan B in the back of your head, just in case anything goes wrong… mainly- the Great British Weather!

Blackfriars Priory