Flowers by Urban Flower Farmer. Photo by Matt Wing Photography

If you are planning your 2021 wedding it can get rather overwhelming with all the different things you need to do. What to put on the menu, a band or DJ (or both), how many Bridesmaids and what should they wear, where to sit Great Aunt Alice or should you indeed invite her at all! So many things to think about it can turn from fun into something that you just want to go away some days…..thats why its so important to hire professionals that can take the pressure off and advise you on what your options are. They are after all experts in their field.

Flowers are no exception - a lot of people have their heart set on certain flowers not actually realising that certain flowers grow at certain times of the year - like everything today we expect to be able to get hold of anything we like, anytime we like…..so while we now have imported flowers that can be grown in hot climates far away and it has certainly extended the seasons for many flowers (roses are available all year round if you are willing to buy them in from the likes of Kenya or Columbia) but this can come at a price. For me there is nothing more beautiful than a scented, seasonal flower, maybe with a slightly crooked stem that is as fresh as a daisy (or rose, or dahlia even) thats grown locally to you or at the very least grown in the UK. See the problem with imported flowers is you have had all the scent grown out of them, they are straight like soldiers, nothin like you would see them growing naturally and they are often treated with harmful chemicals to keep them going once they have been cut and shipped. And of course they have been flown halfway around the world to get to you! You see an imported flowers can be a week old by the time your florist receives them, and thats not to say they are going to wilt the minute you get down the aisle but there is something strange about all these living things that, well, go on living for an unnatural length of time - and the reason is chemicals! Yes they are also bred to have certain qualities, be long lasting, be a certain length and shape but they are treated with goodness knows what to ensure they last. For me, I have difficulty knowing that man has interfered so much with nature (and that doesn’t just go for flowers - we seem to interfere with mother nature a little too often for my liking)

Peonies have a short season but thats what makes them so special….beautiful British Peonies by Urban Flower Farmer. Photo by Emma Davis Photography

Over the years Urban Flower Farmer have been growing flowers on our North London cutting patch……we don’t grow on a huge scale but what we do grow adds something really special to our flowers. We grow without the use of chemicals and everything at the cutting patch is done by hand - so no machinery, just god old fashioned tools and elbow grease with a bit of muscle thrown in. Although using seasonal flowers can mean a short season for some varieties such as peonies, it just makes them that little bit more special when you can get them. It also reduces our carbon footprint hugely (and yours too), especially if you choose to buy from the smaller growers who generally grow using organic methods of farming. So whilst we do use imported flowers on occasion we always try to encourage seasonal flowers first….most people don’t even think about flowers not being available but once explained they are more than happy to work with the seasons and every year more and more clients come to us because they like our eco credentials……local, British flowers, foam free (no nasty chemically laden floral foam that sit in landfill and water systems for ever!) and everything is re-used, re-cycled or composted where possible and very little ever ends up in landfill.

Flowers by Urban Flower Farmer. Photo by Sabine Darrell

So if you want to take some of the guess work out of choosing the right flowers for your big day then here are a few suggestion of just some of the blooms available by season. Your florist should be able to advise you further but here are some of the best seasonal flower suggestions to help you on your way (or at the very least impress your florist with your seasonal flower knowledge!). Over the next few weeks we will be giving away a comprehensive tailor made guide to your wedding flower varieties depending on which mn th you are tiring the knot. Keep an eye on instagram to grab your personal, seasonal guide to flowers….remeber , these ae just a few of the many varieties available…..

Spring Flowers Summer Flowers Early Autumn Flowers Winter Flowers

Anemone Peony (May/June) Dahlia Dried Flowers/seed pods

Narcissi Garden Rose Amaranthus Alstromeria

Hellebore Delphinium Alstromeria Crysanthemums

Ranunculus Nigella Scabious Foliage (go green!)

Tulips Snapdragon Garden Roses Paper Whites

Picking Tulips at our London Cutting Patch. Photo by Olivia De Sousa

Flower by Urn=ban Flower Farmer. Photo by Emma Davis Photography

This list contains just a few suggestions of flowers that work for weddings…..and don’t forget foliage - so many beautiful varieties that can make or break your flowers…….eucalyptus, beech, honeysuckle, jasmine, viburnum, the list goes on……..if you have a question about seasonal flowers or British Flowers or foliage please leave a comment and I will get back to you or you can contact us at hello@urbanflowerfarmer.com

Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for the lates pics and news on what we have been up to, for wedding flower inspiration and lots more…..

Seasonal Bouquet by Urban Flower Farmer. Photo by Lily Sawyer Photography

Your Wedding Day Flowers - What is in season for you big day