Bloomin' Marvellous: An Interview with Twigs Flowers
Interviews 28.07.2021
The flowers you choose for your wedding play a big part in the overall look of your day. Not just your bouquet of course, but there are also buttonholes, table decorations and arches to think about. So we were pleased to chat to the incredibly talented Deryn Northam of Twigs Flowers recently about pampas clouds, colourful pompoms and what’s popular in wedding bouquets right now.
How long has Twigs been in operation?
"We’ve been going since 1999. We were due to have a 21st birthday party last year but obviously didn’t. So we’re planning some kind of celebration later in the year."
When did you start your career as a florist?
"I’ve been a florist for over 25 years now. I had a career in London in marketing before retraining to be a florist. I actually have a background in art history though."
You mention art history. Does that inspire you?
"Absolutely. I have a Royal Academy qualification in antiques. So I love art, antiques, architecture, and retro and vintage styling. Anything that looks interesting or quirky!"
So let’s talk flowers. What’s your favourite part of being a florist?
"It’s the aesthetics of taking a blank canvas and making it beautiful. And, of course, you have to absolutely love flowers to do this job."
What are your favourite bouquet styles?
"We’re all classically trained florists at Twigs, so we can do any type of bouquet from traditional fully wired showers, to domed handties, to wild and natural bouquets. We really enjoy doing anything a bit unusual. A large textural and unstructured bouquet with wow factor is probably a favourite."
As well as bouquets, what other wedding flowers do you do?
"We’ll do absolutely anything we’re asked to do, from flower crowns and boutonnieres to table decorations and garlands. We can also decorate gazebos, door archways and moongates, ceiling hoops or hanging frames with foliage. Pampas clouds are also really popular too. We can do any kind of creative installations and we don’t mind climbing ladders!"
What’s really popular in terms of colours and flowers right now?
"All white and cream bouquets with a hint of dusky pink are always popular. As are dark maroon or burgundy flowers mixed with peaches and blush pinks.
"Our most popular flowers are peonies and garden roses and anything that’s a large blousy flower. And these are then mixed with meadow-style flowers like nigella, scabious, feverfew or veronica for that just-picked look."
What’s the most unusual flower or greenery you’ve been asked to include?
"There probably isn’t a flower or foliage we haven’t used! We regularly use all kinds of berries, succulents, dried grasses and umbrella fern. We’ve even included knitted pompoms in a bouquet for a festival-style wedding. Brides often ask for keepsakes to be included, so we can attach pieces of jewellery or perhaps a small framed photo or a brooch on to the handle of the bouquet."
Where do you buy your flowers from?
"Our flowers mostly come from Holland and we buy daily from Dutch Auctions. We do try to use some local growers too from Cornwall and North Devon. We also have a cutting garden at the shop, so we do grow some of our own as well."
What’s been your favourite/most memorable wedding?
"Well, my daughter actually got married at Ash Barton in 2019 and apart from the vibrant colour combination (it was firework night) she gave us free rein with the flowers. We had a lot of fun decorating the old chapel. And that’s the thing with Ash Barton: you have total freedom to decorate it however you like."
How many weddings have you done at Ash Barton?
"Lots! Literally dozens. We were there from the very beginning when Simon bought Ash Barton. We know the venue really well."
What does a typical Ash Barton wedding day look like for you?
"We deliver the main bridal bouquets and buttonholes a couple of hours before the ceremony. But if there’s a lot of setting up to do, we go up to Ash Barton the day before and then finish the morning of the wedding. We’ll also drop off lots of cut flowers if that’s what’s needed, and then the bridal party can arrange them in bottles or jam jars. That informal look is still really popular."
How far in advance should a couple book a wedding florist?
"As soon as you have your date, book your wedding florist. We recommend at least a year in advance, sometimes it’s 18 months."
And how do you work with the couple?
"Ideally we’d meet in person but, of course, that’s not always possible. So we’re happy to email or chat on the phone. We know that not everyone has a huge budget, so it’s our job to make recommendations to suit and to ensure the floral arrangements look as beautiful as possible for the amount they wish to spend."
Do you advise brides what flowers to have?
"It’s really about getting the overall look right first. The size and shape of the bouquet gives us an indication of the style preference and then we can advise what flowers to use in the wedding colour scheme. It may be that our couples have a particular request for specific blooms and we will always be led by their vision for their special day."
Any tips for brides when it comes to choosing a bouquet?
"Take a look at something like Pinterest or Instagram for ideas. Or browse websites or wedding magazines for inspiration. When you see something you like the look of send it over to us. This gives us a good idea as to where you’re going with the look and feel of your wedding, and it means we can create something that’s absolutely perfect for you."
