A May Wedding in a Classic English Cottage Garden
Designing flowers for a garden wedding is always a joy, but when the setting is a client's own English country cottage garden, it becomes something truly special. This wedding was a celebration of both love and nature, with flowers that felt perfectly at home in their surroundings.
The garden itself was a quintessential English country garden, complete with herbaceous borders, a tranquil river, and a paddock leading into a picturesque woodland. The couple exchanged their vows beneath a majestic horse chestnut tree, framed by a stunning floral arch designed to blend seamlessly with the natural setting.
Elegant Pink Wedding Flowers for a Timeless Look
The bride’s love for pink was the starting point for the wedding’s floral design. She wanted pink to be the focus but was keen to ensure the arrangements felt elegant and classic. By using seasonal, British-grown flowers in soft, harmonious shades, we created a colour palette that complemented the garden’s natural beauty. Our floral arrangements were designed to look as though they had grown directly from the cottage borders, grounding the celebration in its surroundings and creating a timeless, romantic atmosphere.
May is one of our favourite months for wedding flowers, and this celebration made the most of the season. We paired gorgeous peonies with the first roses of the year, alongside towering five-foot foxgloves, alliums, sweet rocket, and Orlaya. These delicate blooms lent a magical feel to the arrangements. For the floral arch, we wove in beech, oak, and ivy, connecting the design to the surrounding meadow and woodland.
Floral Design for Ceremony and Reception
Every floral arrangement was carefully planned to enhance the garden setting. The ceremony’s focal point was the floral arch, framing the couple beautifully as they exchanged their vows beneath the horse chestnut tree. For the reception, held on a grass terrace, we placed meadow boxes at the ends of the trestle tables. This allowed guests to feel as though the garden’s borders extended into the marquee. Seasonal blooms in bud vases and candles created a simple yet romantic table setting, perfect for the relaxed afternoon meal.
Instead of a traditional bouquet, the bride carried a handwoven willow wand, decorated with rosebuds and trailing ivy. Paired with her full flower crown, this unique choice reflected her personal style and perfectly suited the enchanting garden setting.
Sustainable Wedding Flowers and Outdoor Logistics
Planning an outdoor wedding always requires careful consideration of logistics, especially when working with natural settings. Initially, the floral arch was to be placed closer to the river, but heavy rains during the winter made the ground unsuitable. We adapted the design to a new location under a sailcloth tent, ensuring the couple’s vision came to life despite the challenges. Flexibility is key when designing for outdoor weddings, and we work closely with couples to create beautiful settings no matter the conditions.
Sustainability was at the heart of this wedding. All flowers and foliage were locally sourced, and we used reusable floral mechanics throughout. From the custom-fabricated arch to the chicken wire in the meadow boxes, every detail was designed to minimise waste without compromising on beauty.
Creating Memorable Garden Weddings
The response from the couple and their guests was wonderful, with many commenting on how the floral arch stood out as a highlight of the day. By using seasonal, British-grown flowers, we created arrangements that felt unique, fresh, and deeply connected to the garden setting.
If you’re planning a garden wedding, we recommend making the most of the space’s natural features. Our site visits allow us to walk through your day with you, ensuring every element of the floral design enhances the beauty of your chosen setting. Flowers have the power to transform spaces and create unforgettable moments, and we love helping couples achieve that for their special day.
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