Long overdue - here are some of Neville's recent masterpieces!

Choosing a Bridal bouquet is a personal thing for most, and can be a bit stressful as well. (Even for us florists!) There are so many choices out there and now with the internet the ideas are endless( so one would think. My darlings, its really important to get ideas from those in the know, as even though cyberspace might say a flower is readily available, you may well be set up for disappointment. I had a sweet gal call me for help recently who was very upset. She had ordered a specific colour and type of flower for her wedding (not from a florist) and found out close to her big day that those flowers were not available here at that time of year. Sadly this happens far too often, and can really throw a wrench in your plans.  
 
Reputable florists will gladly set up a time to meet and go over your thoughts and ideas, offering suggestions, colours and floral options based on their experience, knowledge of availability and design skills. The thing is, too, that this is a great way to see if you are comfortable working with your florist, and them with you. We in the floral world know what will and wont work for the venue, the time of year, etc. and can always offer a plan B if necessary. Really, for most brides this will be their first (or second) experience in planning a wedding, so rely on the experts for guidance.  
 
Choosing and designing your bouquet is a very personal and exciting experience, and one that with a little help, can be a fun and memorable time!  
 
Questions? Email Neville

Jaw-dropping wedding bouquets and centre pieces by Halifax-based floral artist Neville MacKay - here is the latest installment of Neville's Art!

There was moss, driftwood, pebbles and the most amazing flowers...here is the latest installment of Neville's art...

Neville continues to impress me with the creations he comes up with. There are always so many interesting angles!

What a great way to start off the week! More of Neville's amazing work....

There seems to be a huge trend these days to bling up Bridal bouquets. This is nothing new really as we have been adding glitz and glitter to bouquets since the first Victorian lady carried a clutch of scented violets to mask the scent of her groom. (Back then it was not uncommon to have the flowers placed in an ornate silver tussie-mussie or wrapped with the finest silk and pearls)  
 
I have adorned Bridal bouquets with all sorts of things over the years...some really cool, some sentimental and some even a bit ridiculous. One of the most extravagant additions was the antique pearl necklace I was given and asked to de-string then wire each pearl, inserting them throughout the bouquet. It looked great, but I was pretty much cross-eyed by the time I was finished. A few diamonds went into another, while still another had different coloured candies (yes, candies!) added for colour and theme. Glass beads, crystal, silver wires, and gold chains have all made their way down the aisle via a Bridal bouquet, with varying success. 
 
Adding non-floral embellishments to a bouquet depends on many factors. Think about your dress for example; if it has a lot of pearls on it, you may want to add a few to the bouquet, so it further compliments the dress. Wisps of silver or gold bullion wire throughout a bouquet can add glitz without too much of a sparkle, so if a more subtle look is needed, this may well be the way to go. For an evening affair or a winter wedding, clear crystals embedded throughout makes for a glamorous look! 
 
Please, have a chat with your florist before going all crazy with the beads and bits, ladies! Remember that a little can go a long way. Here's the thing; you know when we have a meal there's a main course with side dishes and garnish. This is how a bouquet should be put together. The main course would be the focal flower(s), with the sides being any accent flowers, and the garnish would be the pearls, crystal, beads, etc. I guess what I'm trying to say is not to get too carried away with it all, or before you know it you'll have a bouquet that is more stuff than flowers, which could easily compete for attention with the dress. A good bouquet should compliment a beautiful dress, accent it well, and not take away from it.  
 
So, have a dig through Grammy's jewelry box and see what you can find...but if it's a string of pearls, do it yourself!!! 
 
Questions? Email Neville

We're so excited!! The fabulous Neville from My Mother's Bloomers will be supplying us with some of his amazing work on a regular basis so we can not only decorate our studio but also share them with you on the site. Watch for updates every month or so. We'll also be archiving all the images under Neville's Friend's Section. 
 

Jaw-dropping wedding bouquets and centre pieces by Halifax-based floral artist Neville MacKay - you won't be disappointed! 
 
The 'Sting', 'Bono' or 'Madonna' of flowers. You just have to mention Neville's name and people universally smile and say how wonderful he is! I can't count how many times I've seen brides just blown away on their wedding day when they first see their flowers. Alex MacAulay, Photographer 
 
More Info: My Mother's Bloomers Website

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