Where better to show off British grown flowers than at a royal wedding in front of a global audience of tens of millions of people.
It is hoped that UK grown seasonal flowers will be found in the wedding bouquet and in Westminster Abbey.
During this period of economic austerity, choosing British grown flowers would not only keep costs down but give a much needed boost to the British flower growing industry.
Seasonal British flowers
The exquisite perfume and jasmine like blooms make the Hyacinth a perfect wedding flower
With the wedding on the 29th April, British growers will have an abundance of blooms for dressing the Abbey, Kate’s Bouquet and the reception venue.
Flowers likely to be in season are; Allium, Anenome, Antirrhinum, Bluebell, Calla Lilies, Columbine, Cow Parsley, Delphinium, Eucalyptus, Freesia, Fritillaries, Hyacinth, Iris, Larkspur, Lilies, Lily of the Valley, Magnolia, Narcissi, Ranunculus, Rosemary, Scabious, Sweet Peas, Tulips, veronica, Viburnum and Violets.
Current fashion trends in pale violet and dusky pinks, will blend well with creams and white to compliment Kate’s colouring, giving a classic romantic feel.
Royal wedding dress
Of course, Kate Middleton’s wedding dress will dictate the style and type of flowers she carries.
With rumours surrounding well respected British couture designer Bruce Oldfield, a favorite of Princess Diana and Daniella Issa Helayel, who designed Catherine’s classic but modern blue engagement dress.
Rumours aside, a bride has the prerogative of keeping her wedding day dress a secret and for that matter, her flowers too but if a British dress designer is in the fray then let’s hope British flowers will be too.
The flowers could possibly be linked to family connections or memories. The Duchy of Cornwall, and the Principality of Wales could be a token to Prince William’s family links. Other flowers may be symbolic of the colours found in Kenya, where William and Kate became engaged.
A lovely, personal touch would be to use some flowers from Prince Charles’ own Highgrove gardens.
Chelsea Flower Show
With the Chelsea Flower show only days after the Royal wedding, many designers will be desperate to get some inkling of what the wedding flowers will be.
Gardening follows trends and the royal flowers are likely to have an impact on our garden design and the types of flowers we grow next season.
Westminster Abbey
Since 960AD, Westminster Abbey has had close links with the British Monarchy and it came as no surprise that the wedding of the future King William to Catherine Middleton will be held in this wonderful Gothic building.
Announcements from St James’s Palace have confirmed that the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr John Hall, will conduct the service at Westminster Abbey on 29 April 2011 and the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Dr Rowan Williams, will marry Prince William and Miss Middleton.
The address will be given by the Bishop of London, the Right Reverend and Right Honourable Richard Chartres.
The statement also confirmed that the wedding service will begin at 11am.
Westminster Abbey itself is no stranger to stunning flower displays. In 2010 the Abbey played host to the NAFAS “Rejoice” Festival of Flowers.
Cosmati pavement
This will also be the first year that the newly restored Medieval Cosmati pavement in front of the altar will be visible. The muted pinks reflected in the stonework may have some influence over Kate’s choice of flowers.
The Middleton family operate a successful party planning business and no doubt it will be strange to be at the other end of an event.
Are you involved in the Royal wedding?
If you are involved in dressing the Abbey or making the wedding flowers, we would be keen to hear from you before or after the wedding. Are you using British Flowers?
More information
HRH Prince William of Wales and Catherine Middleton – Updates on the royal wedding.
Westminster Abbey – Keep up to date with events, including the Royal Wedding.
