I have the absolute pleasure to know Lauren and Lyn from Clementine & Rose & The Epping Florist Centre. They create the most beautiful, unique wedding bouquets and arrangements and have the cutest darn shop you've ever seen - I love visiting them, you walk in and you are instantly happy.
A few weeks ago, as Lauren was getting ready for a bridal fair, I had the opportunity to sit down and chat to her about all things wedding and flowers.
How long have you been a florist?
7 1/2 years
How long have you run your own business?
5 years
You have just rebranded your wedding side of the business - Clementine & Rose. What made you decide to do that?
We wanted to give our growing wedding business its own identity which allows us to give more attention to our lovely couples and also give our wedding business its own marketing and website. This makes it easier for clients to view our wedding work and get questions to us.
I love the name, where did it come from?
Mum and I were tossing a few names around, she's very good at thinking up those things. We looked up a whole heap of flower names and other names that sound a little bit quirky but also traditional and came across the names "Clementine" and "Rose" we knew we had our name. Thy work so well together and lend themselves beautifully to our new branding.
There are always people who want to break away from the trends with their weddings and stand out from the crowd but the most popular look at the moment is soft, rustic charm. It includes a lot of natural fabrics, lace and wooden items in the decoration of venues and is influenced by a vintage element. The flowers themselves are less structured and there has been a return to foliages with brides choosing more greenery and even herbs to their bouquets. This style allows for bolder colour combinations, which is always fun.
What is the number 1 tip you give to brides when picking flowers for their wedding?
Where possible have an idea of what you like when you go and talk to your florist. Pictures are great, it's a quick and easy way for your florist to understand your style. If you haven't found what you want yet, a list of your favourite flowers helps. Your florist can then advise you on the seasonal flowers that suit your style and theme. The advice they give you is really important, they don't want you to be disappointed when the flower you have spent a lot of money importing doesn't arrive or has been damaged during transit.
What should a bride consider when picking their florist?
Look for someone who is professional and who you find easy to talk to. You definitely want someone who understands your style but is also versatile - this versatility will mean that they can give you suggestions that you perhaps hadn't thought of. It also means the can come up with creative ideas for your style and budget.
Where possible have an idea of what you like when you go and talk to your florist. Pictures are great, it's a quick and easy way for your florist to understand your style. If you haven't found what you want yet, a list of your favourite flowers helps. Your florist can then advise you on the seasonal flowers that suit your style and theme. The advice they give you is really important, they don't want you to be disappointed when the flower you have spent a lot of money importing doesn't arrive or has been damaged during transit.
What should a bride consider when picking their florist?
Look for someone who is professional and who you find easy to talk to. You definitely want someone who understands your style but is also versatile - this versatility will mean that they can give you suggestions that you perhaps hadn't thought of. It also means the can come up with creative ideas for your style and budget.
Any tips for putting on men's buttonholes? I know as a photographer, I do a lot of them and seem to do it differently every time.
Every buttonhole is different but my general rule is to look for the main flower, typically a rose or something similar, and put your first 2 pins directly into the head of the flower at about a 45 degree angle. The buttonhole should now be secure but I always put an extra pin in, to be sure.
Last tips
It's never too early to start talking to florist about your wedding flowers but it can sometimes be too late. Autumn weddings are becoming increasingly popular along with Spring and many brides are taking advantage of the nice Australian weather and choosing to get married right though winter. Once you have your date start approaching florists along will all your other wedding suppliers.
Thank you so much Lauren. Lauren did about 15 bouquets for the Bridal show at the Epping Club - everyone she pulled out instantly became my favourite.
Even if you are not getting married do yourself a favour and visit the Epping Floral Centre to purchase your next bunch of flowers - you will not be disappointed.
www.clementineandrose.com.au
Clementine and Rose (in conjunction with Epping Floral Centre)
48 Oxford Street, Epping
Phone: (02) 9869 1014
Email: lauren@clementineandrose.com.au
