For our first blog post, we are joined by one of our incredible London florist suppliers, Hayford & Rhodes.
Flowers are Hayford & Rhodes' first love and this is reflected in the quality of the floral designs they produce for each and every wedding. They have a quintessentially English, contemporary style, led by their clients brief and inspired through those little details that breathes personality into such a joyous occasion. Hayford & Rhodes very much have a design-led, creative approach and ability to produce timeless, beautifully styled wedding florals is testament to their heritage as one of London’s most established florists.
With countless weddings at RSA House to remember, we introduce to you our Q&A with Joanna Rhodes Owner & Founder of Hayford & Rhodes.
What is the most memorable event/wedding you have seen at RSA House?
I think it would have to be Iona’s Wedding, which was our first wedding at RSA which was 12 years ago! It was classic white phalaenopsis orchids and white roses, and it was a winter wedding with lots of blue spruce pine… beautiful!
What flowers work well in the main spaces at RSA House, including the Great Room, Benjamin Franklin Room and The Vaults?
I think sometimes less if more and to work with one theme for all the spaces. I think you need to think of the season to get the best value for your money – such as using scented white stock, smells heavenly or mass of white hydrangea- hydrangea is available all year round so great to bear that in mind (both English and Colombian). Again the scented roses smell heavenly, however they are a lot more expensive than a classic rose, so maybe use these in bridal work and bud vases at low points on the table – for higher table décor use a classic rose as guests will not be able to pick up the scent.
What is your one favourite thing about RSA House?
I love the diversity of the spaces you have, which accommodates both a formal and relaxed wedding.
What features of the house (i.e. staircase, fireplaces, columns, window seals) do you feel lend themselves to amazing floral decorations? Where would you place the decorations?
I love a big urn which could be flanked either side of the main entrance or maybe an incredible flower archway- great photo opportunity with the natural light too! The staircase lends to a beautiful garland or flanked with lanterns again a dream to capture the full dress and train, the fireplace with a symmetric garland with lots of candlelight, and for the ceremony flank with flowers going down the aisle and flower garlands down the pillars for the ceremony too. We think a long table design is very popular for the wedding breakfast and I think the spaces can accommodate both high and low, to give variation and depth and give the wow factor.
Would you recommend any floral installation (eg, arches) at RSA house? If yes, where would you place them?
I think the main entrance for sure with all the lovely natural light!
What florals do you think work well for Spring/Summer weddings at RSA vs Autumn/Winter?
I think classic white flowers work perfectly within the space for both summer and winter – especially downstairs in the epic Vaults with the open brick work. For a winter wedding a very elegant white anemone with a black centre or white hellebore and for a summer wedding hands down it has to be open white fluffy peonies or scented David Austin White patience roses!
What are the most important tips you tell couples when they first start thinking of their wedding flowers?
To have a clear idea of how much they would like to spend from the off, some brides want “the dream flowers” and we work with all budgets, however not having a clear indication of budget from the off, is hard to be able to quote for couples. We always give two or three options with different price points to give brides a clear idea of how much things cost. We always do our install and delivery costs separate too.
What recommendation would you give to a bride when she has to choose her bouquet (shape, type of flowers...)?
I really try to understand so much about the bride and her personality - such as, what is her dress like, is it a formal or relaxed affair. I always like to see a picture of the bride in her gown it helps to understand how the flowers should be. If in doubt also seeing their wedding invitation helps give an idea of how she envisages her big day!
RSA House is open to host wedding ceremonies and receptions for up to 15 guests. Call 0207 451 6817 to discuss our flexible packages and arrange your private viewing. Read about intimate weddings at RSA House, including our top tips on how to plan an intimate wedding celebration.
View our range of newly launched intimate wedding packages, including our ceremony-only package and intimate weddings package.
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