WEDDING bells are ringing once again. After a year of costly cancellations, I have been looking for ways to boost brides’ and grooms’ budgets — beginning with the blooms.
Lots of couples spend £1,000 or more on flowers. So I spoke to Shannen Godwin of plant specialist J Parker’s to hear how growing your own can seriously cut costs. Here are her tips to stem your spending . . .
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FIT YOUR THEME: Matching your flora to your theme can make a big difference and gives a professional look. Shannen says: “For a vintage wedding, marigolds can be quickly grown in pots indoors and are very hardy. “A romantic wedding suits a bouquet of anemones. The intricate, dark sepals mixed with the delicate petals give a dramatic touch, plus they bloom throughout most months of the year.”
SOW YOUR SEEDS: Get prepped and plant. Shannen says: “The next step is to purchase the seeds. Sow them in small pots until they germinate. “Afterwards, you can take them outdoors to a sunny spot that doesn’t get excess water and is free of weeds.”
CUT CAREFUL: Make sure you don’t over-cut your blooms and don’t harvest them too soon. Shannen adds: “Once your plants begin to flower, you’ll need to keep a close eye on them. Chop off dead flower heads regularly and continue until you’re ready to harvest — the day before your wedding. “You’ll need sharp scissors and a clean bucket. Cut the stems at a 45-degree angle and remove any stray leaves.”
KEEP IT FRESH: One trick of the trade is to keep things cool. Shannen says: “Florists use coolers but for this DIY arrangement, try to keep your cut flowers away from sunlight and use a water spray bottle to keep the flowers moist during the day. “Also note that white cut flowers brown quickly when exposed to air.”
- Prices here are correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers are subject to availability.
Deal of the day
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DIP into this! The new Progress fondue set from Robert Dyas is perfect for sharing with the family. Was £69.99, now £34.99.
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Cheap treat
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KEEP cool and support Pride Month with this rainbow fan, just £2 at Primark.
What’s new
GREENE King is looking for a “grill seeker” who will get together with five friends or family members to try out the pub’s new menu.
As well as getting first dibs on the delicious dishes, the winner will pocket £1,000. The role calls for a steak fan who knows their tomahawks from their T-bones. Details at bit.ly/3zbtroD.
Top swap
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BREEZE into summer with a copper fan. Get the Beldray fan for £30 at B&M, instead of the Challenge copper fan at Argos costing £34.99.
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Giselle’s little helper
NESPRESSO has launched a limited-edition range called Barista Creations For Ice, featuring coconut flavour for original machines and tropical coconut for its Vertuo gear.
At £4.20 for ten capsules, that is a tasty saving compared to ten Starbucks coconut iced coffees costing £1.70 each at Morrisons.
Shop and save
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NEW TopCashback customers can get £11 cashback at Thorntons.
Head to topcashback.co.uk/thorntons-promotion for more details. Ends June 30.
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