5 minutes with...Sandee from Always Fabulous Flowers

Bonjour mes amis

This week I’m shining the spotlight on Sandee Newton from Always Fabulous Flowers.

Sandee and her husband Dave have been very supportive of my business from the very beginning & were even kind enough to provide me with some gorgeous floral arrangements for the launch of The Little White Wedding Company! If you would like to see these, visit the gallery on our website…they really are to die for.

Here’s what Sandee had to say during our 5 minutes…

How long have you been working in the floral industry & how did your career start?

About 20 years. I starting doing girlfriends weddings and it just grew from there by word of mouth. I then did a few courses but basically just love flowers and am self taught.

What are the most affordable & most expensive flowers to use in bouquets & floral arrangements?

Often it's not the type of flowers but the amount of labour involved. In large displays obviously bigger flowers such as hydrangea, disbuds and peonies go further than smaller headed roses or tulips. For bouquets smaller individually wired flowers (such as hyacinth and stephanotis) would cost more than something as simple as a few bunches of roses tied with a ribbon. The myth that using greenery instead of flowers to bring the cost down is gradually being dispelled. Foliage such as Dusty Miller can cost as much per bunch as roses or tulips. The right foliage/berries can add another dimension to bouquets and arrangements by incorporating different textures.

What are the most popular arrangements?

For bouquets the posy style is always fashionable - easy to hold and suits most dress styles and is usually less expensive than trailing/teardrop style bouquets. For receptions glass vases with the flowers in groups or submerged with floating candles are one of the latest looks. Also LED lighting is becoming more popular - replacing candles in modern, minimalistic venues or buildings where no naked flames are allowed. These can uplight a whole vase from the base or as in the case of battery operated fairy lights, be wound through willow branches.

Are there any flowers to avoid?

Maybe just ones you don't personally like, or are perfumed (if you have allergies). Tulips in warmer months need to be supported and also fixed so they can't open like a poppy. Brides are best using flowers their florist knows how to work with.

Do I only need to pick flowers that are in season - is it possible to have them brought in from other regions?

Because Australia is so vast we're fortunate to have tropical flowers (from northern QLD) and also winter bulb flowers (Victoria and Tasmania) and many natives (Western Australia) for most of the year. While orchids such as dendrobium (known commonly as Singapore orchids) are sent weekly from Asia, most flowers are not imported. You almost need to bring in a shipping container of flowers to make the cost viable. Many flowers have long seasons (10-12 months of the year) and some like Peonies or Lilly of the Valley have a short 5-6 weeks.

If you would like to book Sandee for your wedding or would simply like to learn more about Always Fabulous Flowers please visit her website at http://www.allfabflowers.com.au/.

Victoria x