Christmas and New Year are officially the most popular times for proposals, and it is such an incredibly exciting time of year. There is something truly magical about a festive engagement!

However, I also know that once the champagne is popped and the news is shared, a little bit of panic can set in. Suddenly, everyone is asking you for dates, venues, and plans, and it can feel overwhelming very quickly.

First of all, congratulations! If you are reading this, chances are you (or someone you love) got a very special question asked over the festive season. As a florist who has worked on hundreds of weddings across Northern Ireland, I want to give you one piece of advice right now: take a deep breath.

You don't need to have everything sorted by January 2nd. However, if you are itching to get started, here are the first three steps I recommend taking to begin your floral journey without the stress.

1. Enjoy the Bubble (and the Browse!)

Before you book a single thing, take some time to just enjoy being engaged. This is the fun part! Start gathering inspiration without pressure.

Pinterest and Instagram are brilliant tools, but try to look for themes rather than exact copies. Do you find yourself pinning lots of wild, loose greenery? Or are you drawn to tight, neat posies of white roses? Are you loving dark, moody colours or soft, romantic pastels?

Top Tip: Create a "Maybe" board. Don't worry about budget or logistics yet; just save what makes your heart sing. When you eventually meet your florist, showing them this collection is the best way for us to get inside your head and understand your style.

2. Secure Your Date and Venue First

I know it’s tempting to book your favourite suppliers immediately, but truthfully, we can’t design your flowers until we know where and when you are getting married.

• The "When" dictates the flowers: If you fall in love with peonies, you need a late spring/early summer date. If you want rich autumnal foliage, a July wedding won't work. Knowing your season helps us guide you towards the best blooms for your budget.
• The "Where" dictates the design: A tall, dramatic floral arch might look incredible in a modern hotel ballroom but could feel cramped in a small country church. Once you have your venue, we can design arrangements that enhance the space perfectly.

3. Reach Out to Key Suppliers (Like Us!)

Once you have your venue and date, then it is time to talk to your key suppliers—photographers, florists, and entertainment.

January is traditionally the busiest booking month of the year for the wedding industry in Northern Ireland. If you have your heart set on a specific supplier, it is worth sending an enquiry sooner rather than later to check their availability.

For me, the initial consultation is all about getting to know you. We don't need a final plan right away; we just need to start the conversation. We can look at your inspiration photos, chat about your venue, and start sketching out some initial ideas that fit your vibe and your budget.

Ready to start planning? If you are newly engaged and starting to dream about your wedding flowers, I would love to hear from you. Whether you have a full mood board ready or no idea where to start, get in touch, and let’s chat about making your day beautiful.