David McConkey

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Welcome to my blog. Here, you can read articles about the latest wedding flower trends and what is happening in my world.

You can also see my latest tips and tricks to make your day more memorable.

Magical winter wedding table setting with a festive flower centrepiece, glowing candles, and evergreen foliage, designed by award-winning Northern Ireland wedding florist David McConkey.

Dreaming of a Winter Wedding? Your Guide to Magical Flowers & Styling

As the evenings begin to draw in and a crispness returns to the air, my thoughts as a florist turn to one of the most magical and romantic times of the year to get married: winter.

While some couples dream of long, sunny days, others are drawn to the unique magic that only a winter wedding can offer. Imagine a day filled with the scent of pine, the soft glow of hundreds of candles, and the joyous, celebratory spirit of the festive season. It’s an opportunity to create an atmosphere that is incredibly cozy, intimate, and utterly unforgettable.

If you’re planning a wedding for this coming winter or the next, now is the perfect time to get inspired.


The Winter Palette: Beyond Red & Green

A festive wedding doesn’t have to mean just traditional red and green. The winter season offers a chance to play with some wonderfully sophisticated and romantic colour palettes.

  • Classic Ivory & Gold: For a truly timeless and elegant look, you can’t beat a palette of crisp whites, soft creams, and ivories. We bring this to life with masses of texture – beautiful white blooms paired with silvery-green eucalyptus and the warm, flickering glow of golden candlelight.
  • Rich & Festive: This is a classic for a reason! We can create a warm and celebratory feel by embracing deep berry reds and rich burgundies, paired with a variety of lush, dark green foliage. Accents of gold or velvet add a touch of pure luxury.
  • Moody & Romantic: For a truly dramatic and memorable look, a darker palette can be breathtaking. Think deep plums and forest greens, accented with black, metallics, and an abundance of candlelight to create a wonderfully intimate and luxurious atmosphere.

Wonderful Winter Flowers & Foliage

One of the biggest myths about winter weddings is that there is a lack of beautiful flowers available, but that couldn’t be further from the truth! This season has some of my absolute favourite, most delicate blooms.

  • The Stars of the Show: Winter is the season for stunning Anemones, with their iconic black centres, and delicate Ranunculus, which have countless layers of paper-thin petals. We also have the beautiful Hellebore, often called the 'Christmas Rose', which adds a gentle, natural feel. Of course, stunning rose varieties and dramatic Amaryllis are also available.
  • Lush Greenery & Foliage: Winter is when foliage truly gets to shine. I love using a mix of fragrant pine, fir, and spruce to create a wonderful festive scent. Trailing ivy, silvery eucalyptus, and even a touch of mistletoe add layers of romance and texture.
  • Festive Textures: To really capture the spirit of the season, we can incorporate wonderful textures like branches of bright red Ilex berries, velvety pinecones, dried fruits, and even cinnamon sticks. Tying your bouquet with a beautiful silk or velvet ribbon is the perfect finishing touch.

Creating a Magical Atmosphere

The key to a winter wedding is creating a sense of warmth, intimacy, and magic from the moment your guests arrive.

Imagine a ceremony where the aisle is lined not just with flowers, but with glowing lanterns and evergreen garlands. A magnificent fireplace, adorned with a lush, cascading arrangement of foliage, berries, and flowers, can create the most incredible backdrop for your vows. For your reception, long tables with foliage runners, dotted with countless candles, create a warm and inviting space for a festive feast.

A winter wedding is a chance to embrace the romance of the season and create a celebration that feels both magical and deeply personal. If you’re dreaming of a festive celebration, I would be delighted to hear all about it.

David

David McConkey

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