We find fabulous wedding tablescape ideas by industry expert, Jamie Aston. Here’s The Wedding Editions 9 Questions with Jamie Aston…
I love working in my industry because….
There is nothing quite like this job, I get to work with the most creative people both colleagues and designers alike. Plus, my job takes me all over the world teaching and working on floral installations, meeting a wide selection of people who all share the same one passion “floristry/flowers”.
It’s extremely rare for me to be heading into work in the morning without some kind of smile on my face, even after 17 years.
I’m best known for…
An abundance of flowers in tonal colours arranged to look natural and uncontrived. I think displays should look exuberant without looking like they belong on a Kardashian set.
My biggest achievement to date is…
This is difficult because as with most things in life the achievements that mean the most to me are not necessarily the ones that grab the most attention. Getting published at the age of 26, opening a floristry school in South Korea at 28 and having my philosophy taught in English college floristry courses I’m extremely proud of. My biggest achievement in my eyes is maintaining a loyal and wonderful diverse customer base along with a loyal and long-serving team of florists.
My top three tips for any couple would be…
- Take a step back and remember why you are getting married, it’s always too easy to get caught up in the “wedding” when this is first and foremost a marriage/union of two people who love each other.
- Making an entrance is not quite as important as making an exit! Focus the florals on the ceremony entrance, be it a church or other venue… because when you exit married, that will be the hero pic you will keep on the mantelpiece.
- Think outside the box, just because it’s always been done that way, or it’s expected of you… doesn’t mean you have to do it. I’m guilty of raising my botoxed eyebrow now and then when I see the “template” wedding. I strongly feel weddings concepts should evolve.
The current wedding trends I’m loving are…
Floral canopies covering the tables with chandeliers! Yes, chandleries are back! I’m totally in love with the idea that the room becomes the floral focus and the tables compliment this.
Trees as table centres… these can be epic or whimsical even ethereal in winter, nothing gives you the height and impact that a stunning floral tree can as a centrepiece. They also act as great hosts for lighting.
Pale yellow, cream, burnt orange and burgundy…. what a combination! Play with colour, there is so much inspiration on Instagram that couples no longer have to play it safe because they are unsure what might work.
The podcast I’m listening to is…
“Behind the bastards”, a podcast that discusses the background and complications of some of history’s most awful people.
My favourite place in the world to skip the crowds is…
Up above the tree line on a mountain in the freezing snow on a clear day skiing in the Italian alps… any high altitude snow-capped mountain would do but Italy has the best food on the mountain.
My favourite flower is…
That’s like asking a parent to pick a favourite child… I couldn’t possibly. There are so many I love and it changes each season.
And finally what’s next for me…
After taking off much of last year and spending time away I’m literally thrilled to be back working on weddings and events again. The past few months have been incredibly busy and exhausting but I’m loving every minute. I have an mindbogglingly epic wedding next year in Venice over an entire week so the planning and design stages are already keeping me awake at night with ideas. Next year I will relaunch our wedding breakfast flower school events, giving budding florists or hobbyists the chance to create a stunning wedding reception with me at a beautiful destination. I’m also currently filming a set of tutorials that will be launched for free on our floristry school site. Our exquisite London flower delivery service I also hope to make nationwide next year.
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