Floral arrangements play a significant role in weddings and, as such, florists are often key members of the planning team. It is not only the venue where the ceremony takes place that can benefit from real or artificial flowers, but the reception rooms as well. Also, floral arrangements can feature on the outfits of brides and grooms. One expert involved in the field has claimed that the trend among brides-to-be is to ask for traditional designs concerning flowers. Speaking to the South Wales Echo, Nicholas Ward, who has been in the industry for more than ten years, said people now want to have a new take on old classics. He stated: “This year the style has been very much vintage garden, shabby chic I suppose you would call it. Brides have been going for a lot of old school flowers like hydrangea and blousey roses.” Mr Ward, who started his career after obtaining a creative degree in art from Manchester University, noted that one of the best aspects of his job is working with women who are planning their big days. Indeed, because there is a lot of strategising and many discussions that take place, he often gets to know his clients well, he said. He added he has “always been interested in colours and sculpture” and pointed out he likes nature, stating that “being a florist brings all of that together”. Talking about the feeling he has at the conclusion of the process, he remarked: “It is lovely to see all the hard work come together at the end of the day.” Specialists involved in creating designs with real or artificial flowers may well be experiencing high levels of custom in the run up to the festive period as consumers look for bouquets to send as presents and as a way of brightening up their homes.