Last night, I went to the book launch of Paula Pryke OBE’s new book, ‘Wedding Flowers’, in London. It was lovely to see Paula and her team, plus chat to lots of people involved in the floristry industry.
I recently received a review copy of the book, which is officially released tomorrow. And in this week’s Wedding Wednesday blog post, I’m delighted to feature a review of it.
If you’re a bride-to-be looking to add impact to your big day with colourful blooms, then this is definitely the book for you! Paula is renowned for her use of colour and ‘Wedding Flowers’ is brimming full of gorgeous floral designs, rich in a kaleidoscope of different hues.
She says: “I probably owe my career as a florist to the sighting of these beauties (ranunculus) in a shop window in the Swiss ski resort of St. Moritz. I was already contemplating a career change to floristry when in the spring of 1987 I went skiing with my then fiancé, Peter. Beguiled by the window display of these brightly coloured petally flowers, which I had never previously set eyes on, I had an epiphany. I determined to change from being a history teacher to a florist, and eighteen months later I opened my first flower shop….That day, I learnt that if you use brightly coloured flowers of the same intensity, with the absence of white or pale colours, the effect will arrest and delight.”
Aren’t the multi-coloured ranunculus in this bridal bouquet below just exquisite?!
The book comprises of four main sections: Wedding Flowers, Wedding Themes, Floral Decorations and Flower Palettes. In the first section, there are overviews of popular wedding blooms from ranunculus and peonies with their masses of ruffled petals, to classic roses and blowsy dahlias.
In Wedding Themes, we’re treated to eight different styles on which to base your wedding flowers. From Bright Glamour and High Country to Hot Pink Shades and Glowing Garden.
Floral Decorations is the section where you’ll find a wonderful array of wedding flower designs themselves including Bridal Bouquets, Buttonholes and Corsages, and arrangements for The Reception.
In the last section, Flower Palettes, Paula takes you through the seasons and provides details about flower availability from early spring to winter.
And throughout the book, there are 29 step-by-step projects for bouquets and arrangements for those who would like to do their own wedding flowers.
Published by Jacqui Small, ‘Wedding Flowers’ is the perfect book for not only brides-to-be, but also florists-to-be and florists who are looking for inspiration. If you would like to order the book at the discounted price of £24 including p&p* (RRP: £30.00), telephone 01903 828503 or email mailorders@lbsltd.co.uk and quote the offer code APG273. *UK ONLY – Please add £2.50 if ordering from overseas.
P.S. To read more about Paula and her floristry career, here’s a link to an in-depth interview, which I featured on Flowerona last year.
(Images: Tim Winter)
Lindsey Kitchin says
January 14, 2015 at 7:41 amPaula Pryke was in my early years as a florist, the person I looked to for inspiration. I have always admired and appreciated her style and fearlessness in the use of colour shape and form.
Rona says
January 14, 2015 at 10:56 amHi Lindsey
I hope you are well. Thank you very much for your comment! I too looked to Paula for inspiration when I first started studying floristry over ten years ago…and even did a small project on her work as part of my course. 🙂
Best wishes
Rona
Marilyn Vincent......Outside In, bespoke flowers says
January 14, 2015 at 11:43 amPaula so deserves success with her new book, both for new ‘fans’ of her work and those of us who have followed her from the beginning. She is as delightful to work with, as her artistry portrays…A truly gifted and generous ‘one of a kind’!
Rona says
January 17, 2015 at 8:28 amThank you so much for your comment Marilyn. 🙂
Amanda Randell says
January 14, 2015 at 4:48 pmOver the years I have collected all of Paula Prykes books, I even collected every flower article she did in the Marks & Spencer’s magazine, they were always (and still are) a massive inspiration to me to become a better florist. Today I have achieved Level 5 City & Guilds thanks to her setting off a spark of creativity. I cannot wait to get my hands on this new book.
Rona says
January 17, 2015 at 8:30 amThat’s so lovely to hear Amanda…I’m sure you’ll love Paula’s new book. 🙂
Paula Pryke says
January 17, 2015 at 9:21 amThank you Marilyn, you are very kind. This is a very hard working book and I hope it will be useful to floral designers, budding florists and also of course Brides. I have got three family weddings this year and so I am going to be a very busy auntie! I have always written all my own text and this book was one of the hardest to caption with all the new roses and especially the ranunculus varieties. It was a pleasure to work with you too, Enjoy the weekend. Paula x
Paula Pryke says
January 17, 2015 at 9:25 amDear Amanda, Well done! I never got to Level 5 so Congratulations! Thank you so much for your kind words. It does mean a lot to me when people say that they have been inspired by my work. The book is No1 one on Amazon in the craft section so I know a lot of people have already bought it. Thanks for buying my books, if you had not, I would not be on NO 17! By the way the monthly articles I used to write where for Sainsbury’s Magazine when Delia was at the helm. I may have been in M&S too! Enjoy your weekend! Thanks again. Paula .
Paula Pryke says
January 17, 2015 at 9:29 amThank you also to Lindsey. Colour is my motivation. Always has been and always will. So lucky to work with flowers every day! This weekend I have been working remotely on an event in Japan where one of my long serving staff is working with a big Japanese flower company. It has been amazing to see this huge colourful flower scheme come together on the other side of the world. Later in the month, I am flying out to join them for a wedding show where they will be colourful Paula Pryke designed Weddings on offer! The books have been translated into dozens of languages and I have literally been all over the world with flowers. They unite us from all cultures and all countries. All good wishes to you.Have a great weekend! Paula
Marilyn Vincent...Outside In, bespoke flowers says
January 17, 2015 at 7:58 pmThank you Paula, for sending a response! not necessary but most welcome!…….anytime!!