Beyond Black and White: A Thoughtful Approach to Floral Sourcing

In the world of wedding floristry, few topics spark more passionate debate than the question of flower sourcing. British-grown or imported? Local or global? It's often presented as a binary choice, with clear moral lines drawn between the two.

But what if there's a more nuanced conversation to be had? One that honors both the incredible British flower movement and the creative possibilities offered by thoughtful global sourcing?

The Journey to Finding Balance

Since I started French Blue Florals, supporting British flower growers has been central to my ethos. There's an undeniable magic in flowers that were growing in a field just hours before they arrived in my studio – their scent more intoxicating, their forms more natural, their connection to our landscape undeniable.

I've built relationships with local growers I deeply value. I've watched their farms change through the seasons. I've celebrated when particular varieties thrived and commiserated when others were lost to unexpected frosts or summer storms. This connection to place, to seasonality, to the people who grow these beautiful blooms – it matters profoundly.

Yet as my design style evolved and my business grew, I found myself occasionally facing creative limitations. Sometimes, the perfect garden rose for a bridal bouquet wasn't in bloom yet. Sometimes, a couple dreamed of a color palette that British fields simply weren't producing that month. Sometimes, the winter wedding season left me yearning for more variety than our dormant landscape could offer.

I found myself at a crossroads – restrict my creative expression and the service I could provide to clients, or reconsider my all-or-nothing approach to sourcing.

A Broader View of Sustainability

The conversation around sustainable floristry often begins and ends with flower miles. But true sustainability encompasses so much more – it's environmental, yes, but also economic and social.

A sustainable business must be able to weather all seasons. It must provide consistent quality year-round. It must support a living wage for its owner and team. These aspects of sustainability matter too.

I've come to view my approach to sourcing as similar to how a thoughtful chef might approach their menu. The foundation is built on seasonal, local ingredients that shine because of their freshness and connection to place. But occasionally, the dish might call for a spice or special ingredient that simply can't be grown locally. The focus remains on showcasing those local elements, with the imported additions used mindfully to enhance rather than replace.

My Promise to You (And to Our Flower Farmers)

British flowers remain the heart and soul of French Blue Florals. You'll still find me at dawn at the flower markets, selecting the best of what our local growers have produced. You'll still see me celebrating each season's unique offerings – from the first narcissi of spring to the last dahlias of autumn.

But you'll also find me creating designs that occasionally incorporate thoughtfully sourced blooms from further afield when they truly enhance the story we're telling through your flowers.

Here's what this balanced approach means in practice:

• British-grown flowers form the foundation of every design, providing the structure, scent, and seasonal signature

• Seasonality remains our guiding principle, with designs that reflect the natural rhythm of our landscape

• Supporting local growers continues as a core value, with the majority of our floral budget directed their way

• Imported flowers are chosen with intention, never as the default but as thoughtful additions when needed

• Transparency in our process means we'll always be honest about sourcing and the reasoning behind our choices

Moving Beyond Flower Miles

When we reduce the conversation about floral sustainability to miles traveled alone, we miss other important considerations:

• Growing methods - Some imported farms have exceptional environmental practices, while not all local growing is automatically sustainable

• Water usage - Flowers grown in naturally suitable climates often require less irrigation

• Energy consumption - Heating greenhouses in the UK winter can sometimes use more energy than transporting flowers from naturally warm climates

• Employment practices - Supporting fair labor practices globally matters too

• Waste reduction - Our commitment to foam-free, minimal-waste designs remains unchanged regardless of flower source

Finding Your Own Path

If you're planning your wedding and feeling conflicted about flower sourcing, I encourage you to consider what matters most to you:

• Is it working with what's seasonally available?

• Is it achieving a specific color palette or aesthetic?

• Is it supporting local businesses?

• Is it minimizing environmental impact?

There's no single "right" answer – only the approach that aligns best with your values. My role is to guide you through these considerations, offer transparent information, and create beautiful flowers that tell your unique story while respecting both your wishes and our planet.

A Gentle Conclusion

The wedding industry often deals in absolutes – what's "must-have," what's "on-trend," what's "out." But I believe in something more nuanced – in thoughtful choices made with intention and care.

British flowers will always be my first love, my foundation, my starting point. But occasionally, I may reach beyond our shores to bring your floral vision fully to life. In doing so, I honor both our incredible local growers and my commitment to creating meaningful, beautiful designs that perfectly tell your story.

Your flowers, your story – told with intention and care.

Charlotte is the founder of French Blue Florals, a wedding floristry studio specializing in garden-inspired designs that bridge seasonality with creative vision. To discuss flowers for your celebration, contact us here.