Enchanting evenings: a guide to creating a fairytale flower land for your wedding reception

It’s natural to dream about your wedding ceremony – it is the most wonderful union of souls and the start of your married life. Take a moment to enjoy that feeling, just the two of you.  It will be a busy day, but please take a few minutes in private to reflect on what just happened, it’s a bit special!  Then, to celebrate with your most favourite people – your wedding reception.

Your wedding reception is not just a meal; it's a celebration of love, a moment when friends and family gather to share in the joy of your marriage. Imagine a fairytale flower land where the air is infused with the fragrance of delicate blooms, and a sea of candles flickers as night falls, creating a magical ambiance. Here are some ideas to help you transform your wedding reception into an enchanting evening of gentle love and natural beauty.

Abundant floral table arrangements

Consider abundant floral arrangements for tables, incorporating cascading flowers and trailing greenery for a whimsical touch. Choose British blooms with their scent and softness to evoke the charm of a fairytale English country garden.  Keeping the flowers low means conversation flows and the flowers photograph beautifully.

Delightful flower meadows

Flower meadows are natural arrangements incorporating movement and height. My lovely husband calls them “slices of cottage garden”. These versatile floral meadows can be used around the base of long tables or the top table, creating a soft and pretty scene for speeches and toasts.  This also works beautifully around the cake table.  Meadows can be a surprisingly economical option because they can be moved from ceremony to reception to evening florals very easily.

Tablescapes of romance

Craft romantic tablescapes by layering textures and shapes. Use lush table runners made of trailing foliage, interspersed with candles and small floral arrangements. Elegant tapering candles and candles at different heights add a touch of glamour that enhances the fairytale vibe

Delicate place settings

Add a personal touch to every place setting. Consider using small blooms or sprigs of foliage to coordinate with your linen, menus and china. For something a little more decadent, a single statement flower such as a perfect garden rose on each plate would be magical. These charming details will make each guest feel like a part of your enchanted story.

Dreamy fabrics

Enhance the fairytale atmosphere by incorporating dreamy fabrics. These can be found in the most beautiful colours and can be draped on plinths and tables to add texture and enhance your colour vision. Consider hanging sheer fabrics, such as tulle or chiffon, to create a soft and ethereal backdrop. This not only adds a touch of elegance but also complements the natural aesthetic of the flowers.

Untamed floral centerpieces

Create wild and untamed centerpieces for your reception tables. These are best displayed on tall plinths to create height and interest to the room, but not to limit the views of all your guests and the joyful party. Enchanting arrangements include all your favourite flowers and colours with soft foliage spilling over the edges to enhance the natural, garden feel.  Drapes and candles can be placed around the base creating a magical space.

Stunning floral installations

Create dreamy floral installations that transport your guests to a magical world. Consider hanging wildflower chandeliers, dramatic floral hoops or whimsical floral clouds. Many venues have beams and structures which look stunning adorned with showstopping floral installations.  These installations not only add a touch of fairytale charm but also draw the eye upward, showcasing the beauty of the natural surroundings.

Twilight Tones

Set the stage for your fairytale evening by embracing twilight tones. Choose a colour palette inspired by the hues of dusk — soft purples, dusky blues, and muted pinks. I describe my favourite Butterfly Road colours as a purple sunset. These colours will create a dreamy and romantic atmosphere that complements the transition from day to night.

Candlelit floral pathways

Guide your guests and create atmosphere with candlelit pathways. Place lanterns or candles in enchanting holders along the walkways, creating a soft and romantic glow. This not only adds a touch of magic but also enhances the natural beauty of the surrounding flowers.

Magical twinkling lights

As night falls, let the magic of twinkling lights transform your venue. Hang fairy lights in the trees, creating a canopy of stars above your reception. Twinkling lights will add a touch of whimsy and create a romantic and unforgettable atmosphere.

Diane from Butterfly Road creating twinkly floral magic

Let your wedding reception be the first fairytale chapter in your journey of marriage. With beautiful flowers, soft twilight colours, and the twinkle of candles and fairy lights, create an enchanting evening where the beauty of nature intertwines with the magic of love. May your wedding reception be a celebration of love and joy that you and your guests treasure forever.