Bold Blooms on a Grey Day: Notes From the Plymouth Wedding fair

There’s something magical about bringing bold, joyful flowers into a room on a grey, rainy morning — and the Plymouth wedding fair at the Council House was exactly that kind of day. Outside was all drizzle and soft, heavy light, but the moment my stand was set up, the whole space seemed to brighten.

I went for a palette full of punchy pinks, warm oranges, and deep purples — all with a bit of movement and natural texture. It felt like the right thing for a day that needed colour. Every time someone walked past, their shoulders seemed to loosen a little, and they’d pause for a proper look. It was lovely seeing those little reactions.

A palette full of personality

The orchids brought that touch of softness and luxury, the tulips added bounce, and the ribbons gave everything a gentle sense of celebration. On such a grey morning, the whole palette felt hopeful and alive.

A lot of couples mentioned they were drawn to flowers that feel bright, relaxed, and full of natural colour. And this palette seemed to hit that sweet spot — colourful, but not chaotic; bold, but still elegant.

Conversations that stayed with me

Throughout the day, I chatted to couples planning all sorts of celebrations — barns, coastlines, marquees, little tucked-away venues on the edge of Dartmoor. We talked about the feeling they want their day to have, how flowers can shape a space, and the small decisions that make arrangements feel settled and natural.

It was relaxed, easy, and full of those lovely moments where people linger just a little longer because something has caught their eye.

Behind the scenes: the prep

In the days before the fair, the studio was its usual mix of calm and chaos — test palettes laid out on the workbench, the farm dogs wandering in and out, and that soft January light that always makes everything look a bit romantic.

Designing for a fair is a little different from designing for a wedding — there’s no couple to lead the story, so I focused on creating something that felt true to my style: modern, natural, colourful, and full of movement.

What I carried home with me

By the time I was packing everything back into the van — the flowers still glowing against the grey outside — I felt that calm, content sort of tiredness you get after a day filled with easy conversations and shared ideas. It was lovely hearing what couples are drawn to this year and seeing how many people connected with this brighter palette.

There was such a nice atmosphere throughout the fair — relaxed, curious, and full of genuine interest. The colour definitely helped lift the room, and it reminded me how even the smallest details can change how a space feels.

If you stopped by at the Plymouth wedding fair, hello again, and I’m so glad you did.

And if you’re planning a wedding in Devon or Cornwall and couldn’t make it, you’re always welcome to get in touch.

More notes from the workbench soon.