The vintage flower style may have started out as a popular wedding theme but that doesn’t mean that it has to stay within the confines of the bridal market. Make any season a vintage one by introducing this popular trend into your shop - your customers will love its simple, uncluttered style.
The dictionary definition of vintage is ‘of a past season’. Which past season in particular is not clear, but that doesn’t really matter. Vintage belongs to the world of Sunday afternoon cricket matches, never-ending summers, snowy Christmas scenes and village fetes.
With so much uncertainty on the High Street, customers are looking for comfort and familiarity which can be found in the form of pretty flowers, soft lines and natural design, rather than spiky, modern, constricted arrangements.
Spring flowers are perfect for recreating that old fashioned, cottage garden look. Delicate and dainty, they naturally lend themselves to rustic, simple containers in an unarranged, informal style.
Vintage Spring Flowers
It could be argued that the tulip is the ultimate vintage spring flower, although scented Narcissi, especially ‘Paper White’ and ‘Bridal Crown’ varieties would come a close second. The highly fragrant hyacinth and tiny blue bells of muscari are reminiscent of granny’s garden, as are the papery rosettes of ranunculus. Don’t forget other less well- known flowers such as astrantia with its unusual, almost dried flower quality.
Containers
When choosing vintage containers think terracotta pots, woven baskets, recycled glass vases and china jugs. One of the beauties about vintage style is that almost anything goes (as long as it looks like it has just come back from the church fete or charity shop). If it’s pretty and homely and of course for practical purposes, waterproof, it is most definitely vintage!
Accessories
Embellish vintage bouquets and arrangements with anything simple; a few loops of satin ribbon, a lace collar or a raffia bow. Just no poly ribbon!
Related Article: Spring Wedding Inspiration: Vintage Theme
Su Whale is a florist and freelance writer with over twenty-five years' experience in the floristry industry. She is the author and publisher of three best-selling books: Cut Flowers, 4th edition (2020) Cut Foliage, 2nd Edition, (2021) and Houseplants (2019), all bookshelf essentials for the professional florist.
