Q & A with Tasha Vass Floristry

One of the things we love the most about running a wedding venue is working with some wonderful local suppliers.  Supporting other local businesses is really important to us, firstly from an environmental standpoint, because it means that we’re helping to reduce their carbon footprint, and secondly from a community perspective, because promoting other small local businesses helps to keep communities in employment and boost the local economy.  

We were delighted to have the opportunity to fire a few questions at the lovely Tasha, founder of Tasha Vass Floristry, and one of our fabulous suppliers.  Her work is a masterclass in whimsical floral creations for the most magical of weddings.  With a wealth of floral knowledge at her disposal we couldn’t wait to find out more!

Is there one type of flower particular that you find yourself using time and time again for weddings?  

Roses and peonies are always firm favourites when it comes to summer weddings, and I love incorporating them in my floral designs. However sometimes the smaller and more delicate flowers, get overlooked, and my current favourite flower is Astrantia, which is available in 3/4 shades, and looks as fabulous in a brides bouquet as in large scale arrangements. 

Do you think less is more, or do you prefer big, bold and over the top?

I love creating both! There is a time and a place for both styles. However, large spaces usually look better with large floral installations in them, or they tend to get lost within the space. My floral style is quite loose and natural, so whilst I still utilise a large number of stems in my designs, as a rule my designs do not tend to be bold and over the top. When the occasion dictates that those sort of designs are needed, such as a large private party where the theme was Cabaret, and which had a number of performing artists, entertaining the guests. The arrangements were large, bold and completely flamboyant. We used lots of bright reds and pink flowers, and then added lots of large bright feather plumes in the arrangements. 

What has been the most difficult floral design/arrangement you’ve been asked to create for a wedding?

Floral ceilings of all shapes and sizes create the most magical focal point and ambience, in any event space. They are probably one of the most labour intensive of all the floral designs and require a huge amount of time up ladders and in awkward positions! As every event is unique, and most event spaces are different, event florists need to work out the logistics each time, depending on the site and the different flowers and foliage being used! 

Have you got a favourite flower?

I love Delphiniums, and their huge spires of colour, but if I had to choose a flower now, it would have to be one of the old fashioned garden roses, for their incredible perfume. Unfortunately not many of these have a very short vase life and do not travel well. 

What is the one piece of advice you give to couples when it comes to flowers for their big day?

Large Scale arrangements really do help create the most magical setting and ambience for your special day, so don’t forget to include them when budgeting for your wedding flowers. 

If you were a flower, which one do you think you would be and why?!

Oooh that’s a tricky one! It would have to be something that has an incredible perfume as well as looking good, so I am going to say a sweet pea. I just love the fact that as a plant, they just keep on giving. They always bring a smile to someone’s face and fill the room with their powerful fragrance. As a plant, however hard you pick them, they keep on producing more flowers of every colour. 

Given the current situation with Covid-19 and everything that couples and suppliers and couples alike have had to overcome, what is the one positive thing that you have taken from this experience?

I have loved discovering alternative suppliers for flowers and supporting the British Flower Growers. For large scale events it is not always possible for the small local growers to provide the number of stems that we require. I will continue to support them all going forward, and include their stems in our floral designs. 

If you would like to get in touch with Tasha to discuss floral arrangements for your wedding, make sure you head over to her website www.tashavassfloristry.co.uk .