Jonathan Howard on handmade flowers

Handmade flowers for the bride and the bridal party are the perfect bridal accessory for the season.

Of late, I have enjoyed designing flower creations of all types, for the most important day including sprays of Orchids, overblown Roses surrounded by clouds of veiling as well as old fashioned rolled Roses (especially beautiful when they have been hand dyed using ombre organza fabrics – just divine).

These flowers are usually made from the same fabric as the dress, or another material dyed to match such as a sheer fabric, silk or even straw.

The flowers made are done so by using traditional French flower making techniques. All petals are hand cut and tooled using a range of antique brass irons. I like to hand dye the fabric to give the finished flowers a depth and realistic look, by toning the edges and centres to create darker shades or contrasting colours.

An alternative fabric which can makes gorgeous flowers is the use of lace, which has been stiffened, patterns cut out, which are then reassembled to create a delicate miniature flower posy to nestle into the hair. Tre chic! I then add fine silk net veiling to give the flowers that real wedding day feel.