Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about wedding bouquets, ordering process, and our services

We recommend placing your order at least 8-12 weeks before your wedding date. This timeframe allows us to source specific flowers, especially if you're looking for seasonal varieties or rare blooms. For peak wedding season (May through September), booking 3-4 months ahead ensures availability.

However, we understand that sometimes plans change. We can accommodate rush orders with as little as 2 weeks notice, though flower selection may be more limited. Contact us directly to discuss urgent requirements.

Spring weddings (March-May) feature tulips, daffodils, peonies, ranunculus, and sweet peas. Summer months (June-August) offer roses, dahlias, hydrangeas, delphiniums, and lavender. Autumn (September-November) brings chrysanthemums, asters, and late-season roses, while winter (December-February) showcases amaryllis, hellebores, and evergreen foliage.

Choosing seasonal flowers not only ensures freshness and vibrant colours but also helps manage costs. We can source out-of-season varieties through specialist growers, though this may affect pricing.

Yes, we offer consultation appointments at our London studio where you can view fresh flower samples, discuss colour palettes, and explore different styles. During this session, we'll create a small sample arrangement to help you visualise the final result.

We also maintain an extensive portfolio of previous work, showing various bouquet styles across different seasons. For clients outside London, we can arrange video consultations and send detailed photographs of proposed arrangements. Sample consultations are complimentary for orders over £300.

Our bridal bouquets start from £85 for compact, simple designs with seasonal flowers. Medium-sized arrangements with mixed blooms range from £120-£180. Premium bouquets featuring luxury flowers like peonies, garden roses, or orchids typically cost £200-£350.

Pricing depends on flower selection, bouquet size, complexity of design, and seasonal availability. We provide detailed quotes after understanding your vision. Package deals combining bridal bouquet, bridesmaids' flowers, buttonholes, and ceremony arrangements offer better value than individual orders.

Absolutely. We create coordinating bouquets for your entire wedding party. Bridesmaids' bouquets are typically smaller than the bridal bouquet but complement it in style and colour. Prices start from £45 per bridesmaid bouquet.

For flower girls, we offer petite posies, floral wands, or flower crowns starting from £25. We ensure all arrangements work together harmoniously while allowing the bridal bouquet to remain the focal point. Group orders receive preferential pricing.

We create all bouquets within 24 hours of your wedding, using flowers that have been properly conditioned and hydrated. Stems are kept in water until the last possible moment before assembly. We use professional floral foam or water tubes to maintain moisture throughout the day.

Delivery is scheduled to arrive 2-3 hours before the ceremony, and we provide care instructions including keeping bouquets in a cool location away from direct sunlight. For summer weddings, we select hardy varieties that withstand warm temperatures. If needed, we can arrange same-day delivery or on-site setup.

Yes, this is central to our design process. During consultation, bring fabric swatches, colour samples, or photos of your dress, venue, and décor. We'll select flowers and foliage that complement your palette perfectly, whether you're planning a classic white wedding, romantic pastels, or bold jewel tones.

We consider not just flower colours but also textures, shapes, and overall aesthetic. For rustic themes, we might incorporate wildflowers and natural greenery. Formal weddings might feature structured roses and calla lilies. We work with your vision to create cohesive floral designs.

We maintain relationships with multiple suppliers across the UK and Europe to maximise availability. If a specific flower becomes unavailable due to weather, crop failure, or supply issues, we'll contact you immediately with alternative suggestions that match your colour scheme and style.

Our florists are skilled at finding suitable substitutes that maintain the intended look and feel. We never make substitutions without your approval. In rare cases where this affects pricing, we'll adjust the quote accordingly. This is why we recommend booking early and remaining slightly flexible with flower varieties.

Yes, we provide delivery throughout London and surrounding areas within a 50-mile radius. Delivery fees vary based on distance and timing. For weddings in central London, delivery starts from £25. We can deliver to your home, hotel, or directly to the venue.

If you've ordered ceremony or reception arrangements in addition to bouquets, we offer full setup services. Our team will arrive at your venue to arrange flowers, ensuring everything looks perfect before guests arrive. Setup services are included for orders over £800 within London.

Absolutely. Many brides choose to preserve their bouquets as keepsakes. The most common methods include air drying, pressing, or professional freeze-drying. We can recommend specialist preservation services in London that we've worked with successfully.

For best results, flowers should be preserved within 24-48 hours after the wedding. If you're planning to preserve your bouquet, let us know during the design phase. We can select flowers that preserve well and create a slightly more compact arrangement that's easier to handle during the preservation process.

We create various styles to suit different wedding aesthetics. Round or posy bouquets are classic and versatile. Cascading bouquets feature flowing stems and trailing elements for dramatic effect. Hand-tied bouquets have a natural, garden-gathered appearance with visible stems wrapped in ribbon.

We also design composite bouquets (where petals are wired to create one large bloom), nosegays, and asymmetrical modern arrangements. During consultation, we'll show examples of each style and help you choose what best complements your dress, body type, and wedding formality. We can incorporate special elements like brooches, lace, or family heirlooms.

Some flowers are less suitable for bouquets due to practical concerns. Lilies, while beautiful, have pollen that can stain dresses and have a strong fragrance that may be overwhelming. We remove stamens if lilies are requested. Very delicate flowers like sweet peas may wilt quickly in warm weather.

Flowers with thorns require extra preparation time. Some blooms have short vase life or are extremely fragile. However, with proper handling and conditioning, most flowers can work. We'll advise on the best choices based on your wedding date, venue conditions, and how long you'll be holding the bouquet.

Yes, we're committed to sustainable practices. We source from British growers whenever possible, reducing transport emissions and supporting local agriculture. We offer seasonal, locally-grown flowers that require less environmental impact than imported varieties.

We avoid floral foam (which isn't biodegradable) and use alternative mechanics like chicken wire or moss. Ribbons and wrapping can be natural materials like hessian, cotton, or silk. After your wedding, bouquets can be composted or donated to local care homes. We'll work with you to create beautiful arrangements that align with environmental values.

We accept bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and cash payments. A 30% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking date. This deposit goes toward sourcing and reserving your chosen flowers. The remaining balance is due 14 days before your wedding date.

We provide detailed invoices outlining all costs. For larger orders over £1,000, we can arrange a payment plan with instalments. Once final payment is received, we'll confirm all details including delivery time and location. Receipts are provided for all transactions.

The initial 30% deposit is non-refundable as it covers flower reservations and design time. If you cancel more than 8 weeks before your wedding, you'll receive a 50% refund of any additional payments made. Cancellations 4-8 weeks prior receive a 25% refund of additional payments.

Cancellations within 4 weeks of the wedding date are non-refundable, as flowers have been ordered and prepared. We understand that circumstances change, so we're flexible with rescheduling to a new date within the same year at no additional charge, subject to availability. Wedding postponements due to unforeseen circumstances are handled case-by-case.

Definitely. Please inform us of any allergies during the initial consultation. We'll avoid problematic flowers and suggest hypoallergenic alternatives. Many people are sensitive to strong fragrances, so we can create arrangements using low-scent or unscented varieties.

Common allergens include lilies (pollen), chrysanthemums, and daisies. We have extensive knowledge of which flowers are less likely to trigger reactions. For severe allergies, we can create stunning bouquets using silk or preserved flowers that look remarkably realistic. Your comfort and safety on your wedding day is our priority.

About Quwavu

Crafting wedding bouquets in London since 2016

Quwavu wedding bouquet studio

Our Story

Quwavu began in 2016 when florist Emma Richardson opened a small studio on Elmfield Road in London. After working with several event companies across the city, she noticed how often wedding bouquets felt generic. Couples wanted something personal, but most florists offered standard arrangements with limited customization.

Starting with just three local weddings that first year, we focused entirely on understanding what each couple actually wanted. Instead of presenting fixed packages, we asked about their venue, dress style, colour preferences, and even the flowers they remembered from childhood. This approach worked.

By 2018, we had arranged bouquets for 47 weddings across London and the Home Counties. Our team grew to include two additional florists, both trained in classical European techniques combined with contemporary British styling. We source flowers from New Covent Garden Market three times weekly, ensuring variety and freshness.

Wedding bouquet preparation process

What We Do

We design and assemble wedding bouquets for ceremonies throughout London and surrounding areas. Each bouquet is made fresh within 24 hours of your wedding day. Our consultation process typically takes 45 minutes, during which we discuss your specific requirements, show you seasonal flower options, and create a design that fits your budget.

We work with British-grown flowers when seasonally available, supplemented by imported varieties for year-round choice. Our studio maintains controlled temperature storage, and we deliver bouquets in protective boxes designed to prevent damage during transport.

Our Approach

Consultation-Based Design

Every bouquet starts with a detailed conversation about your wedding style, venue requirements, and personal preferences.

Fresh Flower Selection

We source flowers three times weekly from New Covent Garden Market, selecting stems based on quality and seasonal availability.

Transparent Pricing

You receive an itemized quote showing flower costs, labour, and delivery. No hidden fees or unexpected charges.