Chelsea in Bloom - Working on big projects & installations
Working on big projects and installations is a great way to showcase your creativity and take your floristry skills to the next level. When it comes to applying for bigger floristry projects, it's natural to feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. However, it's important not to let fear hold you back. Often, the planning stage of these endeavors can feel more intimidating than the actual execution. We want to inspire you to embrace the opportunity to showcase your creative talents and deliver your incredible style for the world to see.
Let’s face it, there really is no better example of going big than at Chelsea in Bloom. If you didn’t know about Chelsea in Bloom (where have you been?!) it's an annual flower festival that transforms the streets of Chelsea, London, into multiple floral masterpieces. This year's festival, which took place from May 22-28, was themed "Flowers on Film," and featured displays inspired by some of the most iconic movies of all time. The iconic event captivated visitors (and us!) with its dazzling array of stunning floral displays and incredible installations.
Here’s a few of our favourite displays…
Cole & Son
One of our favourite meadowy displays was this depiction of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ at the design company Cole and Son.
“The design house of Cole & Son – known for its unique English quirk and bold, colourful designs – brings the classic Alice in Wonderland to life in a series of exquisite archways, taking you down the rabbit hole into a world of colour and fantasy brought to life through seasonal British planting. Each arch takes the visitor further into the narrative, encouraging them to sit and take in the whimsy of Alice’s adventures.
Floral design studio Lucy Vail Floristry joins Cole & Son in creating the display with sustainability at its core, utilising pre-loved metal frames for each arch, no oasis, and planted British flowers and foliage straight from growers across the UK – minimising the carbon footprint associated with imported flowers and ephemeral quality of cut flowers. Each arch sits amidst a backdrop of Cole & Son’s blossoming wallpapers from the design house’s vast portfolio.”
We particularly loved the use of the pocket watches, tea cups and other little props woven into the designs making it really interesting and intriguing.
Jigsaw
“The creative team at Veevers Carter brought a silver screen floral masterpiece to Jigsaw, King’s Road for Chelsea in Bloom 2023. Jigsaw’s latest clothing collection influenced the floral designers to take inspiration from Francis Ford Coppola’s fantasy drama ‘The Secret Garden’.
The flower palette has been selected to provide a modern interpretation on the classic film, florals known for their contemporary aesthetic and ability to dry beautifully over time, creating yet another layer of interest and theatre. Clusters of Limonium, Statice, Gypsophilia and Amaranthus will adorn the store, heavily grouped and appearing to be draped like fabric. The fantasy will continue inside with floral meadows flowing throughout the store windows and hand-pressed flowers, such as English pansies, will adorn the models. A portion of the pressed florals and dried materials will be recycled from previous events and all florals from the display will subsequently be recycled on to future projects, highlighting Veevers deep-rooted culture of encouraging green practice.”
We adored the colour palette used throughout this installation and the clever use of dried materials, the grouped flowers and flowing shapes really made a powerful impact.
Jo Malone
“To celebrate Chelsea in Bloom 2023, Jo Malone London partnered with Ricky Paul Flowers to create a floral display that captures the enduring inspiration Britain’s diverse landscapes continue to have on the film industry. With a film set-feel, the immersive display is larger-than-life, looking to the misty moors, heather-clad hills and ancient castles of the Scottish Highlands and the wild, fresh flowers that bloom there – thistles, heather, achillea and lavender to name but a few.”
We really loved the chosen flowers in this installation, complemented beautifully by the single stems draped in the windows behind.
Diptyque
One of our favourite displays by far, mostly to do with the incredible flowers but it also might have something to do with the glass of champagne we were very generously offered when we went into the store! They really had nailed Parisian Garden chic and we loved it.
“Diptyque interprets “Flowers on Film” with a focus on The Parisian Garden, inspired by the film Amelie. Enriching the senses through an olfactory discovery and transporting visitors to the French capital, stunning colours capture the essence of the iconic locations seen in the film. The Maison blooms into a classic brasserie with rich romantic reds, deep greens and the beauty of wildflowers paired alongside classic garden blossoms.”
We were also super lucky to happen upon the Diptypue store front whilst a freelance florist was setting up the space and managed to have a wonderful chat with them whilst they worked. As florists ourselves it’s so exciting to see the magic and hard work that goes into creating these displays and the ongoing upkeep. Especially with the weather being as warm as it was, it’s a testament to their dedication to their designs.
Kat from Bergdorfs florist who created the this display for Diptyque, gave us a little insight into working on this event…
The job came about… “Through StudioXag, they do brands all over the world. I was personally recommended”.
Planning and preparing… “We had to consider various things such as weather conditions, how flowers will last, staff, terms around shop, liability so no one falls over etc. There’s also planning with suppliers, keeping it sustainable, and importantly honouring the theme”.
During the event… “We had 2 girls watching flowers everyday, The manager Penny and my right hand Kelly whom where so dedicated and brilliant”.
Team size…. “there was 4 of us, plus 2 delivery guys”.
Overall… “I think we all did really well. Everyone on my team is so dedicated and hardworking”.
Looking ahead to the future and future projects… “we have already been approached with some European projects and we might be doing some TV stuff with these kinds of things.”
So, what’s the key things for you to consider when working on bigger projects that might be a little out of your comfort zone?
Plan It Out
The key to any successful project or installation is planning. Start by having a clear idea of what you want to achieve and then break it down into actionable steps. Create a timeline and make sure you have enough time to source all the materials required, design the installation and execute it. Be sure to order flowers and any other supplies well in advance, so that you don’t face any last-minute shortages. Finally, make a list of all the tools and equipment needed for the project, and ensure that everything is ready to go.
Collaborate With Your Team
Big projects and installations often require a team effort. Enlist the help of your freelancers or co-workers to share the workload. Assign specific tasks to each person, briefing them on the design, layout, and process of the work. It is critical to have excellent communication among the team and ensure everyone is on the same page. Collaboration not only helps you in dividing the workload but also provides an opportunity to exchange ideas and gain new perspectives.
Be Prepared - Literally!
Big projects often require a lot of heavy lifting, which means you need to be physically prepared to handle the workload. Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes to protect your feet. Carry a water bottle and snacks to keep you energised throughout the day. Have all the tools needed, for every eventuality!
Design To Scale
Designing for large scale projects requires a different approach than designing for smaller arrangements. Ensure that your design is in proportion to the space you will be using. Bigger flowers and foliage work best in large arrangements and installations. Plan the layout, colour scheme, and focal points carefully, keeping in mind the venue, theme and occasion. A good rule of thumb is to have a focal point that is visible from every angle, to create a strong visual impact.
Don’t Overthink, Trust Your Instincts
Finally, trust your instincts and let your creativity flow! While planning and preparation are essential, sometimes the best ideas come spontaneously. Don't be afraid to try new things or take risks. Remember that innovation and creativity are what sets you apart from the competition. Stay confident, be flexible, and trust your gut feeling.
Working on big projects and installations can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. With the right mindset, planning, and a bit of teamwork, you can turn your vision into a reality and move forward with new and exciting work.
