In my world of wedding florals, I always aim to create more than just beautiful designs—I tell love stories through flowers. One of my favourite recent projects took place at Salt House (formerly Standon Hall) in Staffordshire. This case study showcases how a single, carefully chosen floral palette can be reimagined throughout the wedding day, creating multiple wow moments while staying sustainable.
A Dream Venue for Conscious Creativity
Salt House, a Grade II listed Edwardian manor, is full of character—historic charm meets modern style. It’s the kind of venue that invites you to design beyond the ordinary. Here, we took a bold but thoughtful route using British-grown, bee-friendly spring flowers in unexpected colours: deep reds, fuchsia, and soft blush tones. It was all about intentional storytelling.
The Flowers That Said It All
Rather than overloading with variety, I selected just these key ingredients to shape the story:
- Tulips – Single, fringed, and double; classic and sculptural.
- Ranunculus – Romantic and layered, perfect for soft drama.
- Sweet William – Old-fashioned charm with modern texture.
- Ribes (flowering redcurrant) – Unusual and elegant branching.
These blooms allowed us to build a unified look with depth and movement.
Personal Flowers, Personal Meaning
For the bride, I created two statement bouquets: One, with just tulips and a sculptural leaf—simple, British elegance. The other, a fuller, petal-rich design of ranunculus and tulips with no foliage—classic, yet bold. Even the groom’s buttonhole was a bit of a twist—more like a floral pocket piece, designed to echo the bride’s bouquet.
One Set of Flowers, Five Transformations
Here’s how we repurposed one set of flowers into five unforgettable moments:
1. The Grand Entrance
Floral columns bursting with tulips, Ranunculus, Sweet William, and Ribes framed the entrance—setting a joyful, romantic tone.
2. Welcome Sign in the Antechamber
A blush-pink cotton welcome sign was flanked by a column and a ground arrangement. It was an intimate first impression and instantly personal.
3. A Stairway to 'I Do'
The staircase was dressed in soft floral accents, winding through the bannister and kissed by natural light and candlelight. Picture-perfect and atmospheric.
4. The Piano Moment (My Personal Favorite)
Flowers spilled across the piano in an artistic, whimsical arrangement. A serenade in blooms, full of texture and movement—pure romance.
5. The Phone Box
A vintage phone box near the cocktail lounge got its own makeover: a playful cascade and mini meadow at its base. It was a hit for guest photos!
Why It Matters: Sustainability Can Be Stunning
This is what I call the Jacqui O Experience—luxury design with a conscious heart. Flowers should work hard, be unforgettable, and support sustainability. British-grown blooms, repurposed across key moments, prove that less really can be more.
And yes, we had real bees visiting the florals. That’s the magic of local, seasonal blooms—something silk flowers can never replicate.
Key Takeaways for Florists & Designers
- Strategic Palette: Choose fewer blooms with high impact.
- Smart Repurposing: Use the same flowers in different spaces.
- Sustainability Meets Style: Maximise design, minimise waste.
- Storytelling Through Florals: Let each floral moment say something meaningful.
Wedding Credits
Venue: Salt House, Standon Hall. Floral Design: Jacqui O Floral Design. Photography: Victoria Amrose Photography & Film. Bridal Gown: Caroline Chamberlain Couture. Hair & Makeup: Elena Valentino Bridal. Stationery: With Love Wedding Stationery. Cake: Lolli & Bean Wedding Cakes. Confetti: Shropshire Petals. Model Couple: Dan & Xania. Read the full blog 'Salt House: Where Eclectic Contemporary and History Collide' on Jacqui's webpage.
