The floral design for the intimate wedding of Princess Beatrice to Mr. Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi exemplifies the perfect micro wedding, especially during a pandemic.

While elaborate by most standards, the flowers and designs chosen also feel down to earth and attainable. It’s possible to imagine a paired down or modified version of this outdoor flower arch or hedge at a private home or local chapel. What’s more is that the flowers selected as part of the designs are seasonal and currently in bloom, making it a very real possibility to pick them up from a local flower farm or neighborhood florist.

Beatrice’s bouquet is perfection - elegant in that you can see the true artistry of floral designer, Rob Van Helden, but also simultaneously relaxed because of the use of Astilbe, Wax Flower and Jasmine vine.  Beatrice’s bouquet was not a traditional cascade carried by some of the most famous royal brides (think Princess Diana, Kate Middleton, or Beatrice’s mother Sarah Ferguson), nor was it the more refined rounded composition carried by Zara Phillips. Instead, it is a modern hybrid of the two styles, or something a florist might classify as an organic garden style bouquet. While the burlap stem wrap is uncommon for a wedding, it gives a nod to the overall garden feel.

The bouquet appears to be made of Astilbe, “Café au Lait” Dahlias, English Tea Roses and fragrant white Sweet Pea.  It has also been reported that sprigs of sentimental Myrtle foliage were included in keeping with royal tradition. As you may remember, Meghan Markle carried many of the same varieties of flowers, yet, the overall look of the two bouquets was very different.  The essence of Beatrice’s bouquet is simplicity - like it could have been picked and arranged that morning, making us all feel connected to the Princess and reassured about our own stations in life.

The essence of Beatrice’s bouquet is simplicity - like it could have been picked and arranged that morning, making us all feel connected to the Princess and reassured about our own stations in life.

What is also remarkable is the complete casualness of Edoardo’s boutonniere. He mastered the art of combining a flower with a pocket square which is something that so many grooms struggle with.  It is remarkable that the boutonniere is literally a single miniature garden rose, placed through a button whole.  It is not the small corsage we see so many grooms sporting these days, it isn’t even backed by a leaf.  Be on the lookout for this trend!

Finally, these official wedding photos are excellent examples of how to maximize your photo opportunities. Consider the impact of a floral arch or hedge when weighing how to spend your floral budget. Why not go all out on something fantastic and original that even your guests tuning in from home can enjoy via Zoom? You’ll create a moment for you and your guests to remember and have iconic photos that will last a lifetime.

All official royal photos by Benjamin Wheeler via Princess Eugenie’s Instagram account

For more inspiration, check out my designs for a summer birthday party inspired by Princess Beatrice’s wedding flowers. Enjoy!