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The Finest Coronation Experience
Neill Strain's Floral Couture impressed leaders in the global weddings & events industry at Sarah Haywood's exclusive Coronation Experience event in London. We were thrilled and deeply honoured to be invited by our friend and esteemed wedding planner, Sarah Haywood to design a series of breath-taking and Regal floral installations for a weekend of events commemorating the King's Coronation. The event showcased the finest in luxury event planning and design, and the Floral décor was a standout feature.
Sarah extended invitations to some of the most esteemed wedding and events planners and creatives from around the world to partake in her Coronation Experience in London. This event showcased the pinnacle of the UK's weddings & events industry, highlighting the exceptional talents of its professionals at some of London's most historic and opulent venues. As the exclusive floral partner, Neill Strain Floral Couture set the creative bar by designing a series of elaborate installations at each venue, all linked by the theme of the Crown Jewels. The result was a breath-taking display of artistry and elegance that left a lasting impression on all who attended.
Image: Neill & Sarah admiring the finished result at the Royal Academy
The festivities took place over the course of three consecutive evenings, each hosted at a distinct and lavish venue. The first night commenced with a refined drinks reception at 8 at The Londoner. The following evening, guests were treated to a sumptuous dinner in the grandeur of Claridge's Ballroom. Finally, the celebration culminated in The Last Supper, held at the esteemed Royal Academy of Arts. Each location offered a unique and unforgettable experience, befitting of the occasion.
After months of creative development, our breath-taking floral installations left guests in awe. The esteemed group of global experts from the world of luxury private events were captivated by the anticipation and drama that built throughout the weekend. Our unique and never-before-seen Floral Couture was truly a sight to behold.
Each installation could well be described as a ‘floral flash’ – an entirely exclusive, one-off and breath-taking artistic moment for Sarah Haywood’s influential guests, and a signature experience which Neill Strain Floral Couture is famed for.
During the first evening of the event, guests were treated to a relaxed drinks’ reception at The Londoner's rooftop bar. The ambiance was enhanced by the exquisite ikebana-style table centres, inspired by the venue's Japanese-aesthetic. These arrangements featured visually stunning jewel-toned Vanda orchid heads submerged in mini glass fishbowls. The striking effect was further enhanced by the addition of tropical leaves, which added a touch of freshness and vibrancy to the chic setting.
Although our creations were exceptional at all three venues, one particular moment stood out for my entire team. It was the guests' reaction to the magnificent Crown Bar creation at Claridge's, which left them surprised and delighted. Witnessing this reaction was truly a highlight. The St. Edward's Crown boasts an intricate and meticulously handcrafted design. It was constructed using the official coronation logo and traditional flowers that are closely associated with the event, such as Daffodils to represent Wales, Thistles for Scotland, Red Roses for England and Shamrocks for Northern Ireland. These flowers provide a beautiful and symbolic representation of the occasion. The floral crown, which was designed in conjunction with our Production partner, Wise Productions, was impressively large and was entwined onto a working circular bar, resulting in a truly unique centrepiece. It served as an elaborate focal point for guests to admire during the drink’s reception. The attention to detail and craftsmanship that went into creating this stunning piece was truly remarkable.
The concept behind this evening was to celebrate the rich history and Art Deco style of Claridge’s, which has just undergone a multi-year restoration, which was fitting for the occasion of the King's Coronation. To pay homage to the hotel's London roots, we incorporated their traditional logo and iconic peppermint green and coral colours into the design. Our goal was to create a clean and bold appearance that would showcase each flower individually, while also maintaining the elegance and sophistication of the surroundings.
Our design was inspired by the historic Art Deco interior of Claridge’s, and the design emphasised the importance of highlighting the beauty of each flower. We wanted to create a design that would not only be visually stunning but also pay tribute to the hotel's rich heritage whilst creating a cohesive and timeless design that would stand the test of time.
Overall, our goal was to create a design that would be both beautiful and meaningful. We wanted to honour the hotel's history while also creating something that would be appreciated by guests. We were proud of the final result and believe that it truly captures the essence of Claridge’s.
At the esteemed and historic Royal Academy, my incredible team of nineteen florists worked tirelessly to transform the space in under 90 minutes from when the Academy closed to visitors and the guests arrived. Their efforts resulted in the installation of exquisite creations on the entrance staircase, which seamlessly travelled upwards in a continuous design. The jewel-toned floral pathway served as a stunning guide for guests, leading them to a drink’s reception on the landing. Here, they were met with equally impressive floral displays that complemented the staircase creation, resulting in a truly unforgettable and spectacular experience.
After enjoying a delightful drinks reception, guests were escorted through a corridor of lush Olive trees into the main dining room. There, they were greeted by a breath-taking table scape flanked by a life-size replica of Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, The Last Supper. The opulent table setting was adorned with a lush and exquisite full-length runner of flowers and foliage inspired by the painting's striking colour palette. The design was further elevated by an abundance of rich fruits, adding a delightful blend of colour, texture, and fragrance to the overall ambiance. The warm candlelight, emanating from elegant crystal holders, further enhanced the luxurious atmosphere.
We approached this project with utmost care and creativity, ensuring that every detail was meticulously crafted to perfection. Our team poured their hearts and souls into this endeavour, and we are proud to have contributed to such a momentous occasion.
Each arrangement exuded a sense of beauty, awe, and sophistication that undoubtedly left a lasting impression on all in attendance. It is without a doubt that these displays will be remembered for years to come.
Florally Yours,
Neill X