DWG Sponsors - House of Flowers

“Carnations are banned!” says florist Niamh O’Doherty, of the Mount Street business, House of Flowers. Tastes have moved on since the days when the carnation ruled supreme at every Irish wedding, and with the internet, exotic blooms are available, says Niamh, explaining that she can order something like an Australiangrown Bird of Paradise or a South African King Protea, and have it delivered the next day.

Flowers are a passion for Niamh, who turned what was her hobby into a full-time career 18 months ago. Her background is in interior design and graphic design, and that, combined with her passion for flowers, has led to her growing reputation as a creative florists.

Niamh advises couples planning a wedding to hold their initial consultation 12 months in advance, to ensure she will have the date they need. The planning will begin when items such as bridesmaids’ dresses have been selected, and clearer ideas on the colour front emerge.

House of Flowers also provide a comprehensive “venue dressing” service, and have real trees for hire, such as wisterias or cherry blossoms, and other items such as tall candelabras, and non-flower items, such as paper pompoms, to add to the glam feel. Niamh tailors weddings to each couple’s budget: “We can cater for every budget. It’s not about getting the most out of people: I’ve steered people away from things that I thought didn’t work, or that weren’t cost effective. I’d rather someone is happy – although obviously it’s a business and you want to do well,” she says.