Florals For Every Season
Florals have shifted from the green-andwhite trend of the past to bold colors in today’ s weddings. Township Four Floristry & Home, co-owned by Jed Thompson and Nathan Hanford, designs arrangements for every season and style. Thompson says he’ s seen dark, moody tones take hold of autumn and winter weddings, while joyful, cheerful expressions have taken over in spring and summer weddings.“ The flowers are a little less subdued than perhaps the eucalyptus and beiges from the last five to six years,” Thompson says.“ Not to say that they ' re gone, but there’ s definitely an uptick in colorful requests.” The type of flower is almost less important than a style or feel, he says. Locally sourced florals are always appreciated— and sometimes specifically requested— for eco-conscious couples who want to support the local economy and also keep their carbon footprints much smaller. Township Four, located inside The Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge, works year-round with a number of local growers to source flowers, including Tiny Hearts Farm in Copake, New York; Piecemeal Farm in Amenia, New York, and Anna Mack with Wild and Cultivated in Sheffield, among others.( Some, like Mack’ s farm, are not open to the public but sell wholesale.) Township Four also sources from commercial growers around the world. When planning a wedding, Thompson recommends couples dream big, then pare down as needed after the consultation and quotes.“ It’ s so important to have detailed conversations with your vendors,” he says. And at the end of the day, the most important aspect of the wedding is spending time with loved ones— not the size of the budget, florals or decor.
“ Having flexibility with your wedding will create an environment where everyone has a great time,” Thompson says.“ Knowing what’ s most important to you personally is key and should be communicated as soon as possible so those elements can be created— and addressed— right up front, so there’ s no surprise with cost or availability.” For couples starting the process of figuring out what they want in florals, Thompson recommends they look through their own style and what makes them happy.“ Generalities are okay; specifics are okay,” Thompson says.“ It’ s okay to say‘ I want something built off a single color.’ Or a single idea—’ I love the outdoors, let’ s bring that in.’ Find your vendors you appreciate and resonate with, whether they’ re floral or catering or photography, and go from there.” n
— Elise Linscott Gladstone
Florals by Township Four; venue, Cottage Farm of the Berkshires; dress, Diedre ' s Special Day; and wedding planner Rachel Reynolds Events.( Emily Larson)
Holiday 2023 BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE // 57