This week’s Wednesday Wisdom comes from Caroline Sayer of La Belle Flowers – a creative business bringing elegance and personality to events across Norfolk.
We spoke to Caroline about what inspired her to start La Belle Flowers, how she infuses her designs with a Norfolk touch, and the secrets behind transforming iconic venues like The Assembly House and Norwich City FC for the festive season. She also shared her top advice for couples choosing wedding flowers and practical tips for anyone planning to style an event that truly wows.
Caroline’s journey began with a lifelong love of flowers and design, inspired by her grandmother who was a florist. After a successful career in another field, she took a leap of faith, leaving her salaried job to start La Belle Flowers with just one booking in the diary. Twelve years on, her determination and passion remain the driving force behind the business.
What inspired you to start La Belle Flowers?
“I’ve always had a love of flowers and design. My grandmother was a florist so from a young age I would watch her create beautiful designs and she inspired me… I never really knew I would go into floristry and event designing, it found me. I was lucky to see some amazing events with my previous career (yes there was life before La Belle) and that truly inspired me, so when the time was right, I just knew I had to take a leap of faith. I left my salaried job and started my own business with only one booking in the diary I didn’t know what was going to happen, but I was determined. Determined to make a success of the business, determined to prove the people wrong who said it was a crazy idea. It was that determination that spurred me into handing out business cards wherever I went and talking to anyone who would listen!! That’s not really changed in the 12 years since I started La Belle.”
How do you give your flowers a Norfolk and La Belle Flowers feel?
“I love trying to incorporate a bit of Norfolk into any of our work, which might be from using locally grown flowers so being inspired by the location of a wedding, sort of trying to bring the outside in.
My favourite moto is ‘Go big or go home’ so we do always try and give that little extra to everything we do.”
What is your signature style?
What goes into transforming The Assembly House and Norwich City FC for Christmas?
“Hard work, sweat and laughs is what is needed for transforming any of our venues for Christmas. A love of heights is just a bonus… you must have strong legs to decorate the trees we put in. I’m lucky I have a great team around me who also share my passion.
We start planning Christmas around May time, so it’s not a quick job, it takes time.”
What advice would you give to someone wanting to style an event to create an amazing environment?
“My advice – if you have a theme for an event, stick with it and be bold. Work with a colour scheme and don’t be afraid to make everything match, so from cutely and place settings to the flowers to draping in the room.
My biggest bit of advice for any winter event is using candlelight and warm white lighting. This creates the most amazing ambience.”
What’s your top tip for couples choosing flowers for their wedding?
“My top tip for any couple choosing a florist or flowers for their wedding is, get to know your supplier. You want to feel confident that they understand everything you want, they will guide you on available flowers that work best for the time of year. Prices for things can vary and as they say you can’t buy experience.”
To explore La Belle Flowers – the creative team designing stunning floral arrangements and styling unforgettable weddings, events, and celebrations across Norfolk and Suffolk – visit La Belle Flowers to bring your vision to life with bespoke designs and exceptional attention to detail.
