Award-Winning Florist Simon Lycett Revisits His Astonishing Career In Floral Design
Contributions From SIMON LYCETT
Simon Lycett is one of the UK’s most highly sought-after Florists, designing arrangements for Royal Weddings and other highly prestigious events in the country. He is an RHS Floristry Ambassador, author of ‘The Flower Market Year’ and has appeared on several TV and Radio shows. Currently, he is the Host of Channel 4’s Full Bloom.
From the age of seven, Simon Lycett has been captivated by the world of flowers, a passion that blossomed into a flourishing career in Floral Design after he established Simon J Lycett Ltd in 1993.
He quickly rose to prominence, becoming one of the UK’s most sought-after florists, providing arrangements for royal weddings and prestigious events, as well as smaller clients and venues.
We delve into Simon’s favourite parts of his job, the interesting ways he keeps his designs fresh and innovative and his advice for budding florists.
How Did Your Career In Floral Design Begin?
“I went to an RHS-affiliated flower show at the age of 7 in Warwick, where I was born and raised, and the moment I walked into that space I just knew that I wanted to be amongst flowers,” shares Simon.
“Ever since, I’ve always wanted to work with flowers. I went home after that visit and made my own tent in the garden with a sheet on the washing line and started to produce my own flower arrangements.
“I didn’t really understand career advice at school because I assumed that everyone always knew what they wanted to do like I did, which was to work with flowers!”
What Challenges Did You Face In The Early Days Of Your Career & How Did You Overcome Them?
“One of the hardest things was in the late 1980s when there weren’t that many florists and it wasn’t considered the art form that it is now in the UK.
“There were flower shops and you only really went into them to collect a bunch of flowers for a special occasion. There wasn’t really as much of an understanding then about the power of the flower.
“I was really lucky and was able to get a job in London, which opened my eyes to the scale at which flowers could be bought. It opened up a whole new world for me.”
You’ve Been In The Industry For Several Decades. How Do You Keep Your Designs Fresh And Innovative?
“Raw materials change, which means that as the seasons change, everything is kind of reinvented for me,” he explains.
“At this time of the year, I can create an arrangement with gorgeous dahlias and then challenge myself by seeing if I can do the same arrangement with different flowers.
“I always try and reflect what is going on outside inside and try to use in-season flowers where possible.”
You’ve Worked At Various Prestigious Venues Like Aynhoe Park, Royal Hospital Chelsea & Blenheim Palace. How Do Different Venues Present Unique Challenges Or Opportunities For Floral Design?
“We are really lucky that we work in such varied spaces at my studio,” says Simon.
“I always walk around a venue and interpret the client’s wishes and desires and how they want to feel, and then work out whether we are going to work with the venue and create something that sits beautifully in it or create something so varied and different that it will create a completely different effect.
“I love doing both of those things equally because of the difference it can make to the space.”
Are There Any Events Or Projects That You’re Particularly Proud Of?
“I’m proud of all of them really and that’s the joy,” he says.
“Every single client that comes through the door and each commission we get is new and exciting.
“It’s a challenge but it is really exciting too because it is an ever-changing assortment of different things. It might be a small wedding, a huge profile event or a dinner party – we love all of them and enjoy getting to work with fellow creatives.”
What Is Your Favourite Thing About Your Job?
“I recognise that I am very fortunate that the client group I have doesn’t know the word no, which means that the possibilities are endless!”
What’s Next For You?
“I have one that I can’t talk about yet with the BBC which has been very exciting, so watch this space!” teases Simon.
“Apart from that, I’m just really lucky that the phone is ringing and clients are asking me to commit to events that are happening in the future, which is exciting after coming out of the period of the pandemic.”
What Advice Would You Give To Budding Florists Looking To Make A Mark In The Industry?
“I really think that you shouldn’t worry too much about what other people are doing,” he advises.
“It’s fascinating to look at what others are doing, but don’t copy it, do your own thing. See what other people are doing but don’t create something just because someone else has.
“Just be you!”
