Columbia Road Flower market??

Hi Rebecca,

Columbia Road is great, but you do need an early trip! I would have thought you could save money, but I'd also imagine it's pretty tricky -

Just depends really on how many of each flower you need. Most wholesalers sell in bulk so if you only need say 10 roses, you would probably have to buy a box of 50 for example so although they may work out cheaper individually, because you have to buy in bulk rather than just the amount you need, it could work out more expensive. To get the pick of the best, you need to be there around 0400 - definitely no later than 5am as most of the good stuff will have gone by then.

Hmm, I do need quite a lot! What would you expect to pay for a box of 50 roses?

They do vary a lot as roses come in different grades - it would normally be top grade for weddings. They also come graded in stem length too so depends really on whether you need the long stem for table arrangements or whether shorter stem length will be OK. It may be best to order so you know that they will have them in stock when you go and they should be able to give you a price then but don't forget to add the VAT on top. Plus it may be worth asking if they have a minimum order too as some wholesalers do. Georgie at ByGeorge should be able to give you a ball park figure as she specialises in fresh flowers whereas I only do artificial flowers since I sold my shop so it's a while since I did the 4am run LOL!