In this, my second interview with one of my supplier chums, I talk to Chloe Draper of The Copper Cacti.
I first met Chloe at a wedding fair and loved her sense of fun, chilled out vibe and the displays she creates that are so not like the normal bouquet or table decorations you see at wedding and I do like to find other suppliers who think slightly different to the norm!! We then met at The Quirky Wedding Awards last year and shared a table, as well as loads of laughs and a ruddy bloody good time, and we both won awards, so I am thrilled that she could take part in this feature……over to you Chloe…..
Your Name: Chloe Draper
Your Business Name: The Copper Cacti
What do you do?: Alternative Floral Design
What do you love about what you do? Having the chance to be creative and use my brain to make the most wonderful, fun and bold displays for my couples.
How did you start out? What started as a hobby turned into the business of my wildest dreams! I started selling my terrariums as markets and craft stalls, evening attending national flower shows and being features at BBC Gardeners World, when one day a customer of mine asked if I would make the centrepieces for her wedding, and the rest is history! The business completely pivoted from markets to weddings and I have never looked back.
What sets you apart from the rest? I specialise in using cacti, succulents and air plants in my creations. What this allows is an element of sustainability, allowing my couples to be able to keep a piece of their day forever (as long as they look after it anyway…)
What do you hate to see in the industry? I mean, don’t get me wrong, all white weddings are lovely, but they just aren’t me! I find they can lack a couples personality. I am not one to conform, so I hate seeing couples who feel they have to follow a trend because it is a wedding.
What do you love to see in the industry? Seeing people put what they love into their day. For example, I was given the most amazing opportunity last year to create a dinosaur themed wedding, as well as an F1 theme and a shark & cacti theme… I mean does it get better than that?
What is your favourite venue type? I do love a festival style/outdoor wedding. I also love a venue which just have something a little bit different, a little spark and something different from the rest. However, I also love a good old fashioned community centre. Doing weddings old school, getting some of those gorgeous buntings and streamers from the ceilings, that is something special to me!
Who is your ideal client? I just want to work with couples that I vibe with! Couples who want something unusual, love sustainability, love to put their personality into their day, and that trust my weird and wonderful brain to create something really unique for them.
What causes do you contribute towards or believe in? I advocate strongly for the LGTBQIA+ community, and work really hard to ensure my wording is inclusive. As a book lover, I use the term “main characters” for my couples, as you should be the main characters of your big day! I also am a huge advocate for sustainability which is something that is included strongly in my designs.
What awards or accolades do you have? I am so proud that I was the first winner of the Quirky Wedding Awards Floral Designer for 2023/2024 and I have also won the Essex Wedding Awards for Unique Services for 2024/2025.
Why do you love working with Celebrants? Personally, again I keep saying this but it adds personality to your day! The relationship your celebrant builds with you to ensure you day is all about you and your relationship, your loves and passions, your family and friends. It is second to none! It is so much more personal to have a celebrant overseeing your day.
How can people get in touch with you?:
www.facebook.com/thecoppercacti
www.instagram.co.uk/thecoppercacti
