THE FLORIST: PART 1

Hiring the florist for your wedding is a huge undertaking. There are several different components to this one vendor and, depending on the size of your wedding, the availability of options from your venue and the budget, you have to be ready to ask questions and have a vision for your big day.

I have chosen one florist to illustrate some of the hundreds of options available to you in preparing the visual explosion of color and texture for your wedding. Donna and her staff, at Beautiful Blooms in Philadelphia, is one of the area's premier event designers. When you walk into
her studio, the energy and the ideas begin to pop out immediately. This is the feeling you want when you go shopping for flowers. There should be options for all kinds of centerpieces, bouquets, ceremony arrangements and any other floral components that you need.

Are you looking for high or low centerpieces? Do you want full arrangements with lots of texture or simple vessels with unusual choices. Is your wedding outdoors or on the beach? Maybe these incredible, natural pieces would suit your style. Moss, berries, feathers are all things that make for a perfect vision for outdoors. Jars are a great alternative to vases when you want different heights on the tables. They can be filled with fruits or river rocks and create a lovely and colorful alternative to flowers.



















Whether you want dozens of roses, a few calla lilies, some exotic combination of flowers and candlelight or anything else you can think of, find a florist who can give you all the advice and guidance you need to create that mood that you want to create. Here are a few things to think about when choosing a florist:

Consider your budget- don't decide what you want before you know what the cost is.
What is in season- Flowers are not all available all the time. And, if you want something out of season, it will cost more- if you can get it.
Do you want upgraded linens- many florists will also pull together the tables and chairs to finish the look you seek. If you want something other than standard banquet linens, ask the florist to help you.
Ask what the florist will do- does the florist set up the escort card table, the gift table, etc. when do they return for their vases
Do you need lighting and/or draping- your florist can usually arrange with a company that does this if they don't. Lighting makes a huge difference in a room.

More tomorrow on flowers- types of flowers, seasonal flowers...
Thanks to Beautiful Blooms for the photos

If you have questions- comment and I will try to answer them.