Guest Interview- Week 2- Floral Design

This week we feature Lisa Gallager, a floral designer, and owner of Belli Fiori Florist in St. Louis.

Lisa is always a pleasure to work with. Her imagination and flare for creating unique and modern designs makes her one of our top floral picks. Belli Fiori also has a store front in The Hill area where you can "cash and carry" flower arrangements.

Below is the interview LBE = Lacy Branch Events and BF=Belli Fiori

LBE: What exactly do floral designers do?

BF: Floral designers create arrangements using flowers. They apply the elements and principles of design such as scale,line, color, balance, harmony, etc to design a gorgeous bouquet.


LBE: How would you describe your design style?

BF: I like to think my style is clean lines, modern and contemporary.


LBE: What is a common misconception Brides & Grooms have regarding flowers?

BF: I think brides really do not realize how much flowers can cost. They see a lot of pictures in magazines and want certain flowers or certain centerpieces but it doesn't really fit into their budget. It then becomes my job to help create something similar but more budget friendly when needed.


LBE: Are there any hot, right now trends in bouquets such as color or flowers?

BF: I'm seeing a lot of requests from brides for yellow bouquets or mixes of yellows and other colors for next spring.


LBE: Do seasons really matter anymore? Or are flowers available at anytime regardless of season?

BF: Seasons matter for some flowers such as tulips or peonies. But for other popular wedding flowers, such as hydrangeas, callas, or roses, these are available year round.


LBE: If a Bride asked you whether they should use silk flowers or not to save money, what might you tell them?

BF:Unless they want to use spend the money on really good silks, I would suggest spending the money on real flowers. Sometimes "bad" silks cannot compete with the look of real flowers. I tell brides to think about how those pictures of the wedding day are going to look especially if the flowers don't complement anyone.


LBE: Do you think flowers inspire wedding trends or vice versa?BF:I think trends really affect the flower choices and colors. Trends such as round, compact bouquets really lend themselves to the type of flowers used, such as hydrangeas that really conform to that shape. Also, whatever the popular color wedding colors are at the moment will have an affect on floral choices. I was seeing a lot of blue mixes and purple mixes but now that seems to be shifting a little.


LBE: What do you love most about your job?

BF: I love having the chance to get creative with bouquets and centerpieces that I know will really excite the couple. There is nothing better than presenting a bride with her bouquet and knowing that you had a part
of bringing joy to someone on their big day.


LBE: If you had one piece of advice to give couples what would it be?

BF: Try and be as prepared as possible for the meeting with the floral designer. Things to bring to a floral appointment or consultaion include color swatches, either fabric or even paint chips (this will help give the designer a clear idea of the colors you would like to use). And unless the bridesmaids are wearing a neutral color, please make sure that the color of the dresses has been chosen. You want to make sure that the designer comes up with some ideas that will complement, not clash with the color of the dresses. Also bring pictures of bouquets and/or centerpieces that you really like.

A floral designer will ask questions to get an idea of your style but sometimes it may be hard to describe something. So, if you have a picture of what appeals to you, then it will help to clarify the look that you are trying to achieve. Doing some homework beforehand will really help the appointment go smooth and you will get what you want in the end.


LBE: What is your favorite flower combination and why?

BF: My favorites change constantly. With every new season, the color palette changes so I get to work with new color stories. I love going to market and finding the truly unique flowers and incorporating them into arrangements with your every day flowers.

Thanks again Lisa for taking time out of your very busy schedule to help us better understand floral design.