Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Guest Interview- Week 5 Floral Design


Photo Credit: Von Devore Photography
This week we go back to floral design. This topic is so very near and dear to us. Without a GREAT floral designer our overall room and table designs could fall flat. That is why we LOVE working with Sisters Flowers. Time and time again, Sisters has made me say “wow”. For those of you that read this blog regularly know that I am not easily wowed. I know that when a new client tells me they have already signed Sisters Flowers, that we are sure to produce a fabulous event!

The pictures shown throughout this interview show some gorgeous centerpieces Sisters Flowers has produced for us at Lacy Branch Events!!


Below is the interview LBE = Lacy Branch Events and SF= Sisters Flowers

LB: What exactly do floral designers do?

SF: We meet with the client and their coordinator, gather information from them, and put together a design that is unique to their event.


LB: How would you describe your design style?

SF: We have four designers and we all have our own personal preferences (wildflower, contemporary, traditional, etc.), but each event is designed on the client's style, not ours.


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

SF: One common misconception is that their flowers will be the exact color, shape, size, etc. as the picture in the magazine that they bring in to us. Emily's favorite saying is "Flowers aren't widgets."-meaning that flowers are an individual living thing, and one is never the exact same as another. Pictures should really be used as inspiration and not just to copy.


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

SF: It seems like yellow will be popular next year. The natural garden look is also coming back, where as contemporary modern has been popular for the past couple of wedding seasons.


LB: What about centerpieces?

SF: Bigger is better. Brides are really looking to make an impression on their guests when they walk into their reception room. Big centerpieces will do that.


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

SF: Most flowers are available all year round. A few exceptions would be peonies, tulips, ranunculus, dahlias.


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

SF: We would say good quality silks are not cheaper and that we really stress using fresh flowers. We feel they should always be fresh.


LB: Do you think flowers inspire wedding trends or vice versa?

SF: Garden flowers could definitely inspire a bride to be a little more casual or less structured, while callas and orchids could be considered more contemporary and inspire that trend/look.


LB: What do you love most about your job?

SF: Sweeping the floors, taking out the trash, and scrubbing buckets. :) No really, we do love our jobs, even the less glamorous parts. It's especially satisfying to have a bride and her family tell us that their flowers were even prettier than they imagined.


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

SF: We have two pieces of advice:

First, hire a wedding coordinator. This will keep you on budget and save you lots of time and frustration.

Second, no matter what, don't be afraid to tell your florist what your flower budget is- which should be 8-10% of your entire wedding budget. This will help your florist to give you the best options and designs for your budget instead of just pricing random things.


LB: What is your favorite flower combination and why?

SF: Our favorites depend on the occasion and the person it is designed for. Our favorite color combos include orange and hot pink, orange and bright green, orange and purple, green and yellow, classic white and ivory mix.

Thanks to our dear friends Emily & Shelly over at Sisters Flowers for taking time to answer our questions.