I do event and floral design for weddings, corporate parties, and other special events. I also provide floral design consultations for homes and corporate lobbies so that Floral Sense can deck out their space with fabulous florals on a regular basis.
How did you get into floral design?
10 years ago, I did my very 1st wedding as a favor for a friend. It was HARD. But it was so amazing to see all the flowers help create such a beautiful event, I was HOOKED!
My style is very ultra modern with very clean architectural lines. But I love to design what my clients want and mix in other products you normally wouldn’t think about. I try different ingredients and put them together in a way that they have various textures. I have actually used mushrooms, green cauliflower and even mini purple eggplants. For my clients who want something different, we change the shape, the style, and materials. Clients come to me knowing that I will design something in a way that will funk it up!
Some brides want a little direction so we start off with picking the basic colors and a list of their favorite flowers. Then, we sit through a lot of photos: photos of my past work, photos from magazines, and any photos that inspire our brides. Once we see the pictures together, we find a common theme and figure out exactly what the bride wants. From there, we can pick the general ambiance we want and create the design.
Some of us aren’t aware of the amount of work you do as a floral designer. What is the typical process for you when you design a wedding?
It starts WAY before the actual wedding day at the initial consultation with my clients:
- Initial Consultation: We brainstorm on just the kind of look they want.
- Prepare the Wedding Design: We create an extensive floral proposal, counting to make sure every flower and stem is accounted for in the entire event. That takes a lot of time.
- Order the Florals & Materials: We research the best material and florals and order them to create the perfect look. This includes flowers, glassware, mechanics and tools. Unfortunately, there’s not just one warehouse where we can find everything.
- Pick Up Time: We pick up the flowers and material a few days before the event. If the wedding is on Saturday, we pick up and start preparing the flowers early on Wednesday.
- Floral Processing and Designing: We process and treat each individual flower before the designing even begins. Then, we spend the next several days prepping containers and actually designing the arrangements.
- Set Up: On the day of the wedding, we come early to set up and make sure everything is flawless before we leave.
What do you do when you process a flower?
It depends on the flower but let’s use roses as an example. Roses usually come in quantities of 2 dozen, which is called a bunch. They’re tightly packed by our growers so we open them up. Then, we strip down any excess leaves, thorns, or unhealthy petals. Afterwards, we cut the stem at about an inch off the bottom and soak each flower in water that’s been treated with floral food.
Do you get a lot of cuts from the thorns?
Oh yeah! You’ll know if I just finished an event because of all the cuts and band aids on my hands. Flowers are pretty but it’s not a pretty process!
What do you say when a bride asks, “How much do you cost?”
That is hard to answer! It really depends on what you need: how many pieces, what type of flowers, what is the design, etc. Really, everything is custom made.
Some people will measure the fair cost of a vendor by the national average. What are your thoughts on that?
It’s the nation’s average. That’s the problem. The cost of living is very expensive out here especially in Southern California. Just keep the average cost of a house here versus another place in the US. You’ve got to plan your budget for the area where you’re getting married. In the OC, the cost of living is more than the national average. Thus, your venues, vendors, and weddings will just cost more. Another thing to keep in mind is that your cost of flowers will rise or drop depending on how many and the kind of floral pieces you are wanting. Keeping a realistic expectation will help immensely in your budgeting.
It is so common for brides to be overwhelmed at the cost of their wedding. How do you work with your brides who want to cut costs?
Cost is always an issue when planning a wedding. Here are ways to cut your costs:
- Prioritize where to put the flowers in your event: Pick and choose where you want your flowers to be. I’ve had several brides where their ceremony was not a big deal. I remember a particular wedding where all the floral design was dedicated to the reception. The guests were just WOWed by the design and it definitely set the mood that this was where the party is.
- Stick to the flowers that are in season: If they’re out of season, they will cost more. Spring and Summer seem to be the best time for flowers since you have the greatest selection and pricing.
- Vary the height of your centerpieces: Mix high centerpieces with low ones. It gives a different feel but you will still get the impact you want.
- Don’t have your wedding near a holiday: The cost for our wholesalers really go up as well during Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day. It drives everyone else’s costs up.
- Trust your designer: Be open to something different. Keep the big picture in mind of the overall effect you want for your event. The overall effect of your florals will depend on the textures and shape you use. You can actually use cheaper flowers to get a very cool feel. Your designer should be able to work with you to make sure you don’t spend money on the wrong places.
There are many that consider just making their wedding florals themselves. What are your thoughts on that?
Don’t do it! There is SO much involved on your wedding day. You need to enjoy this special day for you. Flowers are really so much work! Just imagine, we start working on the florals for an event about 3 days prior where put ALL our time and energy.
I’ve known people who start to put flowers in their own refrigerator to preserve them. If there are other fruits and vegetables in there, those items will emit a gas that will decay your flowers. Also, the temperature itself is usually too cold for the flowers and will freeze them. Trust me, I made the same mistakes over ten years ago. It’s important to use equipment like a floral fridge set at a specific temperature and without harmful gases to properly preserve your florals for the day of your wedding.
What would you say to people who say flowers at a wedding don’t matter?
If it’s not a priority for the bride and groom, their budget should obviously go to something else. It all depends on the couple and I encourage them to put their money on whatever is more important.
What are the best flowers for each season?
- Spring: Tulips, Daffodils, Peonies, Ranunculus, Sweet Pea, Lilac, Anemone, Hyacinth, Delphinium
- Summer: Peonies, Gerber Daisies, Iris, Larkspur, Lisianthus, Sunflowers, Tuberose, Hydrangeas, Zinnias
- Fall: Dahlias, Marigolds, Chrysanthemums, Asters
- Winter: Amaryllis, Snowberries, Star of Bethlehem, Holly
There are lots of staple flowers that are available year around like roses, lilies and orchids.
Be flexible too! Mother nature is mother nature. You may order something but not be able to get it because of a bad season.
What advice would you give a bride & groom before they pick a florist?
- Check their track record: That’s really key. Experience will say a lot about how your flowers will be treated. Anyone can promise anything up front. But can they deliver? Make sure that what they say is what they actually will do. You don’t want a florist who will show up late or not even at all on the day of your wedding! Nor do you want flowers that are in bad shape.
- Check their design work: Can this person confidently produce the design that you want?
- Ask for referrals: Speak to their past clients and ask how their experience really was. Aside from great design, you will need to have great and reliable service. What if you need your flowers at 1PM for your pre-ceremony shots and they don’t show up on time? Your wedding is one day and you do not get it back.
Do you enjoy what you do?
There’s something so exciting about creating a design after all that work and brainstorming! At the wedding you are able to step back and say, “Wow, we did this.” It is amazing.
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To hear more about what Joanna is up to, check her out at www.floral-sense.com.
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'Til next time, let me know if you'd like to hear any other topics or vendors!
Methodically Yours,
Drexelle
Type A Bride
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