Well, here we are at the next installment for brides planning a wedding. Our subject this week is flowers. This is a favorite topic for many brides who have always dreamed about their perfect wedding day.
I had some great input this week from three local florists in our wedding networking group. Today, I will feature Julie Mendenhall of Jules Design in Fayetteville and Shelby Shy of Shirley’s Flowers in Rogers. On my e-newsletter coming later this week, I will feature Jennifer Schnetzinger with Country Gardens of Springdale.
Why are flowers important? Imagine a wedding without flowers…I can’t, it would be impossible. Flowers are so important–they reflect the mood of the wedding and the personality of the bride, according to Shelby Shy of Shirley’s Flowers.
But what if the bride is on a budget, and she has to make some concessions to her wants? Shelby encourages brides to concentrate on what is most important to her on that day. It could be the ceremony decor or the reception flowers.
Julie with Jules Designs has another great tip. “If you only have $300.00 for the flowers at your reception, don’t purchase 10 arrangements at $30.00 each. Instead, have one large arrangement for $300.00 to place on the buffet table and make a statement that will be memorable.”
That would be a WOW factor.
Shelby and Julie both agree on the wedding colors they are seeing this year. Blues, purples, navy, peacock feathers, vintage jewelry, etc. Julie has many clients that want an eclectic look–using antique milk glass, antique sterling silver, mason jars, birch and bark baskets and birds nests. All of those ideas reflect the bride’s personality.
I know in many wedding areas, we are seeing a lot of the DIY (Do It Yourself) brides. Sometimes DIY can be a dis-service to the bride, especially if is causes extra stress or time constraints on the wedding day. I asked both ladies what problems can occur for the bride if she uses a “box retailer” for her flowers. Here are their answers, which I think are extremely important:
Shelby (Shirley’s Flowers): “The challenge the DIY brides have is they limit their flower choices and their color choices.” To combat that problem, Shirley’s Flowers introduced a wholesale division last year. They have a satisfaction guaranteed policy.
Julie (Jules Design): I would highly recommend ordering flowers in bulk through a local florist instead of on-line or through the box retailer. There will be no time to re-order if there is a mistake on-line. If you purchase locally, the florist will make sure to correct any problems with blooms or substitute with a flower in your color of equal or greater value.
Ok, just for fun, here is my last question:
Shellie: “If you had a bride with an unlimited budget, what are the top items you would suggest she incorporate with flowers?”
Shelby: “Individual flower arrangements for each place-setting, spheres that hang from the ceiling or archways made out of all flowers (luch and WOW), and a monogram made of flowers for decor (see included picture).”
Julie: “Good lighting. What is the purpose of budgeting thousands of dollars for flowers if you can’t see them? Spotlighting or “pin lighting” is key to large spaces. Flowers get lost in a room, no mater how fabulous the arrangment if the room is large and dark.”
All great advice from two great professionals. Shelby Shy can be reached at Shirley’s Flowers at 636-0118 or 800-624-7225. Julie Mendenhall can be reached at Jules Design at 263-1133.
