With it being Valentine’s Week and shops all over the world are filling up with Roses, we thought it would be helpful to share a Care & Handling guide for Roses! This Care & Handling Guide has been created by the folks over at Mayesh Wholesale. Thank you, Mayesh, for letting us share your helpful guide!
Contact Information:
http://www.mayesh.com
I thought it would be fun to have a red inspiration post as we prepare for Valentine’s Day!
Oh yes, I’m going all out with a Valentine’s Day inspiration post! Red & pink & lots of hearts!
Ovando (aptly named El Corazon)
Designed by Per Benjamin
How gorgeous are all of these Peach Roses?! Honestly, I cannot select a favorite one as they are all beautiful! For two weeks we watched these 7 beauties open into beautiful blooms.
A special Thank-you to Amato’s Wholesale in Denver, Colorado for providing this nice selection of lovely peach beauties for the Peach Rose Color Study!
Name: Peach Finesse
Grower: Rosaprima, Ecuador
Vase Life: 9 Days
Details: Bright peach, outer guard petals have a green tinge. Each bloom can vary in color, in the 25 stem bunch some of the blooms will be a brighter peach than the others. Very packed petals and heavy head, petals stay compacted and do not open much. The petals can get creased during packaging and transport. Nonetheless, Peach Finesse does tend to be one of my favorite go-to peach roses as I love it’s bright peach coloring. It packs a lot of punch in those tight petals!
Name: Campanella
Grower: Nevado, Ecuador
Vase Life: 5 Days
Details: The blossom opens up very large, a good 3+” in width, perfect for taking up a lot of space in an arrangement & a very ruffly petal structure like a garden rose. This particular batch had a yellowish-peach tone to it. I’ve been a fan of Campanellas for some time and would say that normally they are a more solid Peach than the roses shown in these photos. Nevado Campanellas are packed 10 Stems to the bunch, so be careful when ordering that you order by Stem Count.
Name: Cinnamon
Grower: Sisapamba, Ecuador
Vase Life: 12+ Days
Details: Rich, dark Peach – borderline Orange color, opens very nicely into a large head and fades into a Salmon color after a week or so. Very long lasting, tied with Versilia for the longest vase life. Ruffly outer petals and almost 3″ in width, sturdy stems. 25 Stems to the bunch. This was my first experience with Cinnamon and I’m quite impressed with its bright color and pretty bloom.
Name: David Austin Juliet
Grower: Rosaprima, Ecuador
Vase Life: 7 Days
Details: The perfect pale peach color, opens to a nice 2.5-3″ in width with a lovely garden rose shape. Delicate stems and the outer petals can tear easily, handle with care! Juliets are packed 12 stems to the bunch.
Name: Peach Avalanche
Grower: Eufloria, California, USA
Vase Life: 10 Days
Details: Peach with a yellowish tinge to it. Solid and consistent coloring on all petals. Nice Rose shape, doesn’t open very wide. Good amount of foliage and thorns to clean on the stems, slightly soft stems and petals. 25 Stems to the bunch.
Name: Tiffany
Grower: Royal Roses, Ecuador
Vase Life: 10 Days
Details: Very pale peach with a pink hue to it, stays in a tighter rose shape and doesn’t open into a wide bloom. The color is solid through all petals, even the guard petals on individual blooms. Yet, each blossom in the bunch of 25 stems can differ some, some roses will be a paler peach and some a brighter peach. The stems are strong with almost no thorns and the foliage is easy to remove.
Name: Versilia
Grower: Royal Roses, Ecuador
Vase Life: 12+ Days
Details: By far the longest lasting rose in the bunch! Day 12 and I’m looking at about 10 of the original 25 still blooming. The guard petals are a light green, outer petals are a very pale peach and the inner petals are a blush peach. Very delicate peach color. Strong stems with a very few thorns.
A few notes:
What do you think? Which Peach Rose is your favorite? Which one do you want to try now?
A very big Thank-You to Amato’s Wholesale in Denver, Colorado for providing the roses for the Peach Rose Study.
Contact Information:
Amato Wholesale Florist
http://www.amatodenver.com
CALL US TOLL-FREE: 1-800-447-3825
Tel: 303-287-3329
6601 Downing Street, Denver CO 80229
Your name: Anne Bradfield
Your Business name: Floressence
Your Location: 5628 Airport Way South, Suite 240, Seattle 98108 — in Georgetown – Seattle’s floral district!
How did you start your business?
11 years ago, I was fed up with a job that had nothing to do with my skills or interests. A friend told me that a woman she knew was selling her floral design business, and I was intrigued… I shadowed the woman for a couple of weeks, found that I had a knack for the job, and took the plunge. Therein began my career as a florist!
How many years have you been in business?
11 years.
What is your design aesthetic?
I can never get enough of texture and color – the more unusual the combinations the better. That said, my heart will always belong to “pretty.” I don’t like odd designs for oddity’s sake – the graceful, gorgeous, ephemeral nature of flowers has to come through for the design to resonate with me.
How do you create your style and where do you draw your inspiration?
Just looking at flowers is often enough inspiration — seeing what they do in their natural state. Getting my hands on them is crucial, too — letting them “talk” to me. But I get huge inspiration from other designers as well. I’m currently in love with Florisity in New York City. The balance of lushness and minimalism in their designs is really interesting to me.
What are the trends, flowers & colors that are unique to your region?
People in the Northwest are not afraid of a little “rustic elegance.” Scratchy textures never seem to go out of style – whether it’s scabiosa pods, lichen branches, or a more exotic “blushing bride” protea. The color trends do seem to vary over the years; we’re in a muted tones thing right now (peach, blush, ivory, sage, silver), but a couple years back it was all peacock kapow.
Are you a retail shop, studio/warehouse or home based?
Floressence is a private studio within the historic Rainier Brewery complex.
Do you offer any services in addition to floral designs?
I happily assist with design services like specialty linen selection, and offer a wide range of rental props (vases, candles, arbors, chuppahs, etc.).
What tool in your toolbox can’t you live without?
The radio! And I’ve recently become better and better friends with chicken wire, in my quest to become floral-foam-free.
What’s your favorite flower?
If it isn’t ranunculus or garden roses, it might just have to be the peony. I know! It’s so predictable! But so so so darn gorgeous.
Your contact information:
206-286-7850
www.floressencedesign.com
www.facebook.com/Floressence
www.blog.floressencedesign.com
www.instagram.com/floressencellc
Joseph Matthew Photography
(floral designer unknown)
(Designer Unknown)
–If you recognize the two pieces above and who they were designed by, please let me know so that I can credit them! Thanks 
Hello Flower Friends,
Recently I sent out a Content Call to our mailing list asking for input on three different questions. I’ve decided to start calling these Q&A (question & answer) when I run the replies on the blog.
If you have a Question that you’d like us to ask other Floral Designers please email it to us ..
We all have so much to gain by talking with and helping each other, thank you to everyone who sent in a reply.
I have a feeling the question we are featuring today is on a lot of designer’s minds!
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The Question
I was a teacher for 5 years, and I left my job this past year to be an at-home floral designer (for primarily weddings). I started my own business 1 1/2 years ago, and I really love making floral arrangements!
However, it’s been a financial struggle, and although my husband completely supports my dream of being a floral designer, I sometimes wonder if I’m crazy to leave a secure salary for something that has not brought in much income thus far!
So what I would really like to know from floral designers–Can this job bring an income that will support your family? What are the key tools to become successful? For example, do I need to get into event planning? How did you persevere in the beginning of your career path?
I appreciate any and all input! I really want to have a successful business that is fulfilling!
Thank you,
Adri, Moss Floral
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And the Answers
YES! You can absolutely make a living as a florist and afford to relish in a workshop or two. My shift into floral from a former life as a teacher was a complete and welcome whirlwind! Our seasonal resort laden location has played a huge part in our success in event work, which we now do exclusively without a retail location.
For those designers just beginning, here is a snapshot of what we did to get started. Begin by assessing your local market for event (or retail) work, make sure what you are hoping to accomplish is indeed relevant in your location. I recommend connecting with as many local event venues and vendors as possible if event work is your goal, keeping your target market in mind. Bring them flowers, business cards, invite them to lunch, whatever it takes to get your business cards on their desks. Perhaps attend a few bridal shows to practice your elevator speech and build connections with other vendors, select a few key shows that are in line with your target clients. Build a solid website and engage in social media of course; 90% of our business comes from web avenues. And as all of your efforts meld and grow, decide how truly busy you wish to be. Once you have saved enough of your hard earned money, no one ever said this biz was easy you can spoil yourself by attending an amazing workshop or two or three.
Jennifer, BLOOM, Michigan
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I honestly wish I had a clear answer on this. I’m struggling with the decision to leave a full time position to continue to pursue my passion of event & wedding design. It’s hard to leave health insurance and a retirement plan. But at the same time it’s hard to not devote all of my energy and attention to wedding & event design. I’m inspired daily and sometimes feel a “loss” when I don’t have flowers around to create something beautiful. My advice is to attend a few great workshops, like Chapel Designers. Find your own style and method of selling a wedding/event, be proud of that and charge what you’re worth! Another thing I like to do is take my leftover stems, create pretty bouquets or designs and parade photos of my creations on social media. Make sure your website is up to date, create a business Facebook page and even Instagram is a wonderful social media tool to spread the word about your designs and services.
Best of luck!
Jessica, Blooms ‘n Blossoms, Kentucky
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It takes time. I have a home-based studio doing events, primarily weddings. My business is going into it’s fifth wedding season and I am just starting to see profits. The first few years it took time to build the business. Buying all the supply needed for the events sucked up most of my profit the first two years. It was hard for clients to rent things from me if I didn’t own them! I moved cities and then had to start all over again building my client base last year. It isn’t easy. It doesn’t make a lot of money at the beginning…. but I’m growing every year and business is improving.
I started my own business after working in a shop. With crazy and inconsistent hours and poor pay (starting at $10.35 an hour up to $13.00) it was draining me and my family and even though I was going to make less money doing my own thing, it gave me time to be a wife and mother. As time goes by, my wages and experience are increasing and I’m able to make what I’m worth. I chose to invest a lot more in marketing and advertising this year than I ever have before (5x more) and the consultations are beginning to role in.
Andie from Dandie Andie Floral Designs, Toronto
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I can really relate to this question. 3 years ago I quit my “real” job to start my company, which is a home studio (no retail) for events and weddings. I am lucky enough to have recently taken a job that allows my to have a 4 day work schedule. To me it feels like I have the best of both worlds. I work in an office setting 4 days a week and run my business on the weekends. My plan is to continue cutting back those work days as my business grows.
My mentality is to ALWAYS try to be doing more. I take on as many jobs as I can, no matter how small (provided that the designs are still in keeping with my style and vision). I invest as much money as I can back into my business, whether it’s marketing, workshops, or purchasing inventory. I also find that advertising myself as a new business seems to work in my favor. It gives me an opportunity to spend a lot of time on each bride and really develop a good relationship with them. I think that relationship really goes far, and at the end they are excited to help my business by “liking” my facebook posts or sharing my blog posts, or writing a review for me. I also find that photographers respond well to helping a new business owner build her portfolio in exchange for exposure on my blog and website. I’m also incredibly lucky to have become a member of the Chapel Designers, which has been an invaluable support system.
So far my business has increased each year and I do feel confident that I will be able to support myself one day. It’s a lot of work, but if it’s your passion, GO FOR IT! Look around for part time jobs that might offer flexible hours to supplement your income until you get where you want to be.
Blair, Sweet Blossoms, Maryland
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We have been in the business for about a year now and we have both kept our corporate jobs. We are lucky in that our corporate jobs are extremely flexible and we both have quite a bit of vacation. With that being said though, we have done the math and plan to give up our corporate jobs this coming summer. In our short one year in business, we have already seen that this business will be able to provide us with a decent income. Our key to being successful is that we have found a niche in our market. We enjoy working with brides that have a budget and figuring out a way to get them the overall look that they like, but still while staying within their budget. Our brides are SO appreciative that we are willing to work with them and that we are willing to give them other ideas!
Lauren, A & L Floral Design, Maryland
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Adri, yes you can definitely make a living that will support your family. You won’t be dining on caviar and opening the bottle of bubbly every night but you can make a decent living. You do have to make sure that you are pricing your work correctly, that you are looking for the best quality of floral product at the best prices, that you are ensuring that you have your freelancers or additional help (drivers, etc) accounted for. That you don’t overspend on flowers. Every job usually takes a little longer than anticipated and every job has unforeseen issues. This will start out slow as any business and you have to go out there and capture that business by meeting with other vendors in the industry like caterers, event planners, venues, hotels, etc as they will be the ones referring you all this business. As you start do your best to keep overhead low so you have a cushion to get you thru the slower times.
Alex of Exquisite Events, Illinois
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DON’T QUIT YOUR DAY JOB!! lol I am only speaking about me and my business and my area in Michigan. I quit my full time job of 18 plus years to stay home with kids and babies and tried to work my business from home around the kids and house work. Thankfully my husband works and is able to support us while I did this part time. As the kids grew so did my biz. I found that I was able to stay ahead of the game by NOT going into debt for my business. No charge cards, no open accounts – cash only. Here in Michigan wedding season is very seasonal and a very short time. I know for sure at this stage of the game I cannot support my family on my business alone BUT I can help pay for summer camp for the kids, vacations, college students books, and other smaller things that won’t come out of the “house” account. I also have a brick and mortar studio and I have to pay rent and I can keep that up too. I think that’s way so many business go out. Not smart planning and unrealistic expectations. Start slow and grow. I have never looked back. I love working for myself. Good luck ~
Tracy, Park Place Design, Michigan
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If you have a Question that you’d like us to ask other Floral Designers please email it to us ..
If you’d like to answer future questions be sure to sign up for our newsletter/mailing list – the sign up form is at the top right.
Hello Flower Friends!
I’m doing a twist on Fleur Friday this week, thought it is about time I do a little catch up with what I’m up to here in the Beautiful Pacific Northwest.
I’ve been keeping busy since returning from Florabundance Inspirational Design Days & the Chapel Designers Conference in Santa Barbara, held January 20-23. (That was a month ago already?!?!)
On February 1st I taught a hands-on design workshop in downtown Seattle. The Bridal Bouquet & Pricing Workshop was held at Yesler Studios and hosted by Debra Prinzing. We had so much fun designing bouquets, and after our design session we all discussed how to price our bouquets correctly – a very eye-opening session!
I really enjoyed teaching the class and plan to do more of these in the future!!
Picked up Peach Parrot Tulips from Alm Hill at Pike Place Market for my Bouquet Workshop.
Preparing stems for my bouquet making demonstration.
Some of the pretty flowers we used in the bouquet making class!
February 5-9 was the Northwest Flower & Garden Show in Seattle. I’ve heard about this show for awhile and was so pleased to finally get to attend it! I went two days in a row as there is so much to see.
Ravenna Gardens display at the Northwest Flower & Garden Show, I’ll definitely be visiting this shop in Seattle very, very soon!!
Great colors in this garden design by Pot Incorporated.
Hellebores from Swanson’s Nursery.
I had planned to go to NWFGS on its opening day, February 5th, however you may have heard that the Seattle Seahawks won the SuperBowl? I thought it best I avoid downtown Seattle on Feb. 5th since the victory parade was held that day – 700,000 people showed up to the parade!
I decided I’d be better off to go on a road trip to Portland and visit with two of my favorite flower people – Francoise Weeks and Janet of Floral Verde. Janet was in town taking a 3 day private workshop with Francoise and they were working on Botanical art pieces. Oh, it was fun to see what those two were creating!!
Janet of Floral Verde working on her floral head piece at Francoise Week’s Studio
Valentine’s Week I freelanced for Patty of Brittany’s Flowers in Kirkland, Washington. Freelancing is so fun and interesting, I love getting perspective on how other people run their businesses and create their art. Patty has a top-notch reputation in her city of Kirkland and she is very, very busy!
While at her shop we had a visit from Tosh. I’ve heard about Tosh ever since arriving in Washington, everyone told me I have to meet him. “he lives in the mountains, off the grid, no electricity, gathers amazing fresh product, will show up at your door” I’ve been soooo intrigued by these mentions of Tosh – and then there he was! Sure enough he had a van full of all kinds of goodies – branches, foliages, etc. (Alex – you would die over his Pieris Japonica, I asked him if he’d ship to Chicago!!)
Patty of Brittany Flowers with Tosh. Tosh has just pulled up with his van filled with fresh cut goodies!
This week I freelanced for Flora Nova in Seattle. Christiane had all kinds of design work to get done and I quite enjoyed helping out.
I could get used to this freelancing lifestyle!
A sneak peek at one of the designs I got to create at Flora Nova.
Also, made a trip to Northwest Wholesale Florists this week, getting used to this new routine of wholesalers in Seattle. I had to pick up flowers for an order, but also *had* to pick up these ranunculus for myself!!
Ranunculus for me! Yes, I buy flowers for my own enjoyment
OHHH… and that Peach Rose Color Study? Quite possibly the most popular post we’ve ever had in our almost 4 year history!!
On Facebook it was seen by ~15,000 people and the post had 122 shares! wow!
I’m thrilled to know so many people enjoyed the post! In case you missed it – click here.
All-In-All, a great few weeks here in the PNW – I can feel spring is coming and all kinds of good stuff is popping up – including Crocus all over the back lawn!
We’re back with another discussion on Pricing – this time how to price Aisle Petal Pattern Designs.
I fell in love with this design executed by Laurie of Fleurie from the very first moment I saw it – talk about perfection!
The Details To Consider When Pricing:
Think about every element of this design …
What would you charge to do this aisle petals design?
Your Name: Maria Maxit
Your Business Name: Maxit Flower Design
Your Location: Houston, Texas
How did you start your business?
It was about 5 years into working for creative and very talented shop owners and floral designers around Houston that I felt the urge to venture out on my own. I had enough experience, knowledge and customer demand, it was time. I realized that I wanted to focus solely on floral design for weddings and events and step away from retail.
How many years have you been in business?
3 Years
What is your design aesthetic?
My personal design aesthetic is simple and minimalist, design element that allow flowers to be the center of attention. When it comes to flowers, I love it all. A single garden rose in a vase makes me melt but the walls covered in flowers at the Dior runways are something from heaven.
How do you create your style and where do you draw your inspiration?
Depends on who hires me and what their desires are. I consider myself a client’s designer. I love the challenge of creating something special and unique to each client. Of course they hired me to add my expertise but the challenge of melding those is where I draw inspiration. Every client is so different and their desires and visions are where I get lost in and begin to mold the style of the event.
What are the trends, flowers & colors that are unique to your region?
I work in such a large metroplex that we are fortunate to create weddings/events for all types of clients. Working in such a diverse city allows for events/weddings that could be in a horse ranch, downtown Houston or even the beach in Galveston (45 miles South of Houston).
Do you offer any services in addition to floral designs?
Yes! Event design and styling.
What tool in your toolbox can’t you live without?
SHARP clippers and scissors
What’s your favorite flower?
Ranunculus
Anything else you’d like to share with Flirty Fleurs followers?
Yes, I want to thank you and your support of the art of floral design, amazing floral designers, your continual passion for the art and the hard working people that help us and make all our amazing events happen. Thank you for being our ambassador and our continual support system, educator and so much more. Thank you!
Your contact information:
Maxit Flower Design
Website: www.maxitflowerdesign.com
Instagram: @maxitflowerdesign
Twitter: @MaxitFlowers
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maxitflowerdesign
Images by:
Christine Gosch Photography
Fabulous Occasions Photography
Joseph West Photography
Jackie Ray Photography
I’m having a lot of fun with the new series – Wedding Wednesday! Such a fun way to get to showcase a lot of floral designers and lots of pretty flowers!!
Today it’s all about Coral Florals, enjoy!
Botanic Art – Hochzeitsfloristik, Eventfloristik
Quite a few Floral Expos, Workshops and Webinars are coming up for the floral industry in March!! Below you may find something that is just what you are looking for for floral inspiration..
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Bouquets To Art – San Francisco – March 18-23, 2014
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WORLD FLORAL EXPO MOVES ON TO CHICAGO.
March 26-28, 2014
Chicago (Rosemont), IL. World Floral Expo 2014 has landed at Chicago O‘Hare Airport and has found an excellent location at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. Just a 10 minutes ride from O’Hare international airport and only 45 minutes away from downtown Chicago. After stops in New York, Miami, and again in New York, it is now the turn for Chicago to host this very international flower trade show with exhibitors from all major flower producing countries.
Flower growers from Ecuador, Colombia, Kenya and Ethiopia, to name a few, will be displaying fresh cut flowers, ready for immediate shipping, both through individual stands as well country pavilions. This will be the first time that a flower trade show will be organised in Chicago with such an international participation of flower growers. The show is meant for anybody who is involved in the trade of fresh cut flowers. HPP Exhibitions, a Dutch (Amsterdam) based specialized flower trade show organizer, is excited about the choice of Chicago. “Chicago is one of America’s biggest cities and one of the largest consumers of flowers and plants and therefore a logical move”, according to World Floral Expo’s show director Dick van Raamsdonk.
The show will also host flower design demonstrations during the 3 day trade event. For this purpose the organizers will fly in 6 master flower designers from Holland who will show the latest trends in flower designing. Furthermore a panel discussion will take place on “changing fresh flower distribution channels”. Entry to World Floral Expo and to the floral demonstrations is free of charge.
More information can be found on the web site of the show: www.worldfloralexpo.com
Hello Flower Friends!!
How was your week? Hopefully filled with fun stuff — and the promise of spring, especially to those on the Eastern half of the USA and Canada!
My week has been filled with working online and I haven’t held a flower all week, can you just imagine??
I do have some very exciting news though – Chad & I have bought a house!! We pick up the keys today. It’s been 14 months of transitions since we left Colorado and we are both very ready to get settled into our new house. It’s located on One Acre in Arlington, Washington!! One Acre!!! I’m thrilled and already have started collecting bulbs and tubers for the property. Who needs furniture? I need Dahlias.
Since there are no new flower photos from this week, I’ll share some photos from a few weeks ago. Here’s a Wristlet Corsage I designed at the Bouquet class I gave in Seattle on Feb. 1st. Nancy is modeling it for us, the corsage is constructed with coral satin ribbon, a Romantik Antike Rose from Peterkort with Pieris Japonica. The flowers are glued directly onto the ribbon.
I AM FIRED UP!!!
I don’t get fired up often; if you have met me in person, you know I’m rather laid back. Heck, I’ve booked a lot of weddings because the Bride and/or MOB liked that I am chill. I tend to keep everything in perspective – when people get worked up I say – We aren’t curing Cancer here.
Perspective.
However, there are a few things that just Piss Me Off. I do not like people lying, cheating or stealing.
I loathe, despise, abhor and detest people stealing images of other designer’s work and calling it their own!!! WTF?!?!?
How can anyone think that is OK??
I am constantly in amazement of how many times I will visit a Facebook Page or Website and some designer (who will NEVER appear on Flirty Fleurs) has stolen an image from one of my friends – renamed it, cut off any watermarks, cropped the image a bit and are now call the design/image their own. Again, WTF?!
I cannot even tell you how many people have approached me about being featured on FF, only for me to visit their website and I see stolen images. When I inquiry about the stolen images I am told the website designer did it. Really? Do I like that stupid? Does anyone look that stupid??? Come on!!!
I spend hours surfing floral designer websites, and I know a lot of designers – I recognize work easily. Don’t be put on the black list.
Open Letter to all cheaters out there — Now beyond the lying to yourself, to the original designer, to your friends who follow your Facebook page and tell you how talented you are (talented at stealing maybe) — what happens when you actually have a client come to you and ask you to replicate that exact look? Really, what happens? I’d guess you will fall flat on your face.
Even when a designer legitimately tries to replicate another designers look they can tell you it’s hard. Heck, try freelancing and getting into the groove of another designer’s look, it can be challenging.
Oh, and if you are wondering – the two designers who’s work gets stolen the very most?!
Ovando in NYC and Janet’s from Floral Verde.
If I had a dollar for every time I see their work/images stolen, well, I can tell you I’d be typing this post from my seaside cabana in Belize.
This gorgeous bridal bouquet is designed by Janet of Floral Verde. Janet is one of a kind, she is an extremely talented perfectionist. Only she can create her designs…
This design is created by Ovando. This design/image is one of the most stolen images I come across. Please give credit where credit is due!
If you truly admire another designer’s work and want to share it – there are *nice* ways to do so.
On Twitter link to their handle when sharing their work.
On Pinterest add their name into the caption.
On Facebook, either share from their page and/or link to their page in your text area.
And to those who will say – but, I don’t have enough images to post on my website. Well, hire a photographer and make up a bunch of your own designs to post on your website.
Okey-Dokey??
I decided to get a second use out of all those peach roses we used for the Peach Rose Color Study and do a study on how many roses it takes to line the aisle. I measured out a 12 feet long space and made the width 10 inches. I used to say the lining of the aisle would be 6″ wide on each side, but when I actually pulled out my measuring stick I realized it is closer to 8-10″ wide!
The Aisle Measurement – 12 Feet Long by 10 Inches Wide
1 Rose Per Foot
2 Roses Per Foot
3 Roses Per Foot
4 Roses Per Foot
5 Roses Per Foot
6 Roses Per Foot
7 Roses Per Foot
8 Roses Per Foot
100 Roses spread over 24 inch wide by 12 foot long space.
Lessons Learned:
Hi Flower Friends,
Today’s Q&A comes to us from Michigan. (you can read all the questions here)
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Hi There!
I am in a quandary that seems to always resurface and I would LOVE to hear what others have to say about the topic of event/floral design ethics and code of conduct. ((Can I remain anonymous so I can blast all over social media?!)) Specifically when it comes to those clients who will do anything to undercut vendors … For example; the client who asks you to check out a proposal from a competing florist and offer them a better price…I personally will not touch these as I prefer not to work with clients who work this way. Or a competing vendor who sneakily gets a shopper to check out your pricing…PLEASE STOP! I guess I just wonder what others do/think/feel about this type of behavior and if we as professionals could agree as a whole to educate our clients about the nature of our creative business and respect our intellectual and creative property.
Food for thought…
Signed, Anonymous in Michigan
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The Answers –
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Please do build your business ethically and in your own creative way, there are plenty of seasoned professionals willing to mentor a newbie should you need guidance. It is also important to enlighten your clients (and competitors perhaps) about the nature of our work and that what we are creating is indeed creative intellectual property that should be respected as such.
Thanks so much for posing these fantastic and sometimes sensitive questions, looking forward to hearing what others have to say! And thanks always to Flirty Fleurs for being a brilliant facilitator of this invaluable forum!
Jennifer, Bloom, Michigan
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For me this has not been a problem for years, the under cutting and “stealing” work. This is my thought I am good, I am great at what I do and with that comes a price. I am not afraid to post my price on my website and also my minimum. I don’t want “cheap” clients I want, clients that want me period…..
Maybe in the beginning years I would cut my throat just to book a wedding. But after seeing my losses I just new I had to change my game plan. Hence I worked on branding myself and my company, working on being the best in my area and selling not only flowers but the whole package and that means you get me and my expert floral experience. I am not being snobby in fact far from it. I am busy enough and I don’t have time to wonder what my competition is up to. I know they are out there hustling too. Keep your nose to the grind stone and work at what you know is best and you don’t even have to think about the others undercutting. I only worry about myself and what I have to do to get to the next season. One thing that really helped me is I posted my minimum floral prices on my website. I was scared to do it but I know it really helps weed out the lower budgets.
Tracy, Park Place Design, Michigan
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I get a lot of clients who want a quote from me by email. Sometimes I will give ballpark figures of what brides will typically spend and that will get me the consultation, but I refuse to give firm quotes without meeting the clients in person. Part of what I am selling is me and my customer service, and I can’t show that by giving random prices via email. Only a few times have I had a bride tell or show me what other florists have quoted. At that point, I don’t mind going through the quotes with them to see where there would be differences so they understand where the cost differences are. With my experience, those aren’t the types of brides who want quality artwork but the cheapest deal to get ‘er done. I have no problem telling a bride that I cannot match the price since I know my service and work is of better quality.
Andie, Dandie Andie Floral Designs, Toronto
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Do you have a question you’d like us to ask in a future Q&A session? Email it to us – info@flirtyfleurs.com
Good Morning!
By the time you read this Chad & I will be on a plane headed to San Francisco. We are going to my parents’ home to pick up all our belongings which have been stored away for the past 14 months. I think it’ll be like Christmas when we actually open up all those boxes (most of which are filled with floristry items).
It’s going to be a very quick trip; fly in, load up truck, start driving north.
My mom has been telling me that her Hellebores are blooming up a storm and she has tons of Hyacinths popping up, I can’t wait to see those!
You know what’s a really strange feeling? I will not be attending Chapel Designers in NYC this year. This is the 4th annual conference and I’ve been to the past 3! Just isn’t meant to be this year with the buying of the house and moving in.
I hope all of you who are going will have an absolutely amazing time, I know you will!!! I will be living vicariously while watching your pictures on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook of all the events!
Another week without flowers .. so I’m sharing one of my oldie, but goodie bouquets
Brea McDonald Photography
Your name: Emily Carter
Your Business name: Emily Carter Floral Designs
Your Location: Freeport, Maine
How did you start your business?
I had been in the floral design industry for well over a dozen years when I decided to start my business. My floral design career stemmed off from my artistic portfolio while in college in my early twenties. I trained with some of the best floral designers and found that designing flowers was yet another great form of artistic expression. I fell in love with mother nature and the ability to work with color and an organic medium like I had never known.
For over a dozen years I had worked in various aspects of floral design: hotel, retail, private events, and weddings. I finally decided to branch off on my own as I found that my true passion was always in weddings, private and corporate events more so rather than some of the traditional floral holidays that you inevitably get pulled into when working for a retail shop.
Sharyn Peavey Photography
How many years have you been in business?
6
What is your design aesthetic?
I love doing various styles of design; however I truly love working with the flowers when you see their organic lines. I also love working within tonal color palettes where the flowers blend together in a soft and romantic look and design.
How do you create your style and where do you draw your inspiration?
I draw a lot of inspiration from my clients, their style in everyday life. I draw inspiration from attire, the surroundings in which their event is taking place, but most of all, the season in which their event is taking place.
Brea McDonald Photography
What are the trends, flowers & colors that are unique to your region?
In terms of flowers, in New England we are so fortunate to be surrounded by some really wonderful growers. There is a phenomenal peony grower right here in Freeport and some beautiful dahlia growers that do a stellar job just up the coast. I feel so fortunate to be surrounded by such great farmers and I draw great inspiration by watching them work and all that they do to grow the stems that I work with.
I think that in years past, a lot of people that came to Maine for events thought more in a direction of mason jars and wooden boxes, but with a little encouragement a lot of clients are starting to think outside of the box (no pun intended). I am really enjoying helping my clients to see the other styles of design and how they can really complement the overall design aesthetic for their wedding.
Are you a retail shop, studio/warehouse or home based?
Studio/warehouse.
Sharyn Peavey Photography
Do you offer any services in addition to floral designs?
I actually pride myself on just focusing on floral design. I pour so much time and energy into the design aesthetic, floral budget and overall cohesive design of the wedding, as well as ensuring that the flowers integrate appropriately and beautifully, that I know that that is where my energy needs to be focused the day of as well. I do offer a great deal of consultation along the way to my clients in terms of feedback on linens and other rentals as well as the layout, but I keep my focus within the aspect of floral design.
What tool in your toolbox can’t you live without?
Joyce Chens…. love those! That and a good spool of wire.
Alante Photography
What’s your favorite flower?
Peony, poppies and anemones tie for me 
Anything else you’d like to share with Flirty Fleurs followers?
As a designer that has a true passion for the artistry of floral design, I did get frustrated with the amount of time that it was taking me to create estimates for clients in years past. I founded Lobiloo, the most amazing floral design resource for florists, which has cut my time for creating estimates in a third. I promise any designer out there that if you give it an hour of your time to play with the program, Lobiloo will save you time and in the long run money as it has made a great difference to my company. I now have more time to dream up new designs and focus more on my clients, not just the computer and their cost outs! It has been a life saver for me and many other designers that are using Lobiloo. I would encourage any designer, new or old, to give it a try.
Sharyn Peavey Photography
Your contact information:
{ring} 207-865-4021
http://www.emilycarterflowers.com
www.emilycarterfloraldesigns.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/EmilyCarterFlowers
www.lobiloo.com
https://www.facebook.com/lobiloodesign
