des moines, iowa and beyond

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Sweet Beginnings: Choosing the Perfect Floral Designer

For Brides

Happy Sweet Beginnings Thursday!

I am so excited to introduce you to my amazing friend Michelle, from One Sweet Day in May, today and have her share some stellar tips about finding the perfect floral designer for you and your big day!! I met Michelle in January as roomies for the Creative @ Heart conference. She has the absolute sweetest heart, an amazing eye for floral design and is all around a fun and loving woman. Without further ado, here are some of Michelle’s best tips for how to find your ideal and perfect fit in a floral designer for your wedding!!

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Whatever your wedding style may be, flowers will no doubt play a huge role on your big day. They can be romantic, dramatic, or simple and understated and choosing the right floral designer for you can make all the difference when it comes to bringing your vision to life. Finding the perfect fit can prove quite tricky, but not to worry! I’m here to help you and offer some advice.

The great floral guru search should begin about 6-9 months before your wedding. This gives you and your floral designer ample time to nail down details and allows time to ensure that you will have the perfect color flowers and the freshest product.

If you are working with a wedding planner, they should have a short list of preferred floral designers they can pass along to you. Other vendors like your DJ and venue can give you great recommendations as well. Once you have a few in mind, visit their websites to see what services they offer and see if they have any social media accounts. This allows you a little sneak peak into what kind of business they are and let’s you see what they are currently working on.

 

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{ Shalese Danielle Photography }

Once the day has come for your consultation, it’s best to be prepared with a few pictures for inspiration and some words in mind to describe your dream day. For example: Romantic, whimsical, traditional, or organic. This will give the designer a good idea of where to start. It’s also important to know your estimated guest count and an idea of what colors your bridesmaids will be wearing. Maybe bring a swatch of the bridesmaids dress for her to hold on to. A good floral designer will listen to your ideas, but also add to them and offer advice on how to achieve your end goal.

Look for a designer who is excited about what you have in mind and gives you her full attention. She should make you feel at home and make your consultation feel like 2 friends chatting over coffee…or cocktails (mimosa anyone?). She should offer to go that extra mile, like suggesting the two of you do a venue walk-through if she hasn’t worked there before. Above all, she should make you feel special from the day you meet, up until you say I do.

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{ Amanda Hedgepeth Photography }

One BIG tip of advice? You need to love her floral style and you should be able to see somewhat of a look book showcasing her latest work. You don’t need to see exact replicas of what you are envisioning for your own event, but the vision you have in your head for your big day should come close to matching her work if you are going to book her. Trust me. Even if it seems as if she totally gets you and can bring to life your ideas, you need be able to visually see her work to know if you’re a good fit. I learned this lesson the hard way and ended up hating my wedding flowers, all because I thought my floral designer got me. This girl has learned a lot since then.

Make your first consultation about getting to know one another and making it about the “big picture”. With my brides, I like our first meeting to be about your overall theme and style instead of specific flowers. However, if there is a type of flower you just have to have, let her know up front.

Once you’ve booked your dream florist, the real work begins- it’s fun work though, I promise! Many of today’s brides find themselves overwhelmed with all the options and ideas out there, thanks to Pinterest and wedding blogs. It can be too much at times.

Keep in mind what season your wedding falls in. Not only will your budget thank you, but it will make it easier to know what you’re working with and what might be iffy. If you love peonies, but you’re having a September wedding, girl, you’re going to have a problem. Your floral designer will be able to show you what is in season and help make the perfect floral recipe to bring your floral dreams to life. She’ll be able to give you suitable substitutions to achieve the feel and look you are going for.

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{ Shalese Danielle Photography }

One more piece of advice? Trust your designer. You hired her because you know she’s the perfect fit for you. She has all the information she needs to make your celebration one-of-a-kind and gorgeous. Let her do her thing. Things might change and you may find yourself with a few new ideas through the planning process and a good designer will be open to adjustments. You should have a feeling of peace knowing that your flower guru has got this and will leave you smiling from ear to ear on your wedding.

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Doesn’t that make you want to rush out and find your florist?! Every time I talk to Michelle, I just cannot help but daydream about a floral masterpiece and swoon over her ideas! Whether your florals are a top priority or not, be sure not to underestimate the beautiful impact and precious details you can create with them. If you have any other specific questions regarding flowers, feel free to email Michelle or myself and we will do our best to get you an answer!

From both of us, happy planning, Lovelies!!

xoxo, Jenn

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