I frequently mention how much I’ve learned from my many mistakes in these Wednesday Reminder posts. However, now that the wedding season is near and spring is officially upon us – even if it doesn’t quite feel like it yet, I’d like to dedicate today’s post to all of my flower aficionados:
1. If you’re using clear glass flower vases, nothing looks worse than dirty water. Solution: Add a few drops of Clorox to the water.
2. Magazines love to feature beautiful images of ceremony aisles decorated with petals. In real life, however, this isn’t very practical. Most of the time the bride’s train drags the petals down the aisle, creating a visual mess along the way.
3. Speaking of ceremony aisles, have you ever unrolled an aisle runner without it looking like a wrinkled mess? Solution: Tape it down before the processional and hope for the best.
4. The one thing that most brides love more than anything is candles, especially tall tapered candles. Unfortunately, I have ruined more than one table setting with dripping wax – even when I used drip-less candles. The biggest problem is when you turn on an air-conditioner and the air blows across your beautifully decorated table, creating a disaster. Solution: The wonderful and tall LED tapers. I suggest these in my book as well, because they will give you the gorgeous effect you want without the mess.
5. On a similar note, never, and I mean NEVER, line a ceremony aisle with candles unless you properly enclose them first. I learned this one the hard way. Years ago I made this mistake, and the candles dripped on the father-of-the-bride’s tuxedo. NOT a smooth move, especially since he was the man paying for everything.
6. Many of you are not going to agree with me on this one, but that’s alright. I DO NOT LOVE LILIES, which is why you seldom see them in my work. I only use them when a client requests them – and even then I do so kicking and screaming. I think they’re best when used with the pollen in the middle. Unfortunately, the few times I have left the middles intact, they have messed up some of the guests’ outfits.
7. Often rental companies don’t offer the table shape or size you need, and I get many questions about creating different sized tables. Solution: This is simple! Buy plywood in the sizes you prefer, and set them on top of smaller tables.
8. Let’s talk about setting up. Be very cautious about accepting a job that limits the amount of time you’ll have to set-up. I have also done this many times and have been so late that I crossed paths with arriving guests. Suggestion: Depending on the size of the event, aim to have at least 10 hours of set-up time. Also, it’s worth asking the venue if you can start setting up at midnight the night before. Most venues are very accommodating.
9. Lots of people ask me what happens to all of the flowers after an event. Suggestions: Freshen up a few of the larger arrangements and drop them off at your client’s home the next day. You can also donate the flowers to a local nursing home; I cannot tell you the joy you’ll bring to the residents.
10. If you’re setting up a ceremony and you know there’s an event scheduled right after or before yours, you might want to reach out to them. See if there’s any way you can share flowers, which will make both events more lavish as well as cost effective.
This is by no means a completed list. In the spirit of sharing and helping each other, please chime in with any tips or lessons you’ve learned. Have you also had bad experiences with candles?
Lastly, planners, I have not forgotten about you! Next Wednesday’s Reminder post I will list my top 10 planning tips for the forthcoming season.
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George Bernard Shaw once said: “You see things and say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were and say, ‘Why not?’” That quote embodies how Preston Bailey approaches every event.
Rashon Carraway
March 30, 2011
Preston,
I have always admired your work and your willingness to submit practical and useful ideas to us all. I have been reading for quite sometime and I am excited to let you know.
I will be reading every time you post.
Thanks so much!
Rashon Carraway
Saman Ansari
March 30, 2011
Preston so many venues are not accommodating at all about set up times, we have to work in less than 4 hours most of the time and flip times from ceremony to reception in the same ballroom in under 3 hours. Clients do not want to pay for additional team members to expedite the flip! Its extremely challenging!
Birds of a Feather Events
March 30, 2011
I have a wedding Im coordinating in 6 weeks and the bride just informed me we have an hour and 15 minutes to set up. Seriously. Venue walk through is tomorrow night, Im hoping for the best.
Meagan Vanover, CWP
March 30, 2011
Oh, I am not a fan of lilies- especially Stargazer. They just smell like funerals to me. However, I have learned that pipe cleaners can pick up some of the pollen on fabric as long as it is not rubbed in. They should never be in a bridal bouquet though without being snipped off.
Jennifer french
March 30, 2011
Great list! I also hate the taper candles for the reasons you mentioned, as well as the fact that no matter what tricks I use, they never seem to all look completely straight, which drives me nuts.
I don’t have the same problem with the rose petal aisles but that may be because in the Napa valley brides are not wearing as heavy dresses/trains?
One thing I would add to the list (probably an obvious one) always bring extra vases/vessels in case of breakage (or the need to whip up an extra arrangement on the fly).
Loving your blog!
Debra Biagini
March 30, 2011
Since I am a floral designer this post was especially interesting for me.
Preston, thank you for the comments that you shared about church flowers. Here in Rome, Italy the issue of church decorations is a very sticky one. You must remember that many churches in Rome are 1,000 years old and created/designed by some of the most famous names in history. Therefore, as a floral designer I must take very special care in my designs and how they are set up. Often these churches are open to tourists and will be present while I am trying to set up and the church will not forbid it. What a hassle. I have to make sure that I have extra staff to set up
Yes, I do us runner but they cannot and must not be taped down. The risk of the glue ruining the ancient marble floor is too great. Some churches will ban you from working again if they find that you have used glue, tape or tacks.
Also on the topic of petals, I totally agree that they just make a mess from the trailing veil. In ancient churches petals are not wise for the same reason as glue and tape. I often use petals only in places where there is no chance that a guest will walk on them.
Uncovered candles on the aisle are often requested by my clients but I ALWAYS put them in tall vases with a bit of water at the bottom to be extra safe.
After the event it’s always nice for the family to be reminded of your beautiful work by sending them flowers from the event. That’s a wonderful idea. I normally give them to the religious protection homes for women running away from prostitution.
As always Preston, thank you for helping us all grow.
Debra
timeless victoria
March 30, 2011
we had a bride, who put a LED dance floor on a swimming pool… it had two uses, one for the ceremony, and then to be used for the reception as a dance floor…
but for the reception, she requested to have candles on the aisle, and the florist didn’t give what was promised…she put vases, with water, and candles floating on them… now, you can imagine the mess… the LED floor was so slippery, that we needed to mop it before anyone could dance on it!!
Meaghan Schmaltz
March 30, 2011
Great post, as always. If you’re ever in San Diego and looking to donate flowers, I recommend Blooms From the Heart – they re-purpose the arrangements and deliver them to nursing homes, hospices, etc. They’re a wonderful non-profit here in SD.
Leslie A
March 30, 2011
I very much identify with you completely on #6. !!!!!
LILIES NO !!
6. Many of you are not going to agree with me on this one, but that’s alright. I DO NOT LOVE LILIES, which is why you seldom see them in my work. I only use them when a client requests them – and even then I do so kicking and screaming.
Izzy
March 30, 2011
Good list and I have to agree with all of it.
The time issue is an ongoing problem. This past weekend we just did a an event we were supposed to have at least 6 hours to set up. Well the day before the event, venue accepted a funeral for the very same room. So we had to do everything in an hour and 30min. All of our stuff was hung from the ceiling so was heavy duty work… The client knowing our change of time was informed about a risk of running out of time…In which she replayed “I will be very disappointed if you don’t finish everything” like we weren’t disappointed we had our time cut. We finished everything on time but I hate situations like that.
fatma al bably
March 30, 2011
Mr. Preston
Great list .. especially for such beginner like me
Thx for sharing your experience …
Best for u
Alysha Currie
March 30, 2011
I have been to several weddings where the centerpieces were given away to the guest at the table with the next birthday, or the oldest at the table, etc. I think this is a great way to giveaway flowers at the event.
Mimi
March 31, 2011
Candles are always a bit tricky. I once ruined a friend’s beautiful white battenburg lace tablecloth with midnight blue taper candles. Learned my lesson, White or ivory tapers only.
Occasions 2 Remember
March 31, 2011
Tapers can be very tricky! If it makes you feel more at ease, you can always use a clear tapper vase to place over the candle. They come in different shapes and sizes and they look great!
AHmad Irfan Arif
March 31, 2011
Just wanted to add as we are talking about dos and donts….. never trust an untested vender on one of your events. I know because each and every event is special and unique in its own way and for me, reputation is at stake weather i am getting paid or not for a particular event.
you want to test a vender, always do it at your own risk and cost. may be startoff from a very small event and then prepare them for bigger one.
Connie Mak
March 31, 2011
Thank you so very much for these tips!!
Savannah (Pearls and Pages)
March 31, 2011
Preston!
Long time no contact. Wedding season is definitely in full gear and Spring is here!! What a great post for florists and planners, and brides, too! Candles can definitely be a tricky thing. Their flickering and glow is just so romantic, but you offer some great ways to achieve the look that candles provide, minus the hassle.
I know that The French Bouquet does a great job at designing their own “table structures.” Pedestals, for instance, can be a tricky thing and with a brilliant florist a special pedestal, and beautiful cover, can be used for your wedding/event.
Delivering the flowers to the client’s home the next morning is a great idea, especially for those really large and over-the-top weddings where you have so many flowers! Or even letting the client or guests take loose blooms or arrangements that are vase-free. What a great memento to take home, especially if a special breakfast or brunch is ensuing for the clients the next morning– what a great way to keep on using the beautiful design, theme, flowers….
Keep up the great posts, Preston!
Cheerio from Berlin, Savannah
The French Bouquet: European Inspired Floral Design by Anne-Marie Foy
http://www.thefrenchbouquettulsa.com/blog
kemi
March 31, 2011
these are great tips especially from an experieced designer like you which makes it helpful for people like me,who is just going into this wonderful industry. i have two important questions(amongst others)
i am a nigerian and i live there,where we have grand and luxirous ceremonies filled with colors from diverse cultures but have noticed that, we dont use beautiful natural flowers.how do you think we can inculcate lovely natural roses in our cultural nigerian weddings especially when our weather does not permit us growing it.
secondly,designing a unique table clothes and chair covers is a wonderful idea but what do you do with them after the ceremony?
thank you
JACLYN
March 31, 2011
PRESTON,
AS A FLORAL DESIGNER, I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS POST. IT SURE IS AN EYE CATCHER FOR MANY AND I CAN RELATE ON MANY LEVELS.
ITOO, DISLIKE LILIES VERY MUCH BUT WHEN CUSTOMERS REQUEST THEM IN THEIR WORK, I MUST ADD THEM .
THANK YOU FOR THE WONDERFUL POST AND I LOOK FORWARD TO READING THE NEXT.
JACLYN
afcpam
March 31, 2011
Preston,
I learn from each and every one of your posts. Thank you for being so transparent and real with us.
Kesha King
April 19, 2011
I am curious about item number one. In theory it sounds great but wouldn’t that harm the flowers? Maybe the amount put into the water is a big factor.
arlene
April 20, 2011
Thank you Preston for your wonderful insights as floral designer I take great pride in my work and you are an inspiration to me.