Dear Preston:
While table center pieces are certainly beautiful, most guests don’t even know what flowers are used. I’d rather spend my money on something my guests will appreciate and remember.
Dear Rach:
I am so pleased that you posted your comment as your concerns are shared by many clients who often weigh the importance of using flowers to enhance their events. While it’s true they can make up for a large percentage of the overall cost of an event, properly handled and beautifully designed floral arrangements are the most effective way to create a memorable experience for your guests.
In fact, it is not uncommon for me to run into clients I worked with 10-15 years prior only to have them tell me that it was not the perfect meal or the band– but the flowers—that remain vivid in their memory. Now, it is important to note this kind of impact can serve as a double-edged sword, a lesson I learned when I was first establishing myself in the industry. While working on a wedding, I provided a bride with peonies that were not the shade she was hoping for. I encountered this client twice after working together and she reminded me that I “ruined” her wedding on both occasions. Ouch.
My romance with flowers has been well-documented over the years, and while I have been accused of creating over-the-top displays, the truth is that selecting flowers is a personal thing, much like choosing a piece of artwork. Fortunately, the right florist can help to up your “wow” factor with arrangements that will reflect your personality while enhancing the experience of your guests.
The natural beauty, vivid color and signature fragrance offered by an arrangement can inspire a sense of wonder amongst those in its presence and add warmth and depth to a room, which many florists look at as a canvass. It’s no surprise that we take such pride in our work. The simple truth is this: If your guests did not notice your flowers, you may not have had enough of them or you simply used the wrong florist.
Question:
Do you think, flowers are all that necessary, in creating a memorable wedding or event?
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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.
ARJ
June 19, 2012
To me the simple truth is the wedding is not about the flowers its about the couple. If I had guest that only came to judge my decor then I would really regret giving them an invitation to begin with. Yes, most people want to be married in a beautiful setting but if the place isn’t looking like a garden doesn’t mean people won’t remember the wedding. As with anything in life everything with moderation. Flowers however are not the only way to inhance surroundings. It just takes a very creative mind.
Simply Lavish Weddings & Events, LLC
June 19, 2012
Honestly I don’t. I’ve seen and I’ve created some extravagant tables with not one flower. Not every client wants a lot of flowers due to budget constraints or their concern for guest allergies and things. My job is to always come up with a way to save money and/or give them an alternative choice to flowers. I think a table with several cascading vases of different heights with colored water and floating candles can give just a lasting impression as an over the top floral centerpiece. When I ask my clients during their consultation what do they want their guest most to remember about their day (so I know where to place most of my focus), I hear food, good music and the feel of the ceremony. Sure flowers can add to the ambiance of the room, but it can also be a distraction if overly done. The focus should always be on the couple. Nothing should deter that. IMHO.
Jennifer French
June 19, 2012
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY?
Marsha
June 19, 2012
I am simply going to agree with Preston and continue biting my tongue.
Navjot Kaur
June 20, 2012
I truly believe that flowers fills the atmosphere with color,shape,aroma that would only enhance any place,let alone the wedding. There is no right and wrong versus over the top arrangements or just very simple one with almost no use of flowers. I hear my clients talking about tall centerpieces a lot. They may end up having nine out of thirty with tall one’s and rest may be floating candles. In the end, everything depends on designer as how you can help bride execute and expand her dreams keeping in mind her budget.
Anonymous
June 20, 2012
I also agree with Preston. If you are a gifted florist, you ARE paying attention to your customers needs. Yes, not all are looking for over the top designs, but again your judging his business based on what HIS clients want. Flowers do make a difference for the overall feel, look and setting a tone or the wedding and if your client says that they don’t care about the flowers then why are they at your shop.