What should you look for in a floral designer?

 What should you look for in a floral designer?

 

reddingaz

 

Picture this. A bride walks into a flower shop for a wedding consultation. She either has a lot to spend on flowers or she doesn't. She's intimidated by all the possibilities. And has never bought a flower before in her life. Never.

If you've planned a wedding or a special event, you may have experienced these same thoughts and emotions.

 At Fly Me To The Moon, I work closely with you to allay those fears. I want to hear your story. The role the flowers play and how you want to feel when you step into the room. That's how I build the relationship.

I witnessed something on the subway this morning, that demonstrated what you should look for in a floral designer.

 

Erica Rose Design - Catherine Hall Studios

 

I was on my way into Manhattan to buy lace for a bridal bouquet. A blind woman got on the #1 train with her service dog a few stops later.

She asked if the two seater across from me was available. A fellow passenger said it was. She proceeded to sit as her dog lay dutifully at her feet.

As the train left the station, she began to pull on the dog's harness. He had plopped down somewhere between her seat and the vacant one next to her.

Fueled by either her desire to tuck the dog under her seat, to leave ample room for another passenger, or to prevent him from being trampled upon, she continued to ever so gently tug and slide the rather big dog into place. She kept dragging him until he allowed himself to be re-positioned exactly where she wanted him. 

What has this got to do with floral designers? Well, plenty I think.

 

 

via The Knot

 

What to look for in a floral designer:

1.  Willingness to be a member of the team - The woman and her dog were unified. She wanted the dog in a certain spot and that's where he decided to be.  

You and the floral designer must "be on the same page." There has to be a committment from both parties to work together to make the event a success through flowers.

If what you want is something the floral designer can't or won't do it needs to be made clear right up front. Failure to do so makes the process of working together a burden rather than a joy. 

 

via Stock Photo

 

2.  Great listening skills - The blind woman and her dog had a symbiotic relationship. They had trained together, knew what to expect from each other and trusted each other. I watched the dog as he was being shifted around. His expression never changed. He was a professional and being moved around like a piece of furniture did not bother him at all.

A potential floral designer should be listening to you intently and taking notes. When I do consultations, I want as much info as I can get about your event. Those details influence what I do with your flowers.

 

 Image: Patricia Lyons

 

3.   Confidence in each other - The woman felt perfectly comfortable moving her dog. She didn't say a word to him other than sit.The job of   her service dog is to give her a greater sense of mobility, independence and peace of mind. He knows that and acts accordingly. They make a winning team.

When looking for a floral designer, you have to do your homework. Spend time on floral design websites. Read reviews. Seek recommendations from people with great taste.

But ultimately, you need a floral designer that "gets you" and whose opinion you respect. A floral designer that has your best interests at heart. And one who will feel comfortable enough to tell you if you're making a mistake.

When I began as a floral designer, I was afraid to tell a bride that what she wanted was not going to look right. I don't do that anymore. I suggest alternatives and if the bride disagrees and doesn't hire me, I consider us both blessed.

 

Further Reading:

15 Wedding Flower Mistakes To Avoid

7 Ways To Save On Flower Centerpieces

What To Ask Your Wedding Florist

 

 

So do you homework. Trust your instincts. Then hire a floral designer that will:

1. be a member of your team

2. listen to you

3. and make you feel confident that your flowers will be exactly what you wanted or even better.

Because, when you've got the right person, neither one of you should have to "roll over and play dead." 

Mimi

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

[Erin Redding]

Thanks so much for using my image for your article! I was hoping I could provide you with a current link for the credit?
https://www.twenty20.com/photo/fe4ecd14-53ee-4f9a-988b-8e955c00fbc2
Thanks so much,
Erin Redding

[Mimi]

Erin, It's such a lovely picture. Thanks for continuing to allow me to use it. I have changed the link as you've requested. Thanks again. Mimi