5 Important Questions! Can You Answer Them?

We two girls meet a lot of potential clients. We network in vendor groups, we show our work at bridal shows and talk with a lot of brides. We introduce ourselves to different venues and establishments that would use our services and give out our cards in the hope that we are referred to YOU!

With all that we do, sometimes we have to ask ourselves….

WHAT HOLDS NEW CLIENTS AND BRIDES BACK FROM RESPONDING TO OUR INQUIRIES?

We’ve attended many seminars and webinars on how to be the best vendor possible. With quick email response, texting if it is preferred and calling to set up appointments. We pride ourselves on having a fast response time to inquiries and giving excellent customer service no matter whether you have booked or are still in the planning stages.

We want to be your go-to flower company for both wholesale DIY girls and full service floral weddings/events. So! if you are reading this, we would LOVE your input! Simple answers are perfect! And if you are a past client, even better! Please,  let us know what worked for you. What made you choose us?

So, go ahead, email YOUR answers back! or text them…We’d love to hear from you!

QUESTIONS:

1. Are you so inundated with wedding related email that you just get overwhelmed and don’t respond to any at all?

2. Would you be more likely to open an email if the subject line is interesting/funny/different?  Or from a vendor you remember?

3. If you have reached out to us with an inquiry and we replied with a question, would you be inclined to reply back?

4. If you inquire about our services and we respond asking for a telephone consultation or a meeting in order to get all the bridal information we need to give you a quote, would you be inclined to disregard the email?

5. Do you go to wedding shows mainly to just gather the names of vendors and check out their work and would rather them not contact you afterwards?

If you have any suggestions, please let us know! We want to hear from you! We are excited about what we do and we want to be the floral company to make your wedding flower dreams a reality!

Now go out and have yourself a fabulous, wholesale Flower Filled day!

 

5 Tips For Beautiful Wedding Flowers

We two girls at Brides N Blooms Wholesale and Designs want you to know that we care about our customers.

This is not to say that other “florists” do not, but, we become VERY invested in ours. We care enough to tell you that a particular design may not work well, or that a comparable look can be created with different flowers to save you money, but, will give you the same “feel”.

Below you will find some tips that we would like to share with you.

  • Look at the big picture:

If you chose a venue with a great view, don’t obstruct it with tall centerpieces, you’re paying for the view. On the other hand, if the location is stark, with no windows, open up the room with designs of high and low. This gives your guest’s eyes several places to look for beauty.

  • Double duty flowers:

Bouquet in Eiffel Tower vase

If you want to save money, why not reuse some of your bridal party flowers?

Your bouquet can be placed in a beautiful vase, on your table, and the bridesmaid’s bouquets can be placed on other guest tables. Have the alter flowers used on the buffet table or on columns at the entry to the reception area.

  • Don’t limit yourself to a singular color:

Lots of brides want to match the flowers to the bridesmaid’s dresses, if you do this, when you look at your photos later on, you will not really see the bouquets at all, they will be blending in with the dresses. Try and use a complimentary color along with the dress color, this will help your photos to pop.

  • Size and shape of bouquets:

We all see beautiful bouquets in magazines & Pinterest, but, when you choose your bouquet, make sure to remember your height, & your dress style. Most girls are not 6ft. tall, and wearing haute’ couture dresses. If you are an average size or shorter, and you are wearing a fitted gown, try and envision yourself carrying a bouquet that will help to show off your lovely figure AND beautiful wedding gown. You are the star of the show…the flowers should enhance your look, not hide you.

  • Table size and design:

Try and think of your flowers as jewelry for your tables. If the table is small, you will want to adorn with smaller styles. If your tables are large, you will want to have a larger design. Large doesn’t have to be tall or expensive, just simply larger than what you would place on a more intimate table

Now go on and have yourself a wholesale fresh flower designer day!

We Love A Wedding Show!

We two girls love a good wedding show! Two weeks ago, the wedding show we participated in was held at the beautiful Beso Del Sol venue in Dunedin, Florida, It was a smaller boutique style show with a great selection of vendors from all over the Tampa Bay area. For us, it is so much fun to meet new vendors, talk to potential clients and see old friends.  The smaller shows like this one have a charm all their own. We really have the opportunity to connect and talk with each person that walks by our table.

One of the highlights of this show was the wonderful fashion show for which we had the honor of  supplying bouquets for the runway models to carry. Here’s a peek at some of the beautiful designs that were shown:

BdS -147

BdS -146

BdS -133

The following week we were at a larger more established wedding show. This big show is The Tampa Bay Bridal Show which was held at the Coliseum in St. Petersburg, FL. This show has a large array of vendors and is always well attended. It’s fun to walk around and see all the different vendors, both event related and not, who are a part of this show. As apposed to the smaller shows, where there is time to chat with each attendee that stops at your booth, this show is fast and furious. It seemed like we talked to a new bride or set of parents every other minute. It’s exhilarating and fun for sure! The only drawback is there is little time to really connect with each and every person that stops by and have the time to discuss their needs at length.

This kind of show can be overwhelming for an attendee, there is so much information given that it all becomes a blur after awhile. Hopefully, we left enough of an impression for people to remember us!

Here are some of the floral designs we created and showcased at this show!

Brides N Blooms, Wholesale & Designs, Cigar Box Designs

Brides N Blooms, Wholesale & Designs, Flower Tablescape Design

Brides N Blooms, Wholesale & Designs, Ice Cream Float Design

Brides N Blooms, Wholesale & Designs,Glass  & Flowers Tall

The bottom line is, every show is different. Big or small, our goal is to meet and interact with new people, talk about Brides N Blooms, Wholesale & Designs and the floral services we offer, as well as,  increase our presence in the Tampa Bay vendor community.  Most importantly, we strive to give attendees a taste of what our design team can do with the beautiful flowers  our company can provide for your big event!

Now, go out and have yourself a wholesale flower-filled day!

Fresh Flowers and Silks

Whether you are a DIY bride or not I think it’s time to really examine the differences between having fresh flowers and silks for a wedding. Both do have attributes that would make either, a viable choice for an event. There are some common misconceptions that should be looked at when making the decision between the two.

Everyone is concerned about cost. Whether a big budget wedding or intimate event, bottom line is often based on price.  A common misconception is that silk flowers are less expensive than fresh.  The truth is that high quality silks can cost upwards of $3-5.00 a stem. An average bridal bouquet has 20-25 stems so at those prices, the cost of just that one bridal bouquet could run somewhere between $75 & $125 .  An average wedding party having 1 maid of honor and 2 bridesmaids, as well as boutonnieres could be in the $300-350 range, just for the wedding party silks. If you were to look at that in comparison to ordering flowers from Brides N Blooms wholesale division,  just as an example, you would be able to purchase 250 stems of roses for that same $300. (including delivery). That would give you enough roses to do the whole wedding party bouquets and boutonnieres, as well a enough to do at least 10 tables worth of  rose bowl flower centerpieces.

Color options can be tricky with both silks & fresh. If a bride is set on a color that must be an absolute match to something, does not necessarily grow in nature, or is hard to come by at a certain time of the year. I’ve noticed many times, when a bride is  trying to decide on a color, they tend to become short sighted and not see the bigger picture. With fresh flowers there are tricks employed to match flower colors and in understanding how the eye and mind processes it. Take, for example, a color scheme of Tiffany Blue and Silver. You do not need to have a Tiffany blue flower to accent and match in a fresh flower bouquet. Adding in a contrasting color to pop and including some flowers in a similar blue tone, makes a statement, coordinates well with your colors, and in your mind’s eye appears to match perfectly.

Take a look at these examples!

peach & teal Bouquet

This bouquet has an array of peach, pale blue & white flowers. It is accented with blue/green eucalyptus greenery. Nothing in this bouquet is Tiffany blue, but set against that color background your eye would automatically ‘see’ it as Tiffany blue.

Tiffany Inspired Bridal Shower | Photography: Nick Yutaka | Event Design  Planning: Petite Productions

 

 

These table settings have just a small amount of pink as a coordinating color and it makes the Tiffany blue color pop!

 

 

 

One other question we’ve been asked is: “Can I mix silk and fresh together in my bouquet?”. The answer is YES! You can!! We have done that for a number of our clients. We do, however, require that the silks be of high quality and that they are accent flowers, not the main focal flower.  Again, the eye will assume them to be real, if it is not overpowering the design. Can you pick out the silks in these two designs?

Purple & Cranberry Wedding

White & Pink Peony Bouquet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whichever your choice, always ask for pricing up front. Remember there’s one thing that that fresh flowers excel in… they are beautiful, and even the best silk flowers cannot duplicate the look of a live orchid or the scent of a real rose.

Now go out and have yourself a wholesale, fresh flower day!

Island Flowers

My husband and I took a cruise to a couple of the Caribbean Islands. Two of my favorite things about our visit was the endless blue green water… and the flowers! One of the islands we stopped at was St. Maarten. St. Maarten is a small island in the northern Lesser Antilles, east of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The island is divided by 2 countries. The Dutch side, Sint Maarten, and the French side, Saint Martin. The north eastern side is on the Atlantic Ocean and the south western side is on the Caribbean Sea, which does effect the growth of different flowers and plants. Many of the same flowers we enjoy here in the Tampa Bay Area grow in St. Maarten, such as Lantana, Hibiscus & Oleander and they are everywhere! On a tour we learned that the island claims a National Tree which is  known as The Flame tree or the Royal Poinciana. It is originally from Madagascar and grows throughout the Caribbean.  The tree symbolizes emancipation and blooms from June to September with beautiful red, orange & yellow blossoms.

The July Tree

The island has mountains and lots of greenery. Though because of the dryness of the soil, the terrain is perfect for cactus and ferns. One of the more unusual cactus plants that grow on the island are called Ladies of the night” most probably because flowers open only after night fall and will close up at sunrise

Ladies of the night    night time flowering                                                                                                                               There were plenty of different cactus plants that lined the roads and they grew all over.

cactus & fern - st Maarten

One thing that cannot be denied about this Caribbean island, no matter the Dutch or the French side… it is a beautiful place to visit.

Great Bay

Now go out and have yourself a wholesale flower-filled, vacation kind of day!  

Flowers For Life’s Events

Last week there was a death in one of we 2 girls’ family. At the same time the other one of us was away enjoying a once in a lifetime trip with her family. One is so full of excited anticipation, wonderful adventure and days full of new experiences and fun. The other, so full of unwanted anticipation, nostalgia & sadness,  feelings of emptiness from loss, and the loving fullness of  bonding with family & friends. Both happening at the same time as it goes in life. Some experiencing great happiness and some living with great sorrow. Every day, somewhere, people experiencing an array of different life events.

We 2 girls have decided we would like to be a part of that! Events for the new beginnings and for the endings; As well as every one of life’s events in between. Brides N Blooms, Wholesale & Designs has supplied over the last year, wreath & casket designs for those who have lost a loved one, as well as, birthday arrangements, graduation flowers, Bar & Bat Mitzvah designs and shower gift flowers. Check out our new Life’s Events page addition on www.Bridesnbloomsdesigns.com and see what we can do for YOUR next life event!

Here is a peek at our specialty wreath designs! This design can be done in any color scheme with a picture of your loved one, or choose one  of our casket spray designs.

Specialty Wreath Design

Specialty Wreath Design

This wreath can be brought back to your home and hung on your front door as your guests come to offer their condolences.

Casket Spray - white

Casket Spray – white

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Arrangement & Graduation Flowers

Blue Bar Mitzvah Flowers

Blue Bar Mitzvah Flowers

Fun Graduation Flowers in School Colors

Fun Graduation Flowers in School Colors

Now, go have yourself an Eventful, Wholesale Flower-Filled Day!

 

National “What?” Day!

Every so often its a good idea to take a break from what you know and learn about something new. This morning, I turned on my trusty computer and a notification popped up telling me that today, is “National Talk In An Elevator Day”. I was so excited that such a holiday exists! Only one tiny, small, insignificant problem… today, we two girls, will not be anywhere near an elevator to celebrate!! In all the years we worked and lived in NYC and rode elevators… not to know such a holiday existed, is so disappointing.

However, this peaked my curiosity. I thought, hmm… lets see what National holidays exist this week, that maybe we CAN celebrate!!

Sadly, I missed “Gorgeous Grandma Day” this past Wednesday. I could do that one sitting in my rocker, no sweat. Dorelle missed “Hot Enough For Ya Day” this week as well. Though really, she celebrates that every day in the summer heat. So… I look to next week to see what awaits us!

  • Sunday, July 27th is “National Barbie in a Blender Day”. I am not sure what prompted this to be a holiday or even to be thought as a possibility, but… there ya go. It’s a holiday. (I wonder if I can dig one of my children’s leftover barbie dolls?)
  • Sunday is also “Take Your Pants For A Walk Day”. I believe we two girls will DEFINITELY celebrate that one, without even trying!
  • Wednesday, July 30th is “National Cheesecake Day”.  We two girls will put that one on the calendar.  (Although honestly, I think every day should be cheesecake day.)
  • Friday, August 1st is “National Girlfriends Day”. As I mentioned in a previous blog, we two girls should celebrate our anniversary. Maybe, we should make this one our anniversary celebration day.

So, now that my curiosity is running wild… lets see when the flower holidays are!!

  • National Flower Day – March 21st
  • National Flower Arranging Day – May 2nd
  • National Plant a Flower Day – March 12th
  • National Water a Flower Day – May 3oth

We shall need to put all of those on the calendar to celebrate.

Whatever the day may be, flowers are always what we’re thinking about…. Although a slice of cheesecake does sound pretty good right about now…

Now go out and have yourself a cheesecakey, wholesale flower-filled day!

 

Party It Forward is HERE!

Party It Forward pic

Perhaps you’ve heard us mention Party It Forward in the past? Well… this next show is upon us this weekend!

We’re looking forward to a great turnout of guests, along with our wonderful vendors! We like to offer a more eclectic array of vendors, some that you might not expect at an event show, but with a little imagination and forward thinking, would be an awesome idea for either gifts, shower parties and day of event ideas.  Then, there is our one-of-a-kind “Party It Forward” area, with our sellers who have all kinds of useful, like-new and new event/wedding items for sale. Vases, Centerpieces, favors… all sorts of items for some lucky host and/or bride to gather inexpensively for their upcoming event.

party it forward concept

The Party It Forward Event is being held at the beautiful Quail Hollow, in Wesley Chapel.  We two girls have been hard at work to make this one of our best shows EVER! We will be showcasing new floral designs and some classic looks that never go out of style. Quail Hollow will open their beautiful location for  tours of the grounds, they are offering a mini lunch sampler, and special drink samples for sale.

Come on over, say hello, meet our array of vendors and sellers, spend some time with us and join the Party It Forward movement! We look forward to seeing YOU there!

Quail Hollow is located at:  6225 Old Pasco Road, Wesley Chapel. Event time is from: 12:00-3:00 pm. Entry fee: $5.00

Now go out and have yourself a wholesale flower-filled, Party It Forward day!

 

 

 

Anniversaries Of Any Kind

My anniversary was a few days ago. Dorelle’s was earlier in the year.

Flowers, almost always, are part of the gift of choice for this occasion. Sometimes dinner and a card go along with it. (Though personally, I think jewelry or a trip is a great idea along with the flowers….just in case anyone out there was wondering). Usually the flowers given are a small bunch of assorted flowers, or a dozen roses, and/or whatever the local florist or grocery is selling that’s already nicely packaged.

joke

Wouldn’t it be AWESOME if instead we were presented with a bouquet that was similar to what we walked down the aisle with? All prettily wrapped and decorated? What about wearing either a boutonniere or corsage for the day? If for nothing else than to show co-workers that he/she is a happily attached spouse?

My dad always gets my mother a dozen red roses for their anniversary. I’m not sure that she had roses when she walked down the aisle 65 years ago, but I do know she really appreciates getting them now. Somehow I think we two girls get the short end of the stick on our anniversaries. We never get flowers. Maybe the guys think since we have them around all the time we don’t want them.  (What are they thinking?… Of COURSE we want flowers!!.. and wine, and dinner too!!)

My other half and I haven’t been together a very long time, but definitely long enough to wonder where the time went.  I’m thinking some years shouldn’t count because we sailed right through them with barely anything out of the ordinary occurring. Sometimes though, inexplicably, it feels likes we’ve been together forever… maybe because some years are so much bigger than they should be. Dorelle has been married a long time. I give kudos to her and her other half for making it through with still alot of affection and no blood spilled.

I think we two girls should celebrate some kind of anniversary. We’ve known each other a long time and we’re with each other more than we are with our respective spouses. We should give each other lots of flowers and wine…with some chocolate thrown in for good measure. One thing I believe is certain, we’ve known each other so long, OUR relationship is more mature than we are.Now go out and celebrate with a wholesale flower-filled day!

Tripping… on flowers

I took a trip.

A long trip on multiple planes. First to Seattle, WA then on to Sacramento, CA.  I am not a fan of flying; Downright dislike it… however, it is the most efficient way to get to where I wanted to go, and I pray a lot along the way.

I left Dorelle in charge of Brides N Blooms, Wholesale & Designs. She is the most capable person I know… (She also  likes being in charge.)  However, she does NOT like being left behind! That’s alright though, she gets to turn the tables on me soon enough.

So…. what did I see on this trip? I saw flowers. LOTS of em’. What I found so interesting is how very much of the same kind there are to what we have here in Florida, but how different they look!

I was surprised to see sunflowers in Seattle. Anything to do with sun is not something you expect to see in the Pacific Northwest. (Though don’t let them fool you…. on the days where they have alot of sun, it is gorgeous there) The average temperature while I was there was in the 55 degrees and cloudy pretty much all the time, though usually this time of year it’s closer to 60-70.

While there I saw Impatiens, which grow there like crazy here, and Daisies, as well as Azaelea and Jasmine. I think the most interesting flower I saw there was a particularly large type of Begonia. Here we have them growing all over and they look like this:

This crazy blooming one I found is called “Pin Up Flame Begonia” in a local nursery on Vashon Island. These were gorgeously colored, large flowering begonias that I wished dearly would grow at home:

One of my all time favorite flowers which I saw in bloom everywhere there, was Fuschia, and yes, the plant is called Fuschia! Seattle’s cooler temps and moist climate make it a perfect environment for these lovelies. In Florida, they need to be babied with lots of shade, watering and misting during the hotter days… they will bloom mostly in the mornings and close up or dry out during the heat of the day if you’re not careful with them here.

In the pacific northwest, they just flower like crazy!

 Fuschia Flowers

On my next stop to Sacramento, I did see a local flower that we have here in florida as well, but I was pretty excited to see how different they are there. Hibiscus! We have all sorts of bright vibrant colors here in Florida. Yellow, Orange, Red, Pinks.. like these

 

Out west I saw some very different Hibiscus. Some were smaller in size, and very different in color. Like these!

   Hibiscus 'Heavy Metal'

It’s always fun to go visiting flower shops too. Just to see their designs and ideas. One woman was selling her shop and asked if I’d like to buy it. I explained as much as it is a beautiful shop, and I’d love to… Dorelle would be very upset with me if I chose to leave and move out to the west coast, so I’d have to decline..

She would look kinda like this at me:

Now go out and have yourself a fun, fresh, and colorful, wholesale flower-filled day!