Flowers are big this year!

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Flowers are making a real comeback for 2014 Weddings.

There’s been a slow move away from the garden/mason jar look to an elegant rustic look for the less formal wedding.  Lots of bottles, candles/candelabra’s and lace in the table designs while using a neutral and muted palette, like whites, ivories and metallic golds while adding  a bold color like red, tangerine or indigo blue. Lush, soft and romantic flowers like Peony, Garden Roses,  Hydrangeas, as well as succulents & ivy.  This style wedding also has included in it, elements of wine barrels, custom wine as a signature drink, vines, foliage, and looser garden style designs. The look is simple yet graceful.

The 1920’s Gatsby elegance is still very popular. Blush pink, cream, and gold with a pop of a single color such as bright or hot pink, dark apricot or plum.  All white weddings in this style are popular, with lots of lace, pearls and crystal accents. A new request in Vintage style has been RED, and lots of it!

Other popular requests this year are flowers in  pastel colors such as peach/coral, blush pink, butter yellow and purple /lavender color palettes.

Lastly, hair embellishments using fresh flowers are everywhere. Hair Crowns, halos, and flower accents are all on trend.

  

From the  ceremony to the wedding reception, flowers are going to be a huge part of  this year’s weddings.

Now go and have yourself an elegant, wholesale  fresh flower filled day!

 

 

Clever Valentines Day Factoids!

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So! Its Valentine’s Day. I’ve been researching a few things about Valentines day and I came across a few surprising factoids!  (not that much of anything about love surprises me anymore.. but some of these facts made me chuckle nonetheless)

1.  Many think proposing on Valentine’s Day is cliche.  Apparently there are about 40% of the female population that thinks this is so. Well, in my opinion, if you’re thinking ‘how cliche” while being asked, then maybe you don’t deserve the guy who’s asking you. I would say who cares what the date is! If the man of my dreams asks me to marry him on Valentines day, then I’d be daft to think anything but YES!!  (Maybe the girls who think its cliche just haven’t been asked yet or if they were they’re quietly wishing their guy had thought of it)

Proposing Marriage

 

2. About 62% of men expect not only that they will have sex on that night, but it will be amazingly better than usual.   (Really??) Well guys.. keep your britches on.. because approximately 50% of women think not. And just because you give us gifts of wine, roses & chocolate doesn’t mean we’re gonna change our minds. Deal with it!

 

3. Men typically outspend women on Valentines day.   Well, now I feel guilty for just getting my special guy a card, some chocolate and funny boxer shorts with hearts on it. Do I need to go and buy an expensive watch too? Or an xbox maybe? You know, personally… I feel a little gyped on Valentine’s day. My birthday is only a few days later, so my frantic hubby has to come up with two special gifts all in the same week. I think it’s gotten a little old for him because now he just asks me “what do you want?”. (Quite the way to put me on the spot! Lately my answer has been anything diamond and please take me to Italy)

 

4. Men are needier creatures than women. Somehow I don’t think this comes as a shock to any of us in long term relationships, but yes, it seems that 45% of men are likelier to stay in a bad or loveless relationship.  Rather than letting go and looking for something better, they’ll hold onto whatever they have  so as not to be alone. That’s really sad. As a matter of fact, that is so sad, I think maybe the next time I meet an unhappy man in a bad relationship, I just might have to give him some fresh flowers… just to cheer him up.

 

5. More than half of the U.S. population celebrates Valentine’s. Day.  It’s a real money maker. Total holiday spending is expected in the 15 billion range. I say, save a little money and wait. Candy is so much cheaper the next day, Jewelry will be on sale, Flowers will be less money. If you’re having a sad, lonely or not quite up to expectations Valentine’s day, don’t despair; The day after go out and buy yourself a bunch of half-priced chocolate filled, heart shaped boxes of candy, some bling and fresh flowers and have yourself a spectacular February 15th.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now go out and have yourself a wholesale fresh flower filled, Valentine’s Day!.

Pick Something Memorable!

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We’re always looking for ways to create an ‘out of the box’ idea. Making a statement or something memorably different.

Here are 5 wedding ideas that we think are fun, memorable and certainly out of the box!

1.  A wedding invite with song requests:  Instead of you wracking your brain to give your DJ a list of songs that you hope your guests won’t hate, give your guests the opportunity to participate and give a song selection of their own! Everyone can get their own little tune in there, from the kids to the grandparents!

Wedding Guest Song Selections

2. Team bride or team groom badges: This is a fun way to help your guests get to know each other! Give them “bride” or “groom” badges as they enter. Guests can wear the badge so that they can easily tell if someone is an acquaintance of the bride or groom – it’s an automatic icebreaker, and makes for a great conversation starter too!

Team Bride & Team Groom Badges

3. Wedding photos with messages to loved ones: Have a relative who can’t make it? Create unique signage for your wedding photos so you can send them a special, heartfelt message from your special day. Even if they couldn’t attend, they’ll feel like they were still a special part of your day, and they’ll have a meaningful keepsake that will last forever.

Greetings to guests that couldn't make it to your wedding

4. Karaoke with your guests: Lots of people like to show off their hidden talents and lots of people who shouldn’t sing, do… that’s the fun of karaoke! You never know what is coming next. Have your DJ intersperse the dance music with some karaoke numbers. Encourage your guests to get up and sing… and dance along!

Wedding Party Karaoke

5. Pamplets making fun of your own wedding: Instead of the ordinary wedding programs that list everyone’s name and the order of the service, add some humor to your handouts. Have one with a funny description of the event’s proceedings, or a word search game with a small pencil to go along with it.

So... You're Going To Sit Through A Wedding.....

Whatever you choose to do, be it unusual or traditional, making your event one to remember not just for you, but for your guests, is one of the joys of hosting a big event, and seeing your guests look of surprise or delight is an added bonus!

Now go out and have a fun filled, completely different and memorable, wholesale  flower-filled day!

 

Wedding vendors-Price vs. Service

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We all have heard the adage you get what you pay for.  Have you thought about what it is you really want to pay for?

I would venture to say that in any given situation when purchasing an item, most of us base our decision on price. We can live without great service if it’s something we really want, though truthfully we really remember and enjoy the buying experience more when the service is above average.

When planning a wedding, where everything you purchase is so emotionally significant, I really believe that price should be secondary to service. You can search by price for a vendor’s services, but if they don’t show up on time, or the quality is less than you expect, that’s what you will always remember.

I believe there are three key things to remember about picking a vendor for your wedding or party:

1. Make sure your vendor really understands your vision and needs. It’s okay to have a budget, but be realistic about what your budget will get you and really trust that your vendor is committed to giving you the best services, and items your budget will afford you.

2. Get it in writing. A contract, though scary to some, is both your best friend and protection. It is a written understanding of everything your vendor will do for you, that they guarantee they will deliver the items agreed upon and you agree to the terms of the contract. No matter how many times you may need to change something, make sure it all ends up on the contract, and is noted by both you and the vendor.

3. If it seems like a deal too good to be true, it probably IS. There are unscrupulous vendors that could take your money and not deliver, or promise much bigger than what they deliver. The best ‘deal’ is a vendor with positive reviews to their credit or were referred and not necessarily the lowest cost option.

Remember that price is only part of your package. Quality and service is the one part of your package that you will remember.

Now go and have yourself a Quality wholesale fresh flower day!!!

Mother Always Said….

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…Do onto others, play nice, respect people, never call someone an ugly name and treat people with common courtesy. Doesn’t seem too difficult does it? Why then does it seem we are accosted by a barrage of people treating others poorly? On any number of given days in the last few years I heard someone somewhere saying something offensive or behaving badly.

When did we become so rude?

As  business professionals we work to make sure that we treat our clients with the respect they deserve and the care that is due them. After all, they called us to provide a service!  And we are grateful for their trust. I wish that I could say that is the case with every service personnel I have come across, or with every client for that matter. Usually if someone does something rude or says something hurtful, I have to tell myself  not to get upset. Maybe that person is having a bad day? Maybe they’re not in a good place internally and that will reflect in their attitude and manner. Though I think that could be the case some of the time…. I have come to the conclusion it is not the majority of the time. Our society in general seems to have become just a little less thoughtful and a lot more impolite.

There has been a number of times either at work or during  leisure time (whatever small amount of it we might have!!), that someone was exceptionally uncivil and for no apparent reason except that it seems there is no ‘common courtesy” filter anymore.

Why do drivers never  let you in to change lanes anymore? Why when you are in a fast food place, or a store checking out, some service personnel behave like they are put out to even be talking to you, much less helping you! When did we become the society that  doesn’t hold the door for the next person? (and I’m not talking about chivalry, which I think died a violent death a while ago), I’m speaking of the simple act of caring that someone is coming in behind you, so don’t let the door close in their face!

When did we forget how to say please and thank you?

You know.. I really believe that we should re-learn how to Just Play Nice! Exactly the way our parents and teachers told us to on the playground. I think a little more courtesy and politeness would make our everyday interactions a lot more pleasant!

Children playing together in a playground,

Thank you and go out and have yourself a polite & respectful, flower-filled day!

 

2014 Color Trends

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So… here we are! It’s 2014 and with the new year comes new color trends and styles!

Here is the color palette for this year!

I do like the Celosia Orange and Radiant Orchid color combination, as well as the Dazzling Blue & Cayenne. Creating florals for these colors can be challenging, but if you’re creative with  color blocking and flower choices it can really be spectacular.

Here are some flowers that I would suggest to a client with the purple and orange color scheme:  Alstroemeria , Mini Callas, Roses or Spray Roses

Purple and Orange Alstromeria, Mini Calla & Roses

Purple and Orange Alstromeria, Mini Calla & Roses

For that Dazzling blue & Cayenne color combo, flowers like these would work well:  Gerbera Daisy, Orchids  and Roses

Gerbera Daisy, Orchid & Rose

Gerbera Daisy, Orchid & Rose

Flowers go beyond just words as a way of expressing your feelings with those you love. Floral designs are like art, and speak to each of us in a deeply personal fashion. No matter which palette fits your taste, whether its a ‘hot’ color trend or a traditional tried and true color scheme,  there are flowers that will coordinate, enhance and make your event blossom.

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

Resolutions, or should I say Goals!

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You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream

 

 

 

 

Its a New Year… that means Resolutions!!

I like to think of them more as goals. Somehow it seems easier to reach, easier to start….  and hopefully actually achieve.  That achieving part… that seems to be the sticky point. All those good intentions when you start, sometimes just seem to end up in the ‘well that was a good idea while it lasted’ bin and then you never quite get the ‘umph’ up to resume them.

I found one way to keep the momentum going on some of my goal setting; One of the things I’ve learned NOT to do, is bite off more than I can chew. Though to be honest there are times where I just whine like a child  and mutter about how not happy I am that things aren’t happening fast enough.

Goals are a good thing. Goals that are way out past what may be achievable may not be so good.

I would like to grow our business this year. Thats a goal. How much? Well, I think a reasonable goal is double. How will I do that? The 1st step, make a list, check off each step, and hold myself accountable.

How much weight would I like to lose? 20 lbs. A reasonable goal? No!! 5 lbs? 10 lbs? I think that is a more reasonable goal.

I would like to give more charity… it makes me feel good to do that. Brides N Blooms Wholesale gives flowers away on a regular basis to a local adult facility and to the company “Random Acts of Flowers”, but I would like to give more personally too!

Are there other goals/resolutions I would like to make? Sure!! But lets take things one step at a time and not to fly out of the gate so fast. I think those three goals are a good enough start for me! Now lets get crackin!

Random Acts of Flowers Thank You to Brides N Blooms, Wholesale Division

Don't forget you are what you eat...

 

 

 

 

Now go out and have yourself a flower filled, goal oriented day!

New Year Traditions

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In Florida, and pretty much the whole USA, New Years Eve is celebrated with friends and family, food and drink, a toast to ring in the new year, A kiss to commemorate what will be and watching the countdown at Times Square.

I thought it might be fun to see how the rest of the world celebrates New Years!

  • In China, firecrackers were believed to rout the forces of darkness and so they continue the tradition.
  • Italians let their church bells peal.
  • The Swiss beat drums and drop dollops of whipped cream on the floor (and allowed to remain there), symbolizing the richness of the year to come.
  • The tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight comes from Spain.
  • The Dutch eat fritters called olie bollen, or any ring-shaped treat (such as a donut) to symbolize “coming full circle” and leads to good fortune.
  • In England a mulled cider type drink, called Wassail is a holiday tradition. It usually contains fruit juices, cinnamon, cloves and other spices
  • The spiced “hot pot” is the Scottish version of Wassail. It’s customary to drink a glass or two at home before sharing with neighbors. They also follow the custom of first-footing which is an important part of the celebration of Hogmanay, or New Year’s Eve Day.

These traditions still carry on:

  • Christian churches hold “watch-night” services, a custom that began in 1770 at Old St. Georges Methodist Church in Philadelphia.
  • The practice of making New Year’s resolutions, is said to have begun with the Babylonians as early as 2600 B.C. It is another way to reflect on the past and plan ahead.

And what would a blog like this be without uncovering a few rather odd New Years Traditions:

  • In downtown Johannesburg, South Africa, locals throw old appliances out the window.
  • Columbia, South America, hoping for a travel-filled year, residents tote empty suitcases around the block.
  • In Japan the faithful wear a costume of the next year’s zodiac animal to the local temple, where bells chime a sacred 108 times
  • In Denmark locals ring in the New Year by hurling old plates and glasses against the doors of friends’ and relatives’ houses. They also stand on chairs and then jump off them together at midnight. Leaping into January is supposed to banish bad spirits and bring good luck.
  • In the south american countries of Brazil Ecuador, Bolivia and Venezuala it is considered lucky to wear special underwear on New Year’s Eve; in some large city markets, vendors start displaying brightly colored underpants a few days before the holiday. The most popular colors are red and yellow: red is supposed to bring love in the coming year, and yellow is supposed to bring money.

Whichever way you celebrate and whatever your traditions, We girls at Brides N Blooms, Wholesale & Designs will raise a glass and toast to the New Year, wishing everyone a year of joy, happiness, peace, prosperity, good health and good cheer.

Listen to Auld Lang Syne – a beautiful version by Mairi Campbell

 http://designlap.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/happy-new-year-6-rose-candle-night3.jpg

 Now go out and have yourself a flower-filled New Year!

Christmas in Florida

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You know… Both of us girls at Brides N Blooms Wholesale & Designs have been living here in the Tampa Bay Area for many years. We both are originally from New York, though one of us is from the ‘city’ and the other is from farther northwest into the state.  I have to say that spending a winter in Florida is a culture shock. It’s one that even after all these long years, still makes us shake our heads in wonder.

Here are a few things that will always amuse us:

  • Palm trees with christmas lights (this will always make me giggle)
  • Big blow up Santa’s on a front lawn that is still green
  • Lights that are supposed to resemble ice crystals (Thank goodness they are not real!!)
  • Fake snow (We live in Florida to escape the scourge of snow) and then we pay for the opportunity to play in it.
  • Boat flotillas all decorated for the holiday (A party in 70 degree weather on a boat is fun, a party on a boat in 20 degree weather is not)
  • Christmas ornaments that look like flamingos or gators, or Santa in swim trunks (They are incredibly cute, but still make me raise an eyebrow)

I think we here in the Sunshine State know just how silly we appear to those who are experiencing that traditional “White Christmas”, but the truth is… we don’t care! We love our flip flops and darn it, no Christmas day cold snap is going to make us take them off!

I say, lets revel in our warm air while those up in the northern climates are bundling up! let’s decorate that lawn flamingo with all the lights it can hold! Let’s plant those poinsettias we’ve bought because, yes, they will grow here!

And last but not least, lets leave Santa a little bit of orange juice and a pair of sunglasses when he stops by on Christmas Eve!

Wishing you all, our dear readers, a very happy Holiday Season and a Wonderful New Year!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFhcMIXVNJQ

 

Boat with christmas lights, palm trees & dolphins too!

Poinsettias and Christmas

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So… how exactly did the Poinsettia become associated with the Christmas holiday?  I wondered, so I did a little research! Here’s what I found…

Poinsettia plants are native to Central America… mostly in the area of southern Mexico known as ‘Taxco del Alarcon’ is where they grow and flower in winter. The ancient Aztecs called them ‘cuetlaxochitl’ and they had many uses for them. Two important ones were the use of the flowers (actually it is not so much as a flower as the special types of leaves known as bracts). One was to make purple dye for clothes and cosmetics and the other is the milky white sap was made into a medicine to treat fevers. (Today the sap is called latex!)

Poinsettias didn’t arrive in the United States until 1828 when the plants namesake, the first U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Dr. Joel Roberts Poinsett brought them here. After discovering it in the wilderness in southern Mexico, Dr. Poinsett, who dabbled in botony, sent cuttings of the plant back to his home in South Carolina.  While it didn’t gain much attention at first, its popularity caught on over the years, and by the 20th century it became a holiday mainstay. So much so, that there is now a National Poinsettia Day which is celebrated on Dec. 12, to honor both the plant and the man who brought it to America.

Okay…  But what does any of this have to do with Poinsettia being associated with Christmas? Well… I’ll tell you!

According to one interpretation, the plant is as a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem, the heavenly body that led the three magi, (wise men), to the place where Christ was born. There is also a Mexican legend which tells of a small girl named Pepita, who could only afford to offer weeds as a gift to Jesus on Christmas Eve. When she brought the weeds into a church, they blossomed into the beautiful red plants we know as poinsettias, ( also known as Flores de Noche Buena in Mexico, which is Spanish for “flowers of the holy night”).

Whether the Poinsettia has a special connection for you with the season or if you believe the story or not,  it makes no matter. I say, lets just choose to admire the vibrant colors this plant shows off at this special time of the year and enjoy!

Red, White & Pink Poinsettias

Brides N Blooms Wholesale & Design is offering some of these beautiful poinsettias at a great price. If you are local to the Tampa Bay Area, call today and find out how to get yours! 813.852.2052

Now go and have yourself a wholesale holiday poinsettia and fresh flower filled day!