Thanks & Giving

/2 Comments/in , , , , , , /by

Since next week is Thankgiving, instead of blogging we’ll be stuffing ourselves silly with all the lovely treats we’re all so fond of for this holiday’s dinner. I would like to give a shout out and some thanks to all of our friends, colleagues, clients and family who honor us with their love and support.

So… to “give” first! Dorelle & I give our highest praise to all the wonderful people that have helped us get to where we are today. Our families (who have sacrificed much for our crazy business), our collegues who continue to refer and support us. Our friends… because where would we be without them!!

Now… the ‘thanks!” In particular Corey Miller of Corey’s Bakery, Melissa Marolla Brown with Calligraphia, Lindy Long (Lindt Chocolates), Jennifer Fuller Cummins with Melt Away Message,  Beth with Honeymoons & Beyond Travel, Eric Abril & Jill Manthey from Yacht Starship, Jennifer Sanschagrin at 1930 Grande Room, Deb Kelley with The write one Creative Services, Jacob Smeaton with Music on the Move DJs, Yvette Rouse from Sarjade Jewelry, Barb Nelson-Fuqua from Barb Nelson stationary,  and too many others, to list here, that we consider friends through networking groups, professional organizations and everyday business dealings. We cannot thank you enough for being there when we need support or help, for a generous heart and listening ear and most of all for being the kind of people we know we can count on.

We are truly blessed with all that we have, the friends we share and the family we hold dear and most of all for each other!

Now go and have yourself a wholesale flower filled, fabulous Thanksgiving Day!

Small Budget? No Problem!

/in , , , /by

So! You’re planning an event. Most people pick a budget based on what they’d be comfortable spending as a whole for their event and try to work everything into that number. Usually, after the venue is chosen and the caterer is picked you look at the costs of those and see what you have left to work with. Most of the time what things cost is an eye opener, and sometimes makes it necessary to pare down what you originally intended to do, simply because most of us cannot afford a David Tutera type of event.

Now its time to look at flowers. You go on pinterest, you look on facebook, you do all kinds of searches to build a look or theme. The beauty of today’s technology is that it is easy do so, the downside is that more often than not you have absolutely no clue as to the cost of what you are looking at. When you find out through consultation and quotes, it can be a daunting task to choose which items in your floral designs are the most important to you and which you might have to let go of.

One of the things we always ask during a consultation is what is your budget. If you don’t have one, we try to determine what your pricing comfort level is. Many times we are working with clients whose budget is very small. But, if you are careful, creative and willing to compromise, your flowers can be done inexpensively and still give you a lovely look. Especially using Brides N Blooms, Wholesale & Designs, because we are a fresh flower wholesale company working directly with the farms, and we get your flowers in bulk at a lower cost.

Below are pictures from a recent wedding where the bride decided in order to keep her costs low, to forgo the bridal party flowers and just had her bouquet done. She chose her table decorations as the most important items in her floral budget. She went to craft stores and thrift stores to find interesting and inexpensive table decor.  (We encourage our price conscious clients to do that… the more YOU find and buy, the better for your budget.)  In the end her decor was very personal and unique, she was able to get a good amount of flowers for her money and she was willing to compromise in certain areas.

Wedding flowers do not have to break the budget, with a little bit of ingenuity these wedding flowers and designs were done for a party of 50-60 people and included table decor & centerpieces, cocktail tables, escort table & bridal bouquet all for $500.00.

Here is a sample of items from the event. If you’d like to see everything, check out our facebook page at:  http://www.facebook.com/bridesnbloomsdesigns

zpfile001 (4) zpfile002 (2)  zpfile002 (3) zpfile001 (5)

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Marriage doesn’t make you happy…”

/in , , , , , /by

Have you ever asked yourself what being married means? (Or, for the more modern and less traditional couples,  being in a committed relationship).

I always find people’s comments to a bride and groom very interesting. We always wish happiness, joy, and love. But really… they are all completely different ideas, and come from within, more than from marriage itself.  Happiness, as we all know, is fleeting. Usually a momentary event that comes and goes in between the daily grind. Joy is something that comes from within. Something that grows from contentment and peace in your life. Love… now love is a totally separate entity from those other feelings and emotions. Love is something you feel for someone else. Yes, its important to love oneself. But love in a marriage or relationship is all about giving, sharing, and doing for someone else.

Awhile back I remember reading a quote a friend gave me. It said “Marriage doesn’t make you happy. Marriage makes you married.” Marriage is a partnership, a team effort and just like with any team you have to practice. So for those of you who might be getting married soon remember a few things:

1. The more you give, the more you get back. That goes for love itself, acts of kindness, compassion and forgiveness.

2. Communication is key. Hiding or holding something back is like a little black worm in your relationship. Learn to say what you need to…even if its scary, even if its something you know your partner may not want to know or hear.

3. Learn about yourself and give your spouse space to do the same. You may grow together, but you are also separate human beings that need to realize you’re own potential and then you can value each other.

4. Patience… be patient with each other. People grow and change at different rates. People do the things they need to when they are ready. Pushing and trying to change someone will only frustrate you. Your spouse is a whole package. You cannot pick and choose the pieces you like and try to change the rest. Love who they are fully and compassionately.

5. Stay best friends. Always….

Marriage creates an environment in which you can choose happiness and you can create a wonderful home and friendship that will bring you happiness. But the institution itself—like everything, it’s what you do with it.” – See more at: http://www.uscatholic.org/life/2012/06/25-year-itch-empty-nesters-and-second-half-marriage#sthash.rX1jnhC7.dpuf
Marriage creates an environment in which you can choose happiness and you can create a wonderful home and friendship that will bring you happiness. But the institution itself—like everything, it’s what you do with it.” – See more at: http://www.uscatholic.org/life/2012/06/25-year-itch-empty-nesters-and-second-half-marriage#sthash.rX1jnhC7.dpuf

Being married should create the space for you to choose to be happy. It should create a place for you to have a wonderful home and friendship, both of which can bring you happiness. The institution of Marriage itself does not do that… You do.

silhouette

Remember when you are choosing the right spouse, Don’t choose the one you think you can live with, choose the one that you can’t live without!

Now, work together and have yourself a wholesale flower filled life.

Marriage creates an environment in which you can choose happiness and you can create a wonderful home and friendship that will bring you happiness. But the institution itself—like everything, it’s what you do with it.” – See more at: http://www.uscatholic.org/life/2012/06/25-year-itch-empty-nesters-and-second-half-marriage#sthash.rX1jnhC7.dpuf

A Great Team

/in , , , , , , /by

What does it take to make a great team? Who do you look for when putting together a great team? When you were in school, teams were usually chosen by who was the most popular, the strongest, the biggest, the scariest kids. Unless you were creating a Math team, then, those qualities didn’t matter quite so much.

Fast forward, you’re no longer in school. You are choosing a team. A team to work with, and a team to grow your success. Now who do you choose? The requirements have now changed, but, who changed the rules? We are still going to look for strong people (strong personalities, strong interpersonal skills, strong convictions) We are still looking for Big people, (big names, big followings) We are still looking for Popular people (those who have lots of friends, lots of connections, lots of personality) I do think that we have put aside the scary people, for the most part, but, we will always need an “enforcer”, someone who gets the “dirty stuff” done. When you are planning an event, you want a strong team working together to help you make your event the very best it can be, with the least amount of stress.

Below are some of our team mates, these are the folks that we know can do a great job, and play nice with others. (After all, isn’t that what life is all about anyway?)

Event planner: Brenna Taylor… www.an-elegant-affair.net
Photographer: Roger Slater… www.ccsphotography.net
Venue: 1930 Grande Room…http://www.granderoom.com  & The Yacht Starship (Channelside) www.yachtstarship.com
Caterer: Stone Chef Catering…www.stonechef.com
Bartending Services: Spunky Spirits…www.spunkyspirits.com‎
DJ…(We have a few that we love)… today we will only list one,  Jacob Smeaton… www.musiconthemovedj.com
Baker: Corey Miller… www. coreycooks.com
Linens: Custom Linens… www.customlinenrentals.com
Stationary: Barbara Nelson-Fuqua… www.nelsonfuquadesigns.com
And of course, Flowers…Brides N Blooms Wholesale & Designs, www.bridesnbloomsdesigns.com

Now, go, form your team, play the best game you can play, and have yourself a wholesale flower filled day!

keep calm and carry your team

Time and Design

/1 Comment/in , , , , /by

I think this week we’ll talk about time. I am intrigued by the ideas designers use to conjure up the ‘feel’ and ‘look’ of a time past.

We try to keep up with the newest trends and what they’re based upon. Lately, of course, vintage is very popular. Our last wedding show we created a beautiful table of what is considered ‘vintage’ looking items. But I wonder if I were able to ask my grandmother what her bouquets or table flowers looked like, would it even remotely look like what she had? I decided to see if I could figure that out.

So, here is the vintage table that we showcased at the latest Tampa Bay Wedding Show:

coliseum 19

Now here is a picture my grandmother at her wedding in 1934… which by today’s standards, would be considered vintage! Notice she is holding simple spray roses and greenery. There are silk orange blossom strands on her hat/veil and strands of pearls around her neck

001 (2)

It’s easy to see why items like flowing pearls, broaches with crystals & gemstones using white gold and filigree style patterns invoke the stylistic ‘vintage’ look of today. I would also venture to guess that it was not the common masses that owned much of those items, but what was shown in movies of that time or in pictures of the wealthier families who were famous then.

The 50’s retro style also seems to be based in a somewhat accurate replication of what was worn back then. Such as the sweetheart necklines, the Peter Pan collar & tiny rows of buttons on dresses, as well as the shorter “tea length” style dress so one can show off their shoes! Flowers were very traditional roses or carnations and smaller bouquets also seemed to be the norm. (though I’m sure the same was true then as is today, how much money one had to spend on their wedding would be a determining factor for that)

Here is my mother’s wedding dress which has the sweetheart neckline (though not as revealing as what we see today, it is the base for that design) and the small Peter Pan collar.  She also carried the popular smaller bouquet, though the long ribbon cascade ribbon creates a ‘bigger’ effect.

001 (3)

This style dress from the 50’s definitely shows the typical style of wide skirts, button rows, Peter Pan collar and shorter dress.

tumblr_mumrclmZiO1ql8nwoo1_500 (1)

I look at what was popular in the 70’s and 80’s and I’m so very glad that today’s fashions are much more elegant and sleek instead of the large poofy styles that were popular back then. I can only wonder what accent details and styles that are popular today will future designers pick and choose from when I comes time to label our present time as ‘vintage’.

Our last showcase for the year, 2013

/in , , , , , /by

For those of you who long to see, smell and feel the beautiful flowers that Bridesnblooms Wholesale and Design bring in…You’re in luck. Sunday, 10/13/13 will be our last showcase of the year… We have some incredible designer flowers that we are bringing to our table, some and see what kind of designs we’ve come up with to tickle your fancy.
We encourage you to come on by, it’s a FANTASTIC show filled with AMAZING event professionals. The entrance fee is only $3.00.

Big Event Shows   ***This is a photo from the last Coliseum show we participated in***
http://tampabaybridalexpos.com/
The Coliseum
535 4th Ave North
St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Date:
Sunday, October 13, 2013

Hours:
Noon – 4 pm

Coliseum Show

We hope to see you on Sunday, now, go, and have yourself a wholesale flower filled day!!!

PARTY IT FORWARD© A New Concept In Planning Your Event

/in , , , , /by
Co-hosted by Brides N Blooms, Wholesale & Designs and 1930 Grande Room

Co-hosted by Brides N Blooms, Wholesale & Designs and 1930 Grande Room

If you have not heard about Brides N Blooms, Wholesale & Designs Party It Forward@ A New Concept In Planning Your Event show then here’s your chance to read all about it! If you have… well then we do hope you will come out and join us for a great day!

Our company co-hosts this event with a different event location each time preferably with either lesser known hidden gems or up and coming venues. This time we are co-hosting with the very contemporary 1930 Grande Room.   http://granderoom.com

We are so excited about this location and this show. 1930 Grande Room is located in historic Ybor City, Tampa. Their address is easy to remember… 1930 east 7th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605. It is a very cool event venue with an industrial chic style and a great bar spanning the length of the room. Their secondary smaller area for cocktail hours and smaller events is located in the adjacent business next door. They are StoneChef Caterers, lead by the very talented Anthony Sanschagrin.   http://www.stonechef.com/

The show’s concept came about when Dorelle and I were discussing how after a big event is over there’s usually so many items that are left over like new and how daunting it can be for up and coming event hosts & brides to gather everything needed to make their event happen.  This includes the vendors, as well as the party items. Then after the big day is over everything you’ve had to purchase such as table decor, dresses, favors, etc.,  generally get shoved into a closet to gather dust.  Sometimes if a bride or past host is more industrious, they can get everything listed on craigslist and hope someone purchases it. We thought why couldn’t we combine those two ideas into one show. Hence our Party It Forward event show was born! A great way to meet the vendors you will need and have the chance to purchase items at discounted pricing that are like new.  All while giving  past hosts a chance to sell their beautiful party items and put some jingle back in their pocket! Reuse, Recycle… a big win in our book.

We hope you will ‘join’ and attend! Here is a link to the event on facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/events/532565216798856/?ref=ts&fref=ts

And while you’re visiting facebook, please ‘like’ our page: https://www.facebook.com/BridesnBloomsDesigns

In anticipation of this upcoming Party It Forward,  here’s a look at one of our previous shows: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dot_ps2mWk&hd=1

Hope you will come out and join us for a flower filled, Party It Forward Event day!

 

 

Random Thoughts…

/in , , , , , , /by

Every so often I have these thoughts…. You know the kind that makes you sit back and wonder if its you or if it’s the proverbial ‘them’. (I am still waiting to find out who exactly ‘them’ is…but that would be for another blog) Here are a few random thoughts and items that have occurred over the last few weeks:

1. If I really wish and try can I make my dog stop shedding?

2. Did someone actually ask me if I could make sure that if I order a particular flower it will be in the exact color that matches her dress and would I promise that it would not vary?

3. If I use the power of positive thinking hard enough can I make my hair stop turning grey?

4. Why is there a ‘national moldy cheese day’? Who thought that was something we needed to celebrate?

5. How is it that it takes 2 months to lose 5 lbs and 5 days to gain it back?

6. I am disappointed that I completely missed  ‘Talk Like A Pirate Day’…  I so would have answered my phone with a hearty ‘Arrggg’ that whole day!

Now, I’m well aware that we all have random thoughts that cross our minds… not sure about anyone else, but mine seem to do it at the most inopportune times. Like when I’m trying to concentrate on my work. Or when I’d really like to be falling asleep rather than having these ridiculous thoughts. I think its important to note that both Dorelle and I realize that we think a little outside the box much of the time, which comes in handy for design and flower choices… we do like to look at that as generally a positive attribute about us. I do occasionally wonder how much of that is a combination of a little bit of skill and our somewhat offbeat view of  the things. In any case… I’m okay with it and I believe our clients are too!

I recently saw this pic and I’m pretty sure that it is so for me… Dorelle’s pretty sure of it as well…

images

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now go out there, enjoy the humor in life’s random moments, and have a flower-filled day!

 

(photo courtesy of teleicious.tumblr.com)

A Bride Finds Money… Fairy Tales Can Come True

/1 Comment/in , , , , , /by

What a great headline, right? It grabs you and you want to know more, don’t you? Who was she, where was she, how did she find it, where did she find it and what did she do with it.

As all good stories do, this one starts with… Once upon a time… there was a little bride. It seems that this particular bride had gone to multiple traditional florists, one by one, with all her photos and all her ideas, but the poor little bride kept getting sadder and sadder. Not one of them could make just what she wanted, for just the right price.

sad brideFinally, a friend of the little bride asked her if she had called Brides N Blooms, Wholesale and Designs, in Tampa.  She shook her head sadly and said that she had never heard of them.  Can she book an appointment? Can she show them all her photos and all her ideas? Would they be able make her dreams come true? Where were they located so she could go and find them!

No, her friend said, you can’t find their “shop”, because they don’t have one! But, they will meet you somewhere that is convenient for you. So, the sad little bride called Bride N Blooms, Wholesale & Designs at 813-852-2052 and booked an appointment.

Ellen & Dorelle met the hopeful little bride, smiled at her sweetly, and listened to her as she sadly recounted all the huge numbers that she had been quoted. They asked her quite simply, what was the most important aspect of her floral dream? And what price would make her the most happy?

Then the girls from Brides N Blooms, Wholesale and Designs got to work on the little bride’s quote. They cut a little here, added a little there and they worked and reworked, until it was just right!

When the little bride got her quote she was amazed… how could it be? It was less than the lowest quote she had gotten from all the others.  Ellen & Dorelle had said, “Brides N Blooms, Wholesale and Designs has the word Wholesale as our middle name, so, you get to save money on your flowers!  Plus, we don’t have a “shop” so you don’t have to help us pay for our overhead and best of all, we promise your flowers will be fresh from the farms and designed to shine in your arms.”

happy brideThe little bride was no longer sad, she was very happy. She found extra money to spend on her honeymoon, got her flowers just right and had everything she wanted for her big day!

Then she lived happily ever after.

The End!

*now* go have a happy, fairy tale flower filled day!

Lemons and Lemonade

/in , , /by

Last week we noticed something… sometimes, things happen and it just doesn’t seem that anything is going the way we planned.

We had a schedule full of exciting things we were going to be doing, both in our business and personal lives. One by one, like the proverbial dominoes, they fell. A long time scheduled item was cancelled last minute due to weather and something else for a family issue, then one item just wasn’t going to work because of a scheduling issue, another had an emergency pop up last minute. Now, usually when this sort of thing happens, the first one or two we think, oh just coincidence.  By the time the 3rd or 4th domino was down and left strewn by the wayside, we began to think…is it us? is it them? Is someone or something trying to tell us something? Why is it raining lemons on our parade?? We began to say to each other there just HAS to be a reason why everything is just falling apart!? And after exploring any number of exotic reasons and wildly guessing at what the universe’s plans could be, we move on to how do we make the best of a crummy situation?

One of those events involved not just us, but a number of vendors, (though as it turned out it is not cancelled, just postponed, much to our relief)  So here we are… buckets full of flowers…what do we do with them all!!? Luckily, we were able to schedule one thing that we could use a small amount of them for. But, what to do with all the rest? (and there were plenty, indeed!)

And then Dorelle who, as usual, is the ‘idea girl’, finds the coolest ways to give charity. She had come across an organization awhile back called “Random Acts Of Flowers”. So, as she has been doing of late whenever we have a few flowers leftover, or designs that were used for a show and returned, all still beautifully fresh, she takes them and donates them to a local home for the aged. They love whenever she shows up with flowers in hand and we love knowing that someone is able to enjoy them. (Not that we ourselves would not, but we get to see fresh flowers all the time!). So off she went… with buckets to give!

In the end, we were reimbursed for the flowers by the company that had postponed their event, and though we offered the flowers to them to keep, they declined. I like to think the universe was wanting those flowers to be used exactly as they were, thanking us for being charitable and bringing some sunshine to others. As for all our personal plans, well… eventually we’ll get it together and try again, or maybe… we’ll just make some lemonade.

make-lemonade

 

 

 

 

http://www.randomactsofflowers.org/

Now, go make some lemonade and have yourself a flower filled day!

Ellen & Dorelle