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!

Thanks & Giving

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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!

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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

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