It’s Wednesday, which means it’s time for another Emily Plans a Wedding post! Yeehaw! :)
I thought I’d use the next two posts to chat about one of my favorite topics: flowers! Today I’ll introduce you to our florist and share some of my favorite personal flower inspiration, and then next time we’ll talk ceremony and reception florals.
First, I’ll come right out and say it: I like some unusual flowers. Oh yes, I love garden roses and peonies as much as the next gal (oh, do I ever love them!). I also adore ranunculus, sweet peas, dahlias, gardenias, and pretty much every other fluffy or ruffly flower known to (wo)man. However, I also have a sweet spot for mock orange blooms. Clematis and dogwood flowers are two of my very favorites. Poppies, camellias, hellebores, and azaleas will also, fingers crossed, be making an appearance at our wedding. Lastly, I can’t get enough of mixing fruit and berries with florals — some of my favorites are crab and lady apples, blackberries, and figs.
Two of my favorite bouquets: on the left, an anemone, ranunculus, garden rose, and peony bouquet by MG Floral (photo by Melissa Schollaert – see more here!), and on the right, an anemone, rose, sweet pea, and jasmine vine bouquet by KLF Floral (photo by Stephanie Williams)
Working with a florist who could source and comfortably incorporate all of these interesting materials was super important to me. Our florist was one of the first vendors we booked (even before photographer, I think!), and we couldn’t be happier with our choice. We found Elisabeth of Blush Floral Design through a recommendation from my planner friend, Candice of Jubilee Events. Elisabeth and I chatted over the phone about my style and some of my ideas, and I could immediately feel that she understood me. After our call, she sent me over some samples of her work which she felt matched what I’d been describing, and she was spot on! Her work is soft and sculptural and a little bit wild, but still refined — just like I like it! Here’s a peek:
All bouquets are by Elisabeth and from her blog. Photo credits: Charlotte Jenks Lewis, Katie Slater, Charlotte Jenks Lewis, and JAG Studios
Of course, I have plenty of inspiration of my own that’s been building in my Pinterest boards (in fact, Elisabeth probably thought I was a little cuckoo when she opened up that email!). Want a peek?
Credits: Poppy and cabbage rose bouquet by Lindy Floral (photo by Ryan Ray via Wedding Chicks); mock orange and garden rose bouquet by La Fleuriste (photo by Lori Paladino via Grey Likes Weddings); white sweet pea bouquet by Salt Harbor Designs (photo by Millie Holloman); dogwood, tulip, peony, and lilac bouquet by Michelle Rago (from Martha Stewart Weddings); dahlia, garden rose, jasmine, and sweet pea bouquet by The Green Vase (from Martha Stewart Weddings); ranunculus, dusty miller, anemone, snow hydrangea, and silk daisy bouquet by Mindy Rice (photo by Elizabeth Messina via Style Me Pretty); garden rose, rose, ranunculus, and dusty miller bouquet by Quatre Coeur (photo by Elisabeth Millay)
LOVE! I’m still trying to decide if I should go all white for my bouquet (with some soft green lambs ear for texture) or mix it up a bit with the palest pinks and peaches. Either way, I plan to tie some sort of pale blue wide ribbon or bow around the stems.
For the gents, I’m also undecided. I might just forgo boutonnieres altogether, as I’m not a fan of most designs. Plus, I feel like they start looking kind of sad after the first hug! If we do go with bouts, I think we’ll do a simple small white flower (like a ranunculus or mini garden rose) paired with lambs ear. I also love blackberries in boutonnieres, but worry they might smoosh.
Credits: Blackberry boutonnieres by The Green Vase (photo by Jen Huang); mini garden rose boutonniere by Shea Hopely (photo by Brooke Images via Southern Weddings); lambs ear boutonniere by European Flower Shop (photo by J-Anderson Photography); white boutonnieres by Holly Flora (photo by Steve Steinhardt via Style Me Pretty)
To finish, I thought I’d give you a few of my tips for those of you still looking for the perfect florist:
1. Ask those you trust for recommendations. They could be from a vendor you’ve already booked whose style you love (they’re at weddings every weekend, and they remember the good stuff and the nice people!). They could also be from a curated online vendor resource, like our Blue Ribbon Directory!
2. Don’t try to change them. Just like you wouldn’t hope to fundamentally change your mate, don’t expect a vendor to stray far from her preferred style. If you don’t like the style of the arrangements or bouquets in their portfolio, you probably won’t like what they produce for your wedding. If you’re unsure, ask them to send over some examples of past work that they think fits with your style, like Elisabeth did for us (make sure you have an initial conversation first, of course!).
3. Be realistic about your budget. Many florists post a minimum on their website. If your budget does not come close, don’t expect them to make an exception just for you. If you are pretty close to their minimum, though, it doesn’t hurt to ask (respectfully, of course). We’re going to come in below Elisabeth’s minimum, but she agreed to work with us anyway. Yahoo!
Check back next time for my ceremony and reception floral inspiration! And please, help me out with a question I’ve been pondering: should I go all white for my bouquet, or mix it up with a little bit of color? Let me know what you think in the comments!
In case you missed a post…
The main characters
Where we’re getting married
I go dress shopping
We choose a photographer
I ponder bridesmaid style
Mini food!
The music
We’re renting a tent!
Melissa Schollaert and Brooke Images are fabulous members of our Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory!
Oh you totally need a little color in your bouquet – something for the color in your cheeks!
I love where you’re going with your ideas, Emily!
Hi Emily!
All of these bouquets are gorgeous! I love the idea of incorporating color into your bouquet to mix it up a bit (even if it’s just a little). Pale pink or peach would be so pretty. And I love the use of blackberries in boutonnieres, but like you, would worry that they’d smoosh with a hug. Keep us posted on what you decide!
Liz
Will do, Elizabeth! I can’t wait to see how everything turns out, either!
Oh definitely do a little touch of color! Will look so pretty against your dress and in photos! AND- as a floral designer, I have worked with the blackberries before and the ones cultivated for decorative use are actually much, much firmer…not very squishable! Or even a little lambs ear with a few sprigs of fresh herbs, such as lavender or rosemary could make a handsome boutonniere! Either would surely be a unique and beautiful touch : )
So glad to hear that about the blackberries, Alana! I will keep that in mind :)
Your ideas are elegant and beautiful! I love color in a bridal bouquet – as a matter of fact, my bridesmaids will have a more monochrome bouquet and I’m going to have a large assortment of colors in mine! I want my bouquet to stand out. I think THIS – http://pinterest.com/pin/259660734735133192/ – is so brilliant. One flower that POPS. Then, it’s a win-win!
Oooo, so interesting, Madelynne! Love that inspiration bouquet you shared!
Madelynne Miller: Whoa! Love it Madelynne!
So excited for your wedding day Emily– I Can’t wait to take all your ideas and create the most gorgeous day for you! I’m looking forward to incorporating your dream flowers into the floral decor and then adding in a few surprises too! Love this post and fun to hear other bride’s thoughts on all your ideas!
I don’t know about y’all, but I have LOVED following Emily’s wedding planning journey. So helpful, and I can’t wait to see all of this come together!
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I’m having the same dilemma!!! But I’m thinking you should throw a little bit of color in there to spunk it up. :) I’m pretty sure I’m going to do the same!
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