c/florists

Heard a bride say she wanted 'just a few wildflowers' for her wedding next month

I was at a cafe and overheard a bride-to-be telling her friend she just wanted a simple bouquet of 'a few wildflowers' for her wedding in July. She had no idea about seasonality or availability. It made me realize we need to be clearer with clients up front. A 'few wildflowers' in a peak summer month could mean a huge rush order or sourcing from three different growers. I now start every consult by asking for their date first, then explaining what's actually growing then. Has anyone else found a good way to gently set those expectations without sounding like you're shutting down their dream?

2 comments

grant.luna•4d ago

Heard a bride say she wanted 'just a few wildflowers' for her wedding next month

She was talking to her planner at the coffee shop and said she wanted it to look 'picked from a field, not a store.' It made me realize how much that simple look actually takes careful planning and specific sourcing. What's your go-to supplier for good, sturdy local blooms that still have that loose, natural feel?

2 comments

chen.james•4d ago

I bought a $300 'smart' plant mister for the shop...

It was supposed to keep the humidity perfect for the display cooler flowers, but the sensor broke after two weeks. Now I just use a regular spray bottle and check things myself... anyone have a simpler gadget that actually lasts?

2 comments

casey_brown•5d ago

Saw a hotel in Austin using dried pampas grass in every lobby arrangement

It made me wonder if we're overusing that trend and what other materials could give a high-end look without feeling so repetitive.

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grant640•6d ago

Just realized I've been overstuffing my bridal bouquets for ages

A bride last weekend said her bouquet felt heavy and awkward to hold all day. I watched her photos and saw her arm was tense. Anyone else have a simple trick for keeping things light but full?

2 comments

oscar144•6d ago

Update: I tried a new flower food mix and my white roses turned blue

So I got this new flower food powder from a supplier at a trade show in Phoenix. It was supposed to be a super strong mix for long stem roses. I followed the packet, which said one scoop per liter. I used it on a batch of 50 white 'Vendela' roses for a wedding order. Two days later, the edges of the petals started showing this weird, pale blue tint! It wasn't the water, because other flowers in plain water were fine. I think the dye in the blue packet maybe leached out, or the mix had something reactive in it. Now I'm split: was it a fluke with that one batch, or is this powder just too risky for light colored blooms? Has anyone else had a flower food actually change a flower's color?

2 comments

patriciabrown•7d ago

Had a customer ask for a hamster funeral bouquet yesterday

They showed me a little photo and demanded lilies and roses. The final bouquet was so small it seemed like a joke, and I nearly lost it. What's the STRANGEST request you've ever gotten?

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beth312•9d ago

The old library's reopening let me showcase native flowers in a big way

I was asked to do the flowers for the old library's reopening last Saturday. I decided to use only native blooms from nearby farms. It was a risk because some folks prefer roses and lilies. But everyone loved the wildflower look, especially the kids who picked out their favorites. A teacher even asked if I could help with her class garden project. I'm just glad I took the chance and it paid off in such a sweet way.

2 comments

quinn582•10d ago

Peonies from the new supplier just don't hold up like they used to

I used to get peonies that lasted over a week in vases. Now, they're drooping in two days, and I've had to refund three orders this month.

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martinez.blair•16d ago

My observation on the move to foam-free designs

It takes more skill to build structures. But the planet wins, so I'm on board.

3 comments

zara384•18d ago

When a client asked for blue orchids, I had to get creative.

A customer wanted bright blue orchids for a party last week. I used floral dye and the results were surprisingly vibrant. What do you do when faced with unusual color demands?

3 comments

the_jake•18d ago

Update: Compostable flower wrap requests have doubled this month.

Best suppliers for bulk orders?

3 comments