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Thursday, March 27, 2008

How to spend your hard-earned pennies on something that dies in a day: Part One

Who has the time to meet with 5 or 10 potential vendors to figure out who will be doing flowers or makeup for your wedding (which last only one day fyi)? Not I! But that is exactly what I ended up doing for both. I had a very specific vision for my flowers and a "didn't really know what I want but definitely know what I don't want" vision for my makeup. Either way, this resulted in a whole lot of time schlepping to meetings. First up, flowers.

As a disclaimer, I would probably have worked with any of the florists I met with. But I went with one that really latched on to my ideas (even though they ended up changing entirely, as you will see). For your benefit and resources, I'll review everyone I met with and go through my original and revised floral ideas at the end. And mind you, these are only my personal opinions and experiences!


Barbara Von Elm, Growing Wild Floral Company
571-236-4420
growingwild@msn.com

Barbara is a popular vendor on the knot and rightly so. She is very friendly and really works to stay within any budget constraints. She will be frank about what is and isn't available, along with what will be best for your budget. That said, I think she works best with minimal guidance--Barbara will discuss the "look" that you are going for, likes, dislikes and take it from there. It's very much an organic process with her. I did have a very specific idea of what I wanted, along with types of flowers, containers, etc. and ultimately it was a more modern look than what she is accustomed to delivering so I decided to keep looking.


Suzann Stotlemeyer
301-718-0280
suzannstotlemeyer@yahoo.com

Suzann works out of her home in Chevy Chase, designing florals for all types of occasions. She was a little distracted when I showed up one Saturday morning--she'd forgotten to write our appointment down and was working on a large order for an event that evening. Either way, we sat to to talk--Suzann is clearly enthusiastic and passionate about her work. She took copious notes and really wanted to know about all aspects of the event--better to help create the whole "look" for the wedding. She also brought up a good point about sizing the bridal bouquet--I am quite petite in size and stature, so an overly-large bouquet would look out of place and disproportionate. This applies to any bridesmaids as well.

Suzann took me downstairs to her studio to look at some containers and I got to glimpse some of her work in action. I wish I had taken a picture because the arrangements were beautiful! They were chock full of vibrant purples, set off with light green bells of Ireland and peacock feathers throughout--headed for some themed lawyer's party at a downtown hotel. The colors were just gorgeous and the flowers so fresh. Even so, nothing really "clicked" and I didn't want to decide prematurely. But I should mention that throughout my entire search, Suzann was the only florist to follow up with me after the proposal.

I have four more to go, so stay tuned!

3 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks so posting this! Do you have any idea of a florsit in the DC area that would work with me if I want just 2 bride bouquets and bouquets for my attendants? I'm an artisit and doing nonfloral centerpieces...but anyone I email says no. Any ideas?? Thanks!!

Monday, March 31, 2008 4:14:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks so posting this! Do you have any idea of a florsit in the DC area that would work with me if I want just 2 bride bouquets and bouquets for my attendants? I'm an artisit and doing nonfloral centerpieces...but anyone I email says no. Any ideas?? Thanks!!

Monday, March 31, 2008 4:14:00 PM  
Blogger jean said...

Hi twobrides! Sorry for the late response, but better late than never, no? It definitely will be a small order, but it can be done. Your best bet is to go through a smaller shop that doesn't focus on just wedding flowers. Florists that work out of their home (which there are a lot of) tend to go for the bigger orders. Contact some of the local shops around your home or the reception site.

Thursday, April 17, 2008 9:57:00 AM  

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