Flourish - Wedding Flowers & Floral Design, Florist

What's in your toolbox?

I am inspired by another post I just read by Kristin over at Wedding Bee Pro. How cool to read some of the things that go into her toolbox.

I have been designing flowers for about 20 years. But still every event teaches me something new. Over the years I have learned so many tricks and tips that I could write a book! My toolbox list has developed from many, many events and many, many mishaps, problems, Oops and "Oh No's!".

Here is a look at what my tool box looks like. I like the open tool bag better than the traditional tool box because I can grab the needed tool and run. I can also see everything at a glance.

Now for the list:

FLORAL TOOLS:
2- clippers
1- knife
1- scissors
1- pliers
1- wire cutters
glue gun and glue sticks
rubber bands (great for gathering fabric)
Pipe cleaners (all purpose fastener)
Cable ties (I was once told "If it can't be fixed with duct tape and cable ties; it isn't worth fixing.")
Green floral wire
Corsage and boutonniere pins
Floral Tape
Water proof tape
Greening pins
Thin black ribbon (for boutonnieres)
Thin ivory ribbon (for corsages)
Adhesive clay (for sticking arrangements to the top of containers)
Floral glue (special glue that glues flowers with out damaging them)

CLEANING SUPPLIES:
Lint roller (Great for getting little bits of flowers and greens off linens)
Windex wipes (I am super picky about finger prints on vases and candle glass)
Polish wipes (Great for getting finger prints off metal vases and containers)
Garbage bags (flowers create and HUGE mess)
Tide to go pen (works wonders)
Clorox bleach pen
Shout wipes
Baby wipes (good for getting the dirt and grime off linens)

MISCELLANEOUS SUPPLIES:
3M hooks (they are wonderful for hanging items and not leaving a residue)
Clamps (the rubber tipped clamps are fab for attaching fabric to structures with out damage)
White out (In a pinch White Out will cover bruising on white flower petals with out causing further damage to the flower)
Candle Stick-um (Holds candles in holders)
Suction hooks (for hanging wreaths or flowers on glass doors)
Quarters (Parking meters eat quarters)
Double sided tape
Scotch tape
Low candle holders (for when the couple forgets the holders for their unity candle)
Water tubes
Glue Dots
Long lighter
Off- set spatula (great for repairing the icing on a wedding cake)

Labels: Sacramento, Sacramento florist, Sacramento wedding flowers, Sacramento weddings, wedding tips

Wedding decor A to Z- Budget

Series of topics about wedding decor, planning and trends categorized A to Z.

B is for Budget- Everyone has a budget. Budgets can be large or small, realistic or unrealistic, do-able or "No way!!" But I do not want to delve too deeply into the budget topic in this post. It would be too looooooong a post. Instead I thought it would be fun to offer some ideas for "fooling" the eye when it came to your floral budget (No- I am not going to tell you to choose flowers in season because haven't we all heard that little gem once too many??)

Have Fun!! Really- choose designs that are different, playful and interesting. Often times you can get a lot of "Wow" with out too much "Ow" when you are creative with your flower designs. Submerge flowers in a clear vase (pictured left) and float a candle on top. Instead of corsages give the all the honored women rings accented with flowers. Use candles floating in water instead of the more expensive pillar candles.

Recycle- Ask your friends and family (and friends of family) that were recently married if they have vases, candles or other items you can use in your wedding decor. Often times they are happy to get rid of the boxes and free up space in their house. If not, just guilt them into giving you the stuff.

Reuse- I love to re-purpose the flowers from the ceremony to decorate the reception. Some of my favorite ways to do this is: Use arch decor on the head table, use aisle flower clusters in posy cones to hang from wall sconces, aisle clusters can also be placed in short vases and used to decorate around the reception room, place large ceremony arrangements behind the cake table or head table. Pick up every single rose petal from the aisle and re-use them on the guest tables. Oh come on- I am just kidding about that last one. :)

Color- Use high impact color combinations. Hot pink, orange and lime green are going to give you a lot more visual decor than a room full of ivory and white flowers.

Image by Allison Stahl

Labels: Allison Stahl, Sacramento, Sacramento florist, Sacramento wedding flowers, wedding flower budget, wedding tips

Wedding Decor A to Z- Artistry

First in a series of topics about wedding decor, planning and trends categorized A to Z.

(A) is for Artistry- It is so important to hire professionals that have a passion for their chosen careers. Artistry comes from passion.

I love what I do. I love designing flowers. I have so much fun choosing just the right colors, textures, accessories and patterns that combine to make an event memorable. Every time I walk into the flower market I am excited by that week's offerings. Finding just the right flower to offset the chosen colors of an event is thrilling.

Beth with True Love Photo says I look like a five year old proudly presenting my treasured macaroni creation when I am giving the bride her bouquet. Truly, it feels that way. I love my designs and I hope my clients can see the artistry, passion and love I put into everything I create.
Image by Christa Hoffarth

Labels: christa hoffarth, decor, True Love Photo, wedding color trends, wedding tips