September 11, 2019
I get asked a lot of questions about wedding flowers, arrangements, and bouquets.
Before I get into the details of answering these questions I just wanted to preface that I’m answering all this from my own perspective, and via my methods. Every vendor, florist, etc. would have their own individual answers and ways of doing things, so just note, this is my way and someone else might do things differently 🙂
Jenna, Amethyst Floral, Ottawa Florist
Jenna: I used to work for a planner and took a chance at doing my own florals for my own wedding that just so happened to be during that time.
My mom helped me and we had a blast (it wasn’t my best work AT ALL but I was really excited and proud).
A few months later I took a course and upon completion I registered my company and started booking couples. It was really all “everything happens for a reason” now that I look back.
J: My initial contact with my couples is via my contact form on my website. I have an outline of items that they might want/require for their wedding and this helps give me a “scope” of their wedding.
From there I schedule an initial meeting. This is often via a phone call, or an in person meeting. I go over the details, get to know the couple better, and really tailor what I plan to create, to them.
After that meeting I’ll send them my vision board (inspiration) along with their quote and contract.
I always give clients the opportunity to go over the details together, my style is really not hard sales which means I don’t book every client, but I book the clients that really want me to do their work and that’s what I really want.
Booking requires a deposit, which I think is an industry standard, and then we talk very little until a month before the wedding date. At that point I schedule a final call (if you’ve hired a planner I now do this with the planner) and all the final details are sorted.
Your floral order is placed a month before the wedding and then I see you on your wedding day 🙂
J: In my dream world you would contact me a year or more before your wedding, that way I’m likely available. The majority of my bookings come in around a year before.
J: Ask your other vendors who they recommend.
I can’t emphasize this enough, your vendors know the industry best. Your venue, photographers, bridal shop, decorator, planner, etc can recommend someone who will suit your style and needs.
You can definitely browse instagram, facebook and google too, great tools with no bias – but trust your vendors, you’re hiring us for a reason.
J: As far as personal arrangements go, think outside the box. I’ve made some gorgeous hair comb pieces, flower crowns, I’ve wired flowers to hats and to dog collars. What’s important to you? and how could flowers (or greenery) be part of that?
J: I don’t know if this is from working many years in customer service, but I feel like most people give a “vibe” and I’m good at reading it. I’ll also admit, my couples typically book me because I lean towards a rather boho and earthy look, so that makes it easy if that’s their vibe too.
As far as colour palettes go I am always throwing ideas out there that speak to the client, rather than “the latest trends”. I want my clients to look back at their photos in 10-20-40 years and say “I still love my bouquet/centerpieces/etc”
Plus flowers are kind of all over the place, I’ll throw some $ out there for work I have done, this is different for everyone but I also want to paint a clear picture for prospective couples whether you hire me or anyone else.
I think couples get sticker shock when they get quotes for wedding flowers, and I do hear “I’ll just get my flowers from costco” at times, but there’s more to it than just the flowers. I could write a whole post just about pricing.
This is JUST for the week of the wedding, I could go on forever about the other costs. (but like I said, maybe that’ll be another post.)
J: This changes for me on a seasonal basis. Right now I’m obsessed with smokebush (not the foliage, but rather the big floofs). This is because I love texture. You might be wondering, “Jenna what does that mean?“
Big soft blooms like dahlias and peonies paired with almost harsh greenery like magnolia leaves or olive branches. I love foraging too – you can find so many great textures right outside.
J: Always always always hire vendors that you love. Odds are they love you back and your wedding day will be SO much more special because of that connection. Seeing a vendor that makes you happy and excited just adds positive vibes (getting basic with the lingo) to your day, so remember to just listen to your gut and stick with vendors who make you smile.
If you want to book with me? Go to my Petal Talk form and fill out your details, you’ll hear from me once that’s submitted.
It’s honestly the cherry on top. Without kickass flowers, your wedding looks unfinished. Your photos are enhanced because of them. Your personal arrangements (bouquets/boutonnieres) are an extension of your whole wedding design, palette, and should speak to who you are and both your personalities.
Jenna is such a delight to work with, and believe me when I say she’s magical! If you’re looking for your Ottawa wedding flowers, you can find her at the links below!
Danielle, Danielle Aisling, Ottawa wedding photographer
To get in touch with Jenna: Instagram | Website | Facebook | Pinterest
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