Blush Botanicals: On Finding a Florist & Basic Flower Arranging

     Ever wonder how to approach finding a florist for your wedding or next big event?  Well LLLove got the inside scoop on all things flowers from Blush Botanicals in San Diego.  We love them so much, we hired them for both of our weddings (see them here, and here).  Alex and Brittany are not only fabulous women, and so much fun to work with, but they have an exceptional portfolio, and a superb inventory to suit all your floral needs! 

     We met with Alex and Brittany of Blush Botanicals and got a few pointers on floral arrangements and asked them a few questions:

     We LLLove flower arrangements using banana leaves, but never knew the proper way to do it, so we asked Brittany to give us a few pointers on how to make a basic flower arrangement.

How did you two get started?


Alex: Well, Brittany and I went to high school together, and we moved into together after college.  Alex worked in sales management and Brittany worked in Health, but we both hated our jobs - and we wanted to start something together.  We looked into the floral industry, quit our jobs, went to floral design school, and started selling wreaths outside of Rancho Santa Fe Mall.  We've come from very humbling beginnings, and it's just been a dream come true.


What are some helpful ways Brides or clients can prepare for a floral meeting?


Alex: Pictures!  Communication is key! Come in with photos you love, so your florist can get an idea of what you like.  Also having an idea of your budget is extremely helpful, so if you can speak to someone who understands the cost of flowers beforehand, you can get a good idea of what you can do with the budget you have.


Brittany: Knowing your look, commiting to a color scheme, and nailing down your venue.  Your venue will definitely influence the overall look and feel of your event.  Research what flowers are in season during your event date, so you don't get your heart set on a certain type of flower that is unavailable or will be very expensive.


What should clients know about choosing a florist?


Brittany: Definitely getting along with your vendors is key, and liking their look.


Alex: Make sure the florist has refrigeration.  Any bigger florists should, but if you are trying to cut costs and want to go with a friend or a smaller company, make sure they have refrigeration set up to store your flowers so they don't wilt before your big event.  Also, check their schedule to see if they have more then one wedding in a day.  And check their inventory.  Any florist should be able to make a beautiful arrangement, but see what they have as far as flower stands and flower holders, or what they have to supply with the flowers.  Make sure your florist has what you like in stock.


What is your favorite flower?


Both: It changes so much from season to season, but ...


Alex: Ok ready, Cafe au Lait Dahlias, I love Gardenias, and I love Garden Roses, those are my top three.


Brittany: I would have to say Garden Roses, and I love Anemones.

photos via here, here, here, and here

     Above all else, make sure to hire someone who shares and understands your tastes, and you know you can trust.  The florists are the professionals.  They are the ones that are going to be helpful in deciding what to do if the flowers you want are not in season when your event is happening, and help to select a similar look that will make you happy. They are the ones that will heighten your event with their floral arrangements and add a sense of rustic charm, sophistiacted elegance, or sweet and whimsical splendor.  Make sure to trust your vendors and go in with an open mind.  If you are excited to work with your florist and trust their vision, they will be equally excited to make the perfect arrangements for your event.




LLLove,
Jen & Jess