So, by now it’s been well-established that I’m a shop dog. But don’t forget, I’m a BOY shop dog. Which means that not only can I relate to my canine peers, but I can also relate to the male humans in my life - and that includes the grooms that sometimes come into the shop. We do get our share of men-people who come to Bouquets of Austin. Sometimes they are really happy to be here. Sometimes they just want to hang out with me (and really who can blame them?) so I consider a part of my executive duties to be keeping them entertained. Not that I don’t like the ladies - because I do. I really, really do. But sometimes a guy needs a wing dog and that’s me.
When I hang out with grooms, it also gives me the opportunity to explain some things about how wedding flowers work. You see, sometimes brides and grooms come here and they know that they are paying for their flowers together, which is totally cool. And sometimes, one of their family members wants to pay for all the flowers. That’s cool too. And super generous. And sometimes, the bride and groom’s families want to split the cost of the flowers the way that it’s traditionally done. Tradition is a tricky thing because sometimes things change along the way; but when it comes to wedding flowers there are some pretty standard ways that brides and grooms split the cost. Most of the time, brides seem to know the deal (girls really know their wedding stuff, huh??) but the boys don’t seem to know a lot of the time. This is where my executive lab status really comes into play; this is how I earn all my treats (although I still insist that I am seriously underpaid in this regard). I can share with the guys how this traditional flower payment works. Here it goes:
Traditionally, the groom pays for the bride’s bouquet, all the ladies’ corsages, and all the boutonnieres except his own.
The bride pays for her bridesmaids’ bouquets, flower girl pieces, the groom’s boutonniere and all the ceremony and reception flowers. Not fair? Probably not. But this is how it’s done traditionally. But it’s okay to do whatever is best for you. That’s why some couples decide to split it more equally. My people are really good at helping couples figure it all out so don't be afraid to ask lots of questions!
That’s my tidbit of information for the day. Feel free to send me any questions you have and I’ll try to answer them the best I can. But do me a favor and put in a good word for me for more treats. Seriously. More. Treats. It’s the least you can do. Have a great week!
Murphy
Monday, January 28, 2013
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Trending in 2013
What’s New in the Year Ahead
Those of us who are in the wedding industry love what we do. We thrive on the energy of designing gorgeous events and we plug into the personality of the couple, allowing their vision and happiness to drive our creative process. And it is very much a creative process in our shop; one that is both very personal and individual to the designer and collaborative, as we enjoy working as a team and bouncing ideas off of each other to create the richest design possible.
Our design begins by meeting with our couples - all of whom bring to the table their vision of their wedding and all the pieces and parts that entails. Of course, what we have seen year after year is that these ideas are heavily influenced by the trends of that particular time. Each year, fashion changes - whether it’s incrementally or dramatically - and overall design, including wedding floral design, follows suit. So it’s no surprise that what most of us see on the red carpet is seamlessly absorbed into wedding trends.
This is exciting for us as wedding floral designers because we can anticipate what is to come; we are in the unique position of being able to watch the evolution of wedding trends in real time. It’s energizing to us to be able to incorporate these trends into designs that are still unique and individual so that our couples have flowers that are both on trend and in line with their personalities. Throughout the year, we will blog about the trends that we see developing month to month. So far, here is one of our favorite trends showing up 2013:
Black & White, 1920s Old Hollywood
Nothing says glamour like old Hollywood with its simple elegance and sophistication and we are definitely seeing a return to 1920s Hollywood glamour. That’s great news because this design can easily extend to many different locations, giving couples the ability to customize this look to a venue they love.
Vera Wang’s 2013 collection is full of black details - a nod to the current trend that we will continue to see on red carpets and, ultimately, incorporated into wedding designs. In terms of weddings, this means sophisticated black dresses, linens, and chair covers.
And for us, this means lots of gorgeous white flowers with simple black details. What’s great about black and white is that we can easily add a pop of color or accent it with any of the fantastic metallics that are currently available.
Ultimately, trends offer a palette on which couples can - and should - paint their individual expression of their perfect wedding. If you stay true to what you love, what makes you happy, and what best illuminates your personal style, you can’t go wrong in creating a beautiful day you’ll always remember. We’re here to help!
Images: Geoff Duncan, Jenny DeMarco Photography, and Forever Photography Studio.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Love Me, Love My Drool
Murphy Mondays
There isn’t much I don’t like about being a shop dog. I mean, what is there to complain about really? I get to watch my people in action making pretty flowers, I get two warm beds to keep me comfortable when I’m there, I get plenty of water and walks, and I’m given run of the shop to give a wag and a hello to people who come by to visit. But I’m only canine, so of course there are some things I would change. In my opinion, these are really non-negotiable because they are basic needs that every dog should be afforded, especially if they are working on the executive level like me. Here is my list of - I think - very reasonable needs:This is the appropriate distance the heater should be to my butt. |
Love me, love my drool. I am a passionate lab with a hearty appetite and an acute sense of smell. Are they cooking burgers ten miles away? YES. How do I know this? Because I can smell it. I can’t help that the instant I smell something delicious (or you open a bag - any bag, even if it’s not food - open a drawer, heat something in the microwave, make coffee, or just say the word treat) I start to drool. Nor can I help the fact that my drool will drip, continuous and uninterrupted, until I am dragging it behind me. I am talented like that. Quit complaining. Everyone is pretty good about grabbing a paper towel and wiping me up when necessary but when they’re not paying attention, my very, very favorite thing to do is to wipe my drool on them - or their stuff - when they’re not looking. It’s a good game. Oh, left your chair? Well, guess what will be waiting for you on the seat or armrest when you get back? That’s riiiiiight. I’m sly like that so don’t mess with me. I’m not naming names (Becky).
Treat me. No, seriously, treat me. This is very simple to understand. There are never too many treats. NEVER. TOO. MANY. Why are you people so stingy with the treats. Listen, I’m not one to wait around for my due which is why so often I have taken it upon myself to sneak out the back door and head on over to the vet’s office a couple of doors down. They have treats. And they are very generous with them. Especially for dogs who wander in lost and “confused”. I’m not stupid. This can easily be solved by my people providing the appropriate number of treats on a daily basis. Also, visitors to Bouquets of Austin are encouraged to bring me a snack. Things will be easier for you that way. I’m not saying that I can influence your pricing (but I can influence your pricing).
Take it easy on the cardio. My people are fit. They go to the gym and the shop even closes for an hour on Wednesdays so everyone can do yoga. That’s fine but why do you need to involve me? I’ve worked hard on this physique and increased cardio is messing with my hard work. My cousin Jennifer likes to take me on walks. I’m good for a mile but beyond that I ask you not to drag me into your obsessive behavior. I’m embracing my curves. That is all.
Make your decisions. This goes out to our visitors. Here’s the deal...I’m allowed to greet you when you come in but I’m not allowed in the conference room. Like licking you non-stop will somehow interfere with your ability to talk about wedding flowers. Sheeeesh. Anyway, my point is, the longer you are in that conference room, the longer I am kept in the back shop or in the front office and everyone knows that dogs just want to be where they can not be. So move it along people. I can forgive you if you have a lot to discuss. But when you come in with no idea what you like, what you want, or the difference between a rose or a hydrangea, well...that just makes me want to drool you.
That’s all for today. If you can start working on this immediately, I would really appreciate it. Thanks flower peeps! Have a great week!
Monday, January 14, 2013
Murphy Monday
It’s All About Me
Me!! |
When we don’t have visitors, I hang out with the humans who work at Bouquets of Austin. They’re all really nice but they don’t give me their food when it is so obvious that I am starving. And also that I deserve the Jimmy John’s Italian Night Club Unwich. Other than that, they’re pretty awesome. My owners, Stephanie and Looch bring me with them to work and I have two beds. One in the front office and one in the back shop where all the flowers are. I like both but when it’s really cold, I like to be in the front because Dara at the front desk puts the space heater on for me and then moves my bed really close to it so I’m toasty warm.
Becky is allergic to me so sometimes I like to get really close to her on purpose. It makes me laugh. I mean, come on, who could be allergic to ME???
So most of the time, when I’m not greeting humans when they come to the shop for an appointment or sleeping (or playing with my cousin Whiskey when he comes to visit), I stay in the back and watch all the flowers turn into really pretty arrangements or bouquets or boutonnieres. Sometimes they even make flowers for dogs like me - so pups can walk their owners down the aisle, or carry a ring in style. It’s pretty cool.
Me & Whiskey |
Friday, January 11, 2013
It’s Booking Season Baby!
Tips for super efficient wedding planning.
It’s finally happened - you’re engaged! He liked it, he put a
ring on it, and you’re happily ensconced in the details of planning your
wedding (an event you’ve probably been secretly planning for years). The weeks
flip past as you revel in the excitement and celebrations; and, before you know
it, you’re back in your normal routine - working, the day-to-day of running a
household, and the myriad activities that you do on a normal basis. Wow, you’re
busy. How do people fit wedding planning into their...you know...life? There
are so many details. So. Many. Details. “But that’s okay,” you think to
yourself. “I have so many months. Months and months and months.”
And this, ladies and gentlemen, is how we come to meet those we
refer to as LMBs - Last Minute Brides. How does this happen? How does an
otherwise organized, go-getter find herself so far behind on her wedding
planning? The short story is this - she thinks that she has plenty of time to
book a, b, and c and, then, almost without her noticing, the months flip past
and she’s scrambling to schedule vendor appointments.
Pretty Peonies |
You missed the booking
season, lady!
Much like any other industry, the wedding industry rides a wave
throughout the year during which business ebbs and flows. We have times of year
that are traditionally busier than most - and that is certainly impacted by our
location; while mid-summer weddings are quite popular in the Northeast, they
are less-so here in Texas where the heat is more of a consideration. Conversely
you’re less likely to see a surge in November outdoor weddings in the North,
while here we’re taking advantage of our spectacular weather.
March through November are busy wedding months here in Austin and
we’re fortunate to have such a long season. Wedding professionals across the
board are out doing what they do best - putting together fabulous weddings for
their brides and grooms. This means, of course, that we’re less available for
meet with prospective couples. Don’t get us wrong, we offer a variety of weekly
consultation times throughout the year, but our time is far more limited than
when we’re in the full swing of wedding season; which can mean less convenient
meeting times for those looking for evening or weekend appointments.
By process of elimination, of course, we are currently smack in
the middle of booking season - December through February. Our wedding schedule
is slower and we have much more flexibility when it comes to appointment
options.
If you’ve just gotten engaged and you’re getting married in six
months to a year, it may seem too early to start your planning, but now is
actually the perfect time. Keep these tips in mind:
Early planning means more options. We all have a particular
picture in mind when it comes to our weddings and we can very easily get
married to those ideas - pun intended. If you have specifics that you just
can’t live without - there is simply no way you can get married if you are not
able to stand outside under that tree
with that arbor and those flowers - then early planning is
imperative. The longer you wait, the less likely that you will be able to
coordinate every detail to your specifications.
Remember priority planning. We’ve talked about this before -
wedding planning has a particular order to it. Book your wedding planners,
venues, caterers, and photographers first - vendors that have more date
limitations because of the number of events that they accept per day - and
follow that up with florists, musicians, bakers, and more. When you book in
this order, everything falls into place the way that it should. Think of the
first four vendors as the foundation of a house; they provide the structure on
which everything else is built and ultimately drive the overall design.
Consider the calendar. When it comes to scheduling time with
wedding vendors, consider the time during which you’re requesting these
appointments. If your expectation is to schedule Saturday appointments with
wedding vendors in the middle of April or May, you’re likely going to be
disappointed. We want to meet with you! We just ask that you understand the
seasons and that you’re as flexible as possible when scheduling appointments.
On the flip side, we won’t be meeting with prospective brides and grooms on your wedding day!
In the end, will we take a LMB? You bet! We realize there are
many circumstances that can lead to delayed planning; and we’re always happy to
meet with couples, no matter how close their wedding - if, of course, we’re
available for their wedding date (if we can toot our own horn for a moment,
we’re actually quite masterful at pulling off a last minute floral
extravaganza!). However, if you have some time on your hands, do yourself - and
your vendors - a favor and start your planning sooner rather than later. And,
if you have some time right now, by all means, come see us and let’s get to
work planning an amazing floral design for your wedding. We’re ready when you
are!
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
New Year, New Shows!
Our scoop on the Bridal Extravaganza and how to be a great bridal show guest…
Me & David Tutera |
Becky & David |
Bridal shows can be equally effective for you. Let’s face it -
planning a wedding is time-consuming and it can be a challenge to locate and
vet a multitude of vendors. Having everyone collectively at your disposal in
one place can be enormously helpful.
Yes, yes...we know. But trust us - it makes a big difference and it can make all of our participation that much more effective. Here’s how..
Know what you're looking for on that day.
What many couples may not realize is that there is an order of
importance when choosing wedding vendors. First and foremost – after you’ve set
a date, of course – consider choosing a wedding planner. You cannot
underestimate how much help a professional planner can provide you – saving you
significant time, money, and stress. Next is your venue, which should be booked
before absolutely anything else and followed closely by a caterer and a
photographer. Planners, venues, caterers, and photographers often do not handle
more than one event a day so there is obviously less flexibility in their
dates. Once these vendors are booked, you can move on to additional services
such as florists (that’s us!), bakers, and more. From our perspective, these
details are very important, as the time of year determines the type of flowers
that are available and drives the overall design. The venue also very much
determines design and greatly impacts our delivery/setup schedule, as does a
choice of caterer and photographer. We work closely with caterers to ensure
that we schedule our setups for when the linens have been put down and we also
schedule deliveries to coincide with the beginning of photography.
Come armed with good information.
Having a strong sense of the colors that you want can go a long
way towards helping us plan accordingly. So it always helps when you have
colors in mind – and especially helpful if you’ve already chosen your dress and
your bridesmaids’ dresses. Of course, if you know that there are particular
flowers that you would like to use (or some that you definitely don’t ) that is
always good information to have so we can guide you towards appropriate
seasonal flowers. The conversation we have at a bridal show may be an
abbreviated one, but if we all use the time efficiently we can give you a good
idea of what you’re wedding flowers may look like and you can get a quick sense
if we’re a florist you’d like to work with on your big day.
Provide accurate contact information.
We know you would never dream of doing such a thing…but, believe
it or not, some people who attend bridal shows provide inaccurate contact
information – ON PURPOSE (gasp!). In the end, this doesn’t do anyone any good;
nor does it benefit you to opt out of email contact. Bridal show attendance is
an investment on both ends. You’ve invested your time to attend the show and
allow us to provide you with information. We, in turn, have invested our time –
and a considerable amount of money – to be there so that we can introduce you
to our services. When we return from a show, we compile the contact information
that we receive so that we can keep in touch, provide accurate pricing,
schedule appointments, and keep you informed of upcoming specials. We realize
that email can become overwhelming so, if you haven’t already done so, consider
setting up an email address specifically for wedding information. This way you
won’t miss out on gathering the information that will help you make the best
decisions for your wedding. And, it will save us – and other vendors – from
managing inaccurate contact information.
One of Our Table Arrangements at the David Tutera Dinner Presentation |
With a new year upon us, we look
forward to many more bridal shows where we can meet all of you in person. Be a
great guest and a strategic planner and you will dramatically increase the
efficiency – and enjoyment – of your wedding planning. And don’t forget to come
by our booth and say hi; we can’t wait to meet you!
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