Floral design can play a huge role in the ambiance + style of your day, so we spent a little time interviewing one of our favorite floral designers! Take a peek below.
Tell us a little bit about yourself! How did you get started?
I have loved flowers and weddings for as long as I can remember. However, I never considered a career in either field until I worked at a weddings and events venue. It was there where I was introduced to the flower wedding world. I got to learn so much and truly found my passion. After roughly three years, I decided to leave to finish college. Once I graduated I figured there was no better time than then to take a chance and so I did. Haven’t looked back since and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made!
Is there a difference between a florist and a floral designer?
Lol! I actually had to look this one up recently. According to google a florist arranges and sells cut florals while a floral designer uses flowers to decorate for events. So I guess I’m technically both haha.
I know this can vary and be quite the range, but what is a typical budget for wedding florals?
We currently have a $5,500 minimum. Our couples usually spend on average anywhere from $6,000 – $10,000.
Weddings can add up quickly and looking to DIY florals is not necessarily a bad thing, but what are some things a couple might not think through when looking to go the DIY route? Any advice for someone considering DIYing their florals?
Ahh to be honest, I hate telling people what they can/can’t/should/shouldn’t do. I know a ton of creative people who definitely can handle it and if it’s a fairly minimal design and they’re up for it then I say totally go for it! However, would I suggest it as a first choice? Nope. I’ve done hundreds of weddings and I can honestly say that I still get stressed out whether it’s due to not getting in all the flowers I can, not getting in the right flowers, flowers dying on me before event days, shortage of time, delivery/setup complications and so much more. I know a lot of people see my profession through rose colored glasses and while there are a lot of great things about it, it also comes with a lot of stress and so much work both physically and mentally. At the end of the day I would always suggest every couple to look over their entire wedding and see if it’s worth it. Sometimes DIYing doesn’t actually save you much if you count in all the stress, time and also additional items besides just flowers like buckets, flower scissors and such. If you have the means for it, I would always suggest hiring a professional.
“Sometimes DIYing doesn’t actually save you much if you count in all the stress, time and also additional items besides just flowers like buckets, flower scissors and such. If you have the means for it, I would always suggest hiring a professional.”
Is there a way to save money on florals and still hire a floral designer?
The wedding industry is massive. There is a florist for every couple so I would first always suggest searching around. Most, if not all, florists have their minimum listed somewhere on their website. After seriously discussing your wedding budget (with some wiggle room) you can narrow down to a few florists that would fit within your budget. The best way to save money is really to start off with a realistic budget and then work from there. Start with must-have items and then add on additional pieces if budget allows.
What are tips a couple can keep in mind when trying to find their floral vendor?
Ohh I have three! First, look at their online presence and make sure you like their style/design. Most florists gravitate towards a certain aesthetic so make sure that aligns with what you like/are looking for. Second, check to see what their minimum is and make sure that’s a doable amount for you. Then you should reach out to the florist to get a proposal/communicate a bit. Make sure that they’re someone you feel comfortable with and can trust. The latter is very important! And if they check all the boxes then you’ll be in great hands!
What’s the creative process like when working with couples to bring their vision to life?
I always start off trying to gather as much information as I can. Once I get a good idea on how much information they have, I can then immediately get started on a proposal or ask more detailed questions that they most likely have never thought of/considered lol. To many of their surprises, most of them actually have a lot more knowledge on what they want/like than they realize! It’s just hard to convey into words sometimes so I also suggest having a pinterest board or even just a handful of inspiration photos. The more information and details they can provide the better!
Are there any random or fun tips you might have?
Turn your bouquet into a keepsake! It’s such a beautiful way to hold onto a piece of the wedding and turn it into a beautiful home decor piece to keep forever. You can turn them into coasters, bookends, pressed frames, and so much more!
I also want to include a little section geared towards photographers— are there any tips you can share with myself for photographers who are photographing your florals? What’s helpful to know/do?
First and foremost, don’t forget to share the album with your florist! We love receiving photos! And secondly, detailed shots are the way to our hearts haha. I love it when photographers leave room for detailed shots of the florals.
Where to find Kimberly…
Chloe Rose Design
www.chloerosedesign.com
hello@chloerosedesign.com
Instagram | @chloerose.design