Brides and consumers these days are savvier than ever when it comes to wedding design and flowers thanks to the numerous industry blogs and information available via the web.  I think it is a wonderful thing that brides are involved in the process, doing research and finding out what they do and don’t like.  Being part of the floral industry, having a Horticulture degree and a strong design background, there is still so much more about this industry than the everyday consumer could even dream about.

Sooooo, after being inspired by all of my floral friends from the recent AIFD Floral Symposium I just attended, I am thrilled to start a new blog series, Demystifying the Design.  These posts are going to be focused on thoughts, ideas and deconstruction of things you may not know about the floral & wedding industry, and things that explain design, how we make a living doing what we love, and the in’s and out’s of daily life as a floral & event designer.  I really hope you enjoy this… it’s a peek backstage at my crazy-hectic life I love so much, and I hope it sheds a little light onto an industry that only those who have been there and done it really know what I am talking about.  So here it goes!

Today’s topic:

By the Bunch

Did you know that our product comes in bunches of allotted numbers? Sometimes it is by the stem for pricer blooms, or groupings of 5 – 10 – 25 or a “lot” of foliage.  This is how we order it from our growers-suppliers and brokers for your wedding.

When putting together orders, estimates and creating designs, a good designer will know how many stems will be needed to create the design, and we can plan accordingly so that we order in advance and reserve these materials weeks before an event.  By knowing the amount we need, we tally up totals and divide by the number of stems per bunch so we can put together a floral order.

Designing in a studio such that we have, we don’t keep “inventory” or “flower stock” in our cooler because we aren’t a retail storefront.  Meaning, we don’t sell everyday bouquets; so when a single yellow rose is wanted for a ceremony, we still have to order the entire bunch of 25 stems from our wholesaler.  I’m not sure that a lot of consumers are aware of this, as most times they have ordered through their local florist or picked up a mixed bunch of flowers at their grocery store.

Hopefully you found this post interesting!  I’d love to hear questions, feedback or ideas you would like to hear about in the future!  I have a line-up of topics I’d like to share, but if you leave a comment here with a suggestion, we will be sure to answer it in a future post, thanks!

Hi all!  I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and are back into the swing of things! We just returned from a fabulous floral conference for the American Institute of Floral Designers held in our own backyard, San Francisco.  AIFD is an organization dedicated to the advancement of floral design education, service and leadership.  With floral designers traveling from around the world to attend, and the most fabulous presenters, we always walk away from AIFD Symposium totally inspired!  Here are just a few photos we captured to share with you all!

At AIFD Symposium there are flowers EVERYwhere, including the bathrooms.  Here’s an arrangement that was displayed in the hotels’ lobby.  Sorry, I don’t know the designer on this one.

We enjoyed a tour of the San Francisco Flower Market.  I tell you, we are so lucky to have the most amazing flowers here in California.  Others from around the country were gawking over the California Grown products!  Pictured above from left to right is Melinda Lynch, AIFD; owner of Festive Designs and floral instructor at California Polytechnic State University, Christin Henderson, AIFD; owner of Garden Grace Designs and agriculture teacher at Dinuba High School, J Schwanke, with ubloom and JTV, an online community for floral designers; Darci, a student of Cal Poly and SAIFD member, and myself.  J has the coolest videos and product ideas for those in the floral industry, check out ubloom and JTV online!

Succulent trays where you can hand-pick your plant materials.

Here is a design from Amsterdam native Rene Van Rems, AIFD.  Rene’s designs are European-influenced, and always breathtaking.  His presentation focused on “Designs Through the Centuries.”

Bill Schaffer, AIFD and Kris Kratt, AIFD featured an event geared presentation with the most gorgeous Red Riding Hood chuppah I didn’t get a photo of… it was awesome!  Here are a few floral columns they created for a Bat Mitzvah vignette.  I love the structure and the beautiful leafwork!  Their presentation also featured interviews with highly regarded event professionals sharing trends, new industry technology and vendor interactions.  The biggest surprise of all was their own engagement at the end of the presentation… a huge secret to all, and an entire change of scene known as a “strike” in the event world.  Very cool, and such a highlight of the events this Symposium!

A design created by Lois Hiranaga of Hawaii.  Lois was inspired by the rug hanging behind the structure, I think this compliments the look perfectly!  And so fun!

A bridal bouquet created by Pim van den Akker.  I love the shape of this, and learned a lot of new techniques from Pim’s presentation.

What a great and inspiring week!  Just being around flower lovers and designers is so inspirational and really re-energizing!  Until next years Symposium in Miami, it has been a fun one here in San Fran!

So, this morning I am going to get a little mushy on you all.  Last night as I finished up a batch of thank you notes to past clients I realized that we don’t always get the chance to sit down, count our blessings and share our appreciation for those around us.  I myself can attest that I tend to get caught up in work and don’t always have the chance to reflect and express my appreciation as much as I would like.

This morning, I really wanted to let you all know how much I appreciate you.  For those who have worked with us in the past, are currently working with us, or plan to down the line, I thank you for being a part of us, and us being a part of you!  Even if you just read this blog for fun… or live across the country…I get so excited to hear feedback, get comments on Facebook and interact with the people that keep us doing what we do.  We are incredibly honored to work with our clients, and knowing that they put their trust & faith of their special day in our hands makes us feel so special. When I started this business over four years ago, I had no idea what kinds of experiences-relationships-challenges I would face in owning my business, and I have to say, it has been such an awesome adventure and journey thus far!  … and I am looking forward to what is down the road.

There are so many positive influences in my business and my life, I am such a lucky girl!  I couldn’t even tell you all of the happiness, joy and fulfillment I get from doing what I love and it truly wouldn’t be possible without you all!  From the thank you notes we receive to our work being shared and featured across the web and world, I just want to let you know how full my heart is and how much I am grateful for you all!

As a wedding vendor, it is always a nice change of pace to be a guest at an event, and we were so honored to not only be a guest at Get Married’s West Coast party in San Francisco a few weeks ago, but we were also asked to showcase some of our work as well.  Get Married is a national bridal publication that you probably have seen on the racks… or watched on WE TV.  The magazine is loaded with great ideas and tips for your wedding.  It was a great party, full of delicious desserts, catering and inspiring vignettes!

Working with Michelle Barrionuevo-Mazzini with MB Wedding & Event Design, Michelle designed four table-scapes inspired by the most recent covers of Get Married’s magazines.  Here are a few photos captured by Michelle Walker Photography, hope you enjoy!

Summer Cocktail Lounge

Bright lounge furniture from Hartmann Studios makes a bold statement.  I love the white cabrio table!

Spring Table

For this space, we created floral pieces in the oranges, greens and hot pinks.  Fresh kumquats on the stems hung over the edges of the containers.  All three pieces were connected with steel grass to create movement and unify these pieces.

This table is so romantic, I love the flowing and pillowy florals.  Here, we were looking to create different heights of arrangements, but a “runner” of flowers down the center of this table.  I just love how it all came together!  The linens from Napa Valley Linens were simply stunning and a brand new line they are introducing!

Winter Table

This blue and silver table with accents of lace is so regal and elegant.  I love the place settings Michelle chose!

Blue lounge furniture {that I would love to have at my house} and fur covered cubes with a mirrored coffee table were so edgy and a great place to hang out during the event.

I also have to share this gorgeous dessert spread created by Sweet Lauren Cakes…tasty and pretty!

We were able to meet a lot of great new friends and contacts as well as work with some amazing vendors for this event.

Participating Vendors and Sponsors:

Host: Get Married Magazine Planner-Designer:  Michelle Barrionuevo-Mazzini, MB Wedding & Event Design Photographer: Michelle Walker Photography Venue:  TERRA Events & Gallery Rentals-Lounge Furniture:  Hartmann Studios Lighting:  Enhanced Lighting & Sound Caterer:  Thomas John Events Beverages:  Bartenders Unlimited Linens:  Napa Valley Linens Linens:  La Tavola Linens Photo Booth:  San Francisco Photo Booth Desserts: Sweet Lauren Cakes Other Participating Floral Designers: Mandy Scott Flowers, Poppy’s Petalworks DJ: Music Solution Disc Jockey Stationery: Cards de Luxe

We are excited to share with you our latest interview with the wedding website wedloft!  Wedloft is a great resource for brides and grooms planning their weddings as well as wedding professionals.  Check out inspiring real weddings, fashion and decor ideas and expert advice to help you through the planning process.

When Michelle asked to feature Botanica Floral Designs on their blog, we were thrilled!  She had a number of questions about our business and what makes Botanica Floral Designs unique.  You can see some images she pulled from our site displayed on their blog, as well as the full article by clicking on the image below:

Be sure you come see us and Sacramento’s top wedding vendors at the Premier Wedding Show held this Sunday, January 9th from 11am to 4pm at Arden Hills Resort Club and Spa.

If you are still looking for wedding vendors, or just started with the planning process, this is a great place to start… or finish your wedding details.

To view more information and to reserve your tickets online, please visit: Premier Wedding Show’s Website.

Hope to see you there!

You are cordially invited to attend a wedding showcase that will inspire and engage your inner bride!

When:  Sunday, May 23, 2010 Noon-5pm

Where: Scribner Bend Vineyards

For more details, and to pre-register, please visit:

www.glitzandglamourweddingshow.com

We can’t wait to see you there!  Expect great give-a-ways, gorgeous fashion shows, tabletop designs and the best wedding vendors for your special day!

This exclusive wedding showcase will be held at the beautiful property of Scribner Bend Vineyards located just outside downtown Sacramento.  Showcasing Sacramento’s finest wedding professionals, this event will be just as the name states, full of Glitz and Glamour!

Designer wedding gown fashion shows, elegant table linens and florals, ideas for the chic bride… you won’t want to miss this one!

In addition to meeting with Sacramento’s most exceptional wedding vendors, you can have the opportunity of taking home some wonderful door prizes and raffles just for attending!

To pre-register and view more information, please visit the Glitz and Glamour Wedding Show website.  We are looking forward to seeing you there!

If you missed out on attending the “Let Them Eat Cake” event this past weekend, it was an afternoon full of sweets, eye candy and a cake competition like no other!  Put on by V.I.B. Productions {Very Important Bride}, the idea was to showcase Sacramento’s premier cake designers in a Marie Antoinette themed competition.  Brides in attendance judged the cakes on appearance as well as taste!

Congratulations to all who participated, your hard work, dedication and talent was quite, quite impressive!

Check out some of the awesome work featured:

The event was held at Antiqute Maison Privee, a new venue located in midtown Sacramento.

This whimsical carriage featured above by can be rented along with two white horses from: Vintage Carriage.

Gorgeous cakes!

The winner based on appearance went to…..River City Cakes!  Congratulations!

Best overall table display went to…. Sweet Cakes by Rebecca!  Rebecca’s table was so cute!  From cake bits to white chocolate dipped apples and apothecary jars filled with candies, it was a feast of eye candy.  Signage created by the awesomely talented Stephanie J. Designs!

Best cake judged on taste went to…..Pastry Heaven! Congratulations!

Other cake designers who participated:

The Sweetest Things:  Lisa Marie’s cake was a tower of fondant which resembled a gown Marie Antoinette would wear!  Finished off with jeweled brooches, it was stunning!

Shelton’s Wedding Cakes:  This cake had intricate molding around the edges, and the shimmer finish was lovely!

Village Cake Shoppe:  This cake had an out-of-the-box interpretation.  Cupcakes were wired around the cake like a full skirt a lady from Marie Antoinette’s era would wear!

Babycakes Bakery:  This towering powder blue cake was also very intricate with detail and fondant draping!

Sugar and Spice: Carissa’s cake was covered in sugar flowers!  Much hard work and dedication!  Her table was covered in hand-made edible treats from macaroons to mini cupcakes with lemon topping!  Yum, Yum!

Music helped keep the fun vibe going, thanks to Sound Image Entertainment.

Gorgeous and super tasty candy display created by Shelley Larkin with Pizzazz! Event Planning.

Aren’t those linens pretty, pretty?  Contact Mimi & Co. to take your linens up a notch!  Everything they do is couture, custom and in-house.

The Calligraphy Girl made name tags for each of our guests to wear along with the sweet girls from Invitations Ink.

Thanks to Carmen Salazar Photography for the wonderful photos!

If you haven’t already R.S.V.P.’d, make sure you do, this event is going to rock!  Sacramento’s best cake designers in a competition that is Marie Antoinette themed!  And the best part?  You, as a bride are going to judge it!  Yes, you will judge these cakes based on appearance and taste!  What better way to celebrate a Sunday!  And, if you are looking for a cake artist, what better place to see all at once!  Here’s the invitation and information so you can check it all out yourself!

Sunday, February 21st

Antiquite Maison Privee

2114 P Street, Sacramento, CA

Admission $10 at the door

R.S.V.P. to wish_bridal@yahoo.com

Or call: 916.969.9721

See you there!