Ask Nancy: Less really is more!

Dear Nancy

...What about the bride that doesn't want to DIY but is also just not that particular. Who wouldn't want [their floral designer] to spend more money to find those perfect sweet peas but [I] would rather [a floral designer] use [his/her] judgment to substitute something else pretty. Do you or other florists offer package with lighter prices for brides that are very flexible in what they want? Brides that don't want to pay for that exceptional customer service because it has no value to them?

Not -that- particular Bride

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Dear Not-that-Particular,

Thank you for your question. You bring up some great points.

It is my belief that there are plenty of vendors and venues offering reasonable rates. Believe it or not, even in San Francisco Bay Area which is one of the most expensive areas to live in the world, there are wonderful public parks like Shakespeare's Garden, restaurants like Le Charm, halls like The Green Room, private clubs like El Cerrito Country Club that offer very reasonable rates.

With regards to flowers, there are many talented floral designers. There are a few floral shops in the Bay Area that still remain in these tough economic times. With the the growth of flowers available at grocery chairs, there are definitely wide ranges and variety.

If you don't want to go the grocery store route, here is my advice:

Close to you, Close to me: Location Matters

Find a floral designer who's studio is close to your venue. For example, down the block from my studio/office is Dogpatch Studios. Because Dogpatch is half a block from my studio, we don't charge that much for delivery. I mean, it's just half a block. We don't need to rent big trucks. We are so close that I can walk to this venue. Because it is so close, we can also mitigate any problems. If we need more flowers, another vase, or a decor item, we have the luxury of time to go back to our studio to add things. Another venue that is very close is Axis cafe which is less than half a mile. Once again, our delivery is so nominal because we are so close to this venue. I cannot speak for all businesses but it does sound logical to find a vendor close to your venue so that it can reduce travel time and delivery costs.

Magic Words: Trust & Flexibility

If you are not particular, don't be shy. Tell that to your vendor from the beginning. I love it when I get a bride who is very flexible and when I mean flexible, you must be willing to trust your designer. Tell them to buy any and all flowers that would look the best in the color of your choice. If your colors are lilac, red, hot pink, tell your floral designer to buy what is fresh and what works that week.

Communicate that you are open to what is "in season". This way you will get something fresh and unique. Offer your designer the flexibility so that they don't have to "pre order" everything in advance. As I have said, if you must know ever detail and if it is key to have certain flowers which might be pricer than others, you have to "pay" for it. Samples cost money. Samples cost time. Precise and detailed orders take time.

You would be so surprised how the majority of the hundreds of clients I have met over the course of nearly a decade, usually are not flexible. Everyone has an idea of what they want. And there's always a list of don't likes. "I don't want carnations...hate sunflowers..nothing with a strong scent or too spikey...No roses...and definitely, nothing with a yellow center..." The list goes on and on. It's very rare for someone to say, these words, "I trust you". When you say those magic words and truly mean it, I guarantee that many floral designers will be able to meet with you. When you say the words, "I want you to pick what is right for this wedding" or "Buy what is in season and what will work with my style", you will find many more floral designers able to work within a small budget.

My first wedding in Martha Stewart was not a huge budget and it was so beautiful because my client was willing to trust me on the floral choices. She was also not very picky about the containers and was open to having me purchase some of them from IKEA since it was such a great price. Because of this, I was able to stretch my creativity and her budget for flowers and supplies. I used spider mums, pom poms, carnations to offset the expensive orchids, "jade" roses, and other things. On top of that, it freed me from having to "order" certain things and allowed me to pick what would work in her color scheme. My bride had no idea what the bouquet would look like. She gave me very simple instructions, "nothing ordinary, do what I want that's fun". I don't know if she truly "loved" her bouquet, but I do know that it was nothing ordinary and the bride was grateful and pleasantly surprised that it was outside the norm(by the way, it has been featured in so many magazines because it truly is one of a kind).

Avoid Generic Questions that include the word "Price List"

When you are emailing or calling, be upfront, tell your vendor that you have a small budget instead of just asking for a price list. Asking for a price list will not accomplish what you are seeking. You are looking for a vendor that a) is willingness to listen and b) willing to work with you. A price list is just a list and doesn't answer your question.

In fact, when I get an email from a potential client that just asks for a price list, I use to answer their generic question with a generic answer and give them our minimum. What did that accomplish? Nothing except that it made me feel that the client was just shopping and was not serious about moving ahead. Try to avoid asking for a "price list". Write a heartfelt, genuine email and tell them that you have a small budget around $xxxx for xxx guests and give them the date. Tell them that you are flexible and don't have any particular floral specifications. Tell them what you like about their work and then ask them if they are willing to work with you. And if not, could they please make some recommendations.

Less is More

If you really are not particular about things, tell your designer not to use expensive finishing items. For example, some ribbons are very expensive and can cost $30 a bolt(10 yards only). Instead, give your floral designer direction not to buy expensive ribbons. If you have centerpieces, tell them not to buy expensive containers. For example, square glass is slightly more than round, so go with ROUND. Right? If your budget is super tight, give them permission to get them from the most well priced resource. If you want julip cups, opt for faux plastic ones if you must. Whatever you do, tell your floral designers. Give them the permission to make the best decision whether it's less expensive ribbons, round glass or cheaper containers.

One Stop, Bigger Window: Time & Distance

This last one is something that people overlook. The more time you give a floral designer to set up the better. The less stops they have to make, the better. That's simply my last advice. Don't you think that if you made the delivery and installation simple, the price would come down. There is a wonderful venue in San Francisco which allows vendors to come as early as a vendor wishes. When that happens, you allow the vendor to have more options. The opposite of this is when there are multiple stops and very little window of time. Exact timed delivery and driving to multiple places is time consuming and stressful. That's simple what drives costs up.

Bottom line: Whatever you do, the most important thing is to communicate your needs and communicate them with confidence and sincerely. Be open minded. And don't seek perfection. Appreciate some surprises!