Ask Nancy: Facing Tough Times

This was one of my favorite posts from last year.  I hope that with the stabilizing of our financial markets, our attitude is changing.  For many of you, I certainly think the worse is over.    However, I think the lessons from this article can still apply today no matter what is happening.  Do you agree?


Indulge me by letting me rerun one of my favorite posts on Facing Tough Times.

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How do you drum up business? How do you keep one's business healthy during the economy? Why is one business doing well while another equal business is suffering?

I'm not sure I'll answer all the questions but the first, most important thing to do in drumming your business is this

Client Service is Key
Making sure that I take care of my clients is #1. And I use the term clients very loosely. A client to me could be a vendor, a direct customer(bride, groom, MOB), a purchasing agent, an editorial vehicle, a neighbor, a venue, etc.

Treating my best clients with remarkable service has helped me to stay afloat during difficult times. There is a saying, "don't bite the hand that feeds you". It's true. The better I service my top clients, the better the health of my business. This also means going beyond. Doing a little something extra. (ps - At this wedding, we ended up with 2 dozen extra roses. We decided to add a few to the chairs - it didn't cost the bride a thing but it was a nice addition to these white folding chairs.)

Market Your Brand
For me, keeping my website, blog, and marketing fresh have always been key. The key word is FRESH. I'm changing my website almost 4 times a year. My blog is updated 3 times a week and I also facebook and twitter. Even during consultations, we are working on our branding. For example, we make sure at the end of a floral consultation meeting to give potential clients some of our great postcards so that they can pass it on.

In this day and age, how can anyone in this visual world not have a #1 credible, visually impactful website, #2 informative blog and #3 distinctive brand.

You must manage your brand. No if's about it.(Of course this is assuming that you have a brand....if you don't have a brand, you should start doing some research on how to build a brand).

In the Spotlight - PR is KING.
Being in the media is important. Whether it is magazine features, blogs, public appearances, these are all part of marketing. And it's not good enough to be just in magazines. It's not good to just do blogging. You need a mix of all. Your name needs to be fresh on several of these community websites for brides/grooms like The Knot, Project Wedding, Wedding Wire, yelp.com as well as magazines, blogs, etc.

Try to get your real weddings featured which shows off your actual work. The biggest compliment that you can give your clients and your vendor buddies is a real wedding feature. It also is good for your pending clients. It helps to affirm that you are not only legitimate but also that your work stands out. What bride doesn't want to work with a vendor who's in national publications consistently.

It is also good to vary your exposure so that you aren't just in one publication over and over again. Many photographers I know just want to be in a few of the top publications. Well, that's great and all but it's very difficult to put your eggs all in one basket...right? Mix it up by being in local, smaller publications as well as in national ones. There's so many magazines - why stick to only one or two.

Be Known as an Expert
If you believe yourself to be a leader in the field, then make sure your expert opinions are featured. You can give advice on your own blog. I'm doing it right now!!! You can also help other blogs and magazines by sending them tips. This is a great year for tips. Boy, brides and grooms need all the tips to cut costs, DIY, etc. Don't be afraid - you are an expert so go for it. Give your opinion.

Don't be Passive or Reactive, Stay Ahead
Magazine work is so necessary yet it's only for the few. Large spreads in many of the top magazines are in house productions unless you feel that you can pull off your own "photo shoot". Remember that English proverb, "if the mountain won't come to Mohammed, Mohammed must go to the mountain." Well, if you don't get features, then do your own. Put it on your blog. If you don't have one. Submit it to a blog that is looking for a feature that you are doing. Of course, be prepared for rejection. Not all magazine may want it. It's the chance you take but you've got to start somewhere.

The point is, you can't get business unless you actively seek it. You can't get features, until you active pitch them. You want to generate excitement, do something about it.

I have this great story about Michelle of MB Weddings and Beverly of Especially Yours. I hope they aren't embarrassed that I mention this.

These two vendors are some of the most persistent, savvy, and assertive pros I know. Instead of getting brides to find them, they went out to find the business. A couple years back they started Promises & Pearls. They wanted to create an event for brides that showcased their work along with other professionals in a cocktail like party environment with great gift bags, good food all set in a non pressured venue.

I love that they did this together and included a slew of other rising stars. Instead of brides looking for vendors, they identified an opportunity to bring clients to them and that's smart!

It's really paid off because these are two of the rising stars in the wedding business and in this environment they are surviving quite well because they aren't passive. Action is required during difficult times. You can't sit and wait for someone or something to come to you. As a business owner, you've got to get the business.

Make a Plan, Readjust and Change if Necessary but Have a PLAN.
Of course you can't get there if you don't create a plan. You must have a plan. This is not like throwing darts and honestly, many many people treat it like a random thing. PR is never random. Marketing is never a crap shoot. I consult with new business owners and I find most of them don't have a plan. They just do as they go. Nothing wrong with this but if you don't have a plan during economic downturn, oops - it's like driving without a map. You may find your destination but you sure will be frustrated and possible late in getting there.

Stay Busy. Work is good.
I'm not saying that everyone should work for nothing. I'm just saying that working is better than not working. I know that many people feel that some jobs aren't worth it. There are definitely exceptions but in this economy do what you need to do not to hurt your long term goals while still being able to sustain a livelihood.

If you have enough to sustain your business, then you can be a little choosy but even businesses who are successful during this time, don't turn down opportunities unless they are fully booked. I know that we can't do more business on days and weeks in which we have large projects but we can take on midweek projects. We can make exceptions even if we have minimums. We do take on projects that under different times we probably won't. Why....because I feel that it's important to still remain working. When people see that we are in business, it gives them confidence. This means swallowing my pride at times and taking on a small project but so what? It keeps my staff fresh and it allows me to work without damaging my long term position. It gives me another opportunity to show my work to other vendors.

Get the job only if it's worth it and you need it.

Once again, there are jobs not worth it. Of course, pass. You have my blessings on that. But work through even very difficult projects. I know that I took on some really difficult challenges this year. It's stressful but in the end I'm really glad.

Also staying business could also mean, helping other wedding vendors. Work is work. It keeps you in the loop and you can help a few vendor in trouble. It's a win win!

Learn the Art of Sourcing
One way to remain profitable is to source better. This is something that we have to learn quickly. Your business advantage over your competition should be your costs. Whenever possible you must find better sources for your products, supplies, and services. We have to get the most and the best from our suppliers. If you know that two very similar floral vendors have hydrangea. Buy your hydrangea from the source that gives you the best price and the best product. I've been getting my hydrangeas by the bunch 20% lower from one supplier. You bet, I'm giving them large orders to ensure that I get the best price. This year, I've found so many great on line resources for lanterns, candles, and other things. I'm taking advantage of free shipping at times. Instead of being local from my suppliers, I'm really doing my research. Yes, it's a little more work but I can pass the savings to my clients! We all benefit from that.

Getting the most out of your Staff
We are in an industry in which people are key. I've got the best staff there is. They are hardworking, dedicated and intensely loyal. Very few members are getting raises but I'm definitely rewarding those who go the extra mile and I'm doing everything I can to make their jobs easy. Little things make a difference. Saying thank you. Writing follow up notes. Spending extra time working with them. And most importantly, working in a team mentality.

Bottom line: wherever you are in your business, don't lose hope. Remain positive. Change can start as soon as tomorrow. Even if we take a small step, at least it is a step!

Floral Inspirations: Holly Chapple

While I am on vacation, I've asked a few of my wedding buddies to help me with the blog.  Our guest blogger today is Holly H. Chapple, floral QUEEN.  I first encountered Holly via Twitter(and the mystery of the Web)and then this spring, I met this awesome lady at Wedding 360's The Academy.  If I am short in stature, Holly is tall and towers above me.  Though we might represent the tall and the short, we both share one thing:  Passion & Heart.  I love people with passion and heart.  People who are excited about what they do are important to keep around because you never know when you need a boost or a lift.  From The Academy I also met Amy M. of Hidden Garden and Clarissa of JL Designs.  These three ladies all have a great sense of style(uniquely theirs,)and a penchant for running a tight business.  Recently when I needed help, I quickly emailed these three floral buddies.  Though we run different businesses, I learn so much for these strong women.  Holly, thanks for sharing with us.

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I thought it would be fun to share with you these images that one of my wholesalers just sent over. These photographs are of the growing fields in Holland. Do you see your bridal bouquet in these fields, believe it or not, I can.

Inspirations: Beach Hues

Obviously, I'm feeling inspired by the ocean, the sky, the beach.  Everyone does a typical beach style wedding but this inspiration board caught my eye.

It's from Snippet & Ink and you know how I luv Kathryn's original style and keen editing eye.

This is incredibly soothing, fresh, calming, and serene.  Can't you see yourself getting hitched?

There's something so pure about this color combination of sand, surf, seabreeze, and shell.  I especially love the cupcake with the coconut shavings, the vintage water glass, and the tiny dot cutouts that are subtle but rich.  Swooning right now...don't worry, I'm already horizontal on a beach lounger so when I hit the soft sand, I won't hurt myself....(in case you are worried!)

Press: Style Unveiled Real Wedding - Subtle Swanky Soiree

This swanky soiree, cocktail style reception wedding at Hotel Vitale is definitely a favorite of mine. First, I got to use Irises which I never get a chance to do.   It's definitely not a popular wedding flower so it was a bit thrilling for me to add a splash of deep royal to the mix by using these stunning Irises.  Another favorite detail is using very modern and clean lines....I love it.

Most importantly....

Emily and Stephen were a really fun loving couple to work with.  One of the best lessons that any bride and groom should learn from Emily and Stephen is to hang loose and leave it in the hands of pro.  As a client, Emily blew me away.  She really left it in the hands of Jennifer Janzen (of MAP events)the planner and myself.    I don't think I got much direction from her other than, I love modern, clean lines.  Emily also surprised me by doing a first.  She actually wrote an email a few weeks prior to her wedding reception and said that she added a bit more money to her final payment and asked me to do what I wanted with it.  Basically, she said, surprise me....

With that, how could anyone resist adding little touches.

Thanks Style Unveiled for featuring this subtle, swanky soiree! You guys always edit weddings right.  There's so much eye candy...I'm drooling.

Behind the Scenes: Bear Bear Bear

Last year I wrote this article which generated quite a stir on twitter and the internet.  I think good discussion is always needed so I'm rerunning this article for those who missed it while I am working away from the office.  


Since last year, has things changed?

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A week ago I bumped into a floral friend. As always we were talking shop. We were both at the end of our busy season so to say that we looked a little "beaten down" was an understatement. Both of us had dark circles under our eyes, hair a little out of place, and shoulders sagging from feeling weary about the season ahead. Both lacked sleep. Tired. Yulp.

After spending some time chatting, she mentioned that after 20+ years in the wedding floral business, she was struggling with paying the bills. And that she didn't have much to show for it. After seeing so many ups and downs, she said that this year was the worse.

If someone with her experience is still having trouble making ends meet after investing 20 years in this business, then what can we learn from this?

During these times, it's hard to feel bullish(confident and upbeat). Given that my background is finance, I often seem to have a "bear" mentality when it comes to business and consumer confidence though on a personal level, I think I'm more glass-half-full then the glass-half-empty type.

In business and when it comes to consumer confidence, I confess that I'm conservative and bearish all the way. (ps - the definition if you don't know of a bear investor or analyst is one that is "accompanied by widespread fear and pessimism" as defined by Wikipedia. ). And because I am bearish this is what I have to say to those who are thinking of starting a career as a floral designer or a florist. (or more simply put - anyone just going into business for yourself)

Save Save Save

Yes. When it comes to your business, you better know how to save. Save for a rainy day. Save your profits on a yearly basis for future expanse or for the growing opportunities. Save now for next year unexpected expenses or downward sales. Save for the unknown.

Many businesses especially floral and event designers, forget how to stay on budget, stick with a shopping list, and buy only what is needed. I totally understand when you are in your element of design that it is always so so so easy to buy more more more. Or when there's a great sell from your suppliers we get carried away. I say, "stop and evaluate". Do you really need it?

What I am saying is that you have to be good at saving. Learn to buy wisely. Learn what deals are worth while. Learn to save for upcoming projects. Does not mean you go cheap. No No No.

In well managed companies(small or big), cash flow is crucial. Especially during tough times, those companies who have strong cash flow can weather the downs.

For Richer, For Poorer
This piece of advice is for those who haven't started their business and are still on the fence. No matter what I say, I know many of you will jump right in but I'm going to say it anyway. If you are one of those that don't care about making good money, working long hours, waking up early, and being slaved to your work, then you don't need to read this section. However, what if you do care?

For those of you who would like to have a home one day and might need money to pay for the mortgage(or your credit card bills or your college loans or even a shoe collection), who want to have a life outside of their work, and who might care if they have to give up weekends. then read on.

I am sure that many people will bash me for saying this so hold on tight....Unless you are at the top top top of your game in your community, most floral designers do not make that much money in comparison to averages. Period.(Did I just burst your bubble? sorry!) (****The top of the market or top volume businesses are excluded from this conversation)

The profit margin is horrific. Horrific.

That's why after so many years, my dear floral friend was crying on my shoulder. She's having a hard time meeting her financial needs and feels that she doesn't have much to show for 20 years of work in this field. I feel that way too.

Why do so many floral designers gripe that they don't make much. It has to do with low profit margin and consumer's expectation of what is an acceptable margin. Planners don't get it. Editors don't get it. Venues don't get it. Consumers don't get it. As a floral designer, we've heard people moan, "wow - flowers are so expensive!". Sure, but that's because they are perishable, usually imported, rare things. Most flowers are not common commodities like oranges, beef, water, pork bellies that can be traded on the NYSE.

Let me continue.

Did you hear that Apple's last quarter profit margin was over 35%. Wall Street applauded this.

What does that mean in layman's term? A 35% gross margin on a $100 item from Apple, would equal a pre-tax profit of $35.00. Wall Street and most investor of Apple did applaud the company for managing their bottom line and thus the stock jumped on trading news.

However, when it comes to wedding flowers, most average consumers would probably question if a floral designer made $35.00 per every $100 of flowers ordered. I'll give you an example. If a boutonniere priced out at $20.00, a floral designer should make $7.00 - right? However, most consumers probably would feel that it is too much. Not all consumers but many. Why do I know this...because I've actually had many bride ask me why a single stem flower that should be worn on the lapel should be over $5.00. (That's another discussion which I am not suppose to talk about.)

For argument sake, let's look at this backwards from the cost perspective.

Let's price something out HOPING to achieve a 35% profit margin. Let's be simple about this and assume that you materials and supplies are 30% of all your costs. Your other fixed and operating expenses including a big component labor(****yes I understand that this doesn't take into account non operating expenses) is 35%. The total of materials and operating costs is 65%.

Once you buy just the materials for one arrangement(let's say for simplicity) a bridal bouquet, let's try to figure out what to price this item. In this example, I've used this lovely orange, fall bouquet.


Recipe and Costs
1 bunch of orange tulips at $9.00 a bunch
1 5 stem bunch of orange orchids at $10.00 a bunch
1 bunch of orange mini calla at $20.00 a bunch
1 stem of green cymbidium orchids at $22.00 a stem
1 bunch of orange Asiatic lilies at $9.50 a bunch
1 bunch of 50 cm deep orange roses at at $18.00 a bunch
1 stem of orange cymbidium orchids at $22.00
1 bolt of ribbon at $7.00 a roll for 10 yards
1 box of pins at $2.25 a box
1 1inch floral tape at $2.00 a roll

Are you ready for the costs? Total approx costs - $122*(remember this is SF so in your city, it might be more, it might be less). What retail will get you to a 35% profit after cost of materials/supplies plus fixed and operating expenses? How many times should you mark up the cost of the materials(not including the overhead) to achieve the profit margin that you want?

If you are asking me, I would say that you might want to price it at around $366.00 which is 3x the cost of MATERIALS(only) in order to achieve that profit margin, however, ask yourself this - what is the market expectation for this bridal bouquet? There is a different between what you want to charge and what a customer is willing to pay, right?

And thus our dilemna...

It is because some(not all) wedding markets cannot bear to afford a $366 bouquet before delivery and tax that so many floral designers have to either 1) lower their expected profit margin or 2) reduce expenses(in all areas - utilities, labor, materials, etc.....) if they want to price it out lower than $366. When floral designers including myself when I first started probably didn't know how to charge. Perhaps we just took the cost of their materials and mark it up 2x or 2.5 times marking.

If so, you might guess that after all those fixed and operating expenses like labor, rent, utilities, sales tax, trucking, liability insurance(and on and on), that a 15 to 20% overall profit margin might be what was achieved. (As for my own business, we average 25% on our EBIT which isn't good and isn't bad. There's always room for improvement and I'm working on that.)

What does this mean for a floral designer or new florist?
Well, if your End of Year gross profit margin is say 20%, you've done an estimated 40 weddings at $3000 per wedding with total sales equaling - $120,000. Your end of year gross before taxes might be----------

$24,000

As a well known photographer said to me, it's not that simple. Darn, right! It's not that simple there's so many accounting deductions and rules - frankly, I can't even get into it in this article nor do I want to.

Moving on....

Let's say you live in the Bay Area, this figure does fall below the average salary? According to Indeed.com, as of October 20, 2009, the average salary in the Bay Area is $85,000. It's no wonder since the average one bedroom rent is around $1839/month according to rentaldata.com. So if you make $24,000 per year, you could barely make rent.

Do you see where I am going? When an average bride spends $1000 per wedding flowers, if your profit margin is 20%, you make $200. If you spend 30 hours on that project including setup, phone calls, emails, etc, you make

$6.66 dollars an hour.

I once calculated how many hours I spend and it turns out that I work an average of 6 days a week, 46 weeks a year, totaling over 2700 per year. We do over 40 weddings per year plus I meet with 80+ client. The average wedding client gets 60 hours of my time(doesn't include my staff). So if a typically client spends around $4500 before tax and delivery and if my margin is 25%, then you could say that I make....

$22.50 an hour.

I'm sure you know what I'm getting at. This business is not for the faint of heart. 2700 hours a year. 60 hours per client. That's what it takes if you want to do above average, full customized weddings in which you service the client and write customized proposals.

If your community does not have the floral business that some areas like San Francisco has, you need to do more weddings at a lower average ticket, reduce your expenses, and you have to be able to get a higher margin if you want to stay in it for the long run.

Of course, money doesn't have to matter. But I'm not talking about making millions. I am talking about making a standard of living so that you can have a good quality of life. Before you jump in, ask yourself

Can your community support the type of business you want to run?

What do you have to do to make you stand out so that you can be innovate like an Apple so that your client will accept a 35% margin after all expenses?

Where do you have to cut expenses in order to reach an acceptable margin? What do you have to charge?

Your Worth Know your worth. If you've spent many years in this business, you know it's tough. If you are lucky like I am, you work with great vendors. You have a wonderful selection of fresh products. You have a great talent pool of resources and designers to choose from. You have wonderful clients who understand. Not many of us floral designers are remotely this lucky and fortunate.

Yet after it's all said and done, I kept thinking about my floral friend and I wonder, was it all worth it? 20 years and still being unable to pay the bills. Was it worth it?

And for me the answer is very simple. No matter what, there is much more to life. And as much as I love to do what I do, I know what's important to me. And I know that it isn't about the money. It's not even about the respect and admiration of your peers.

It is good knowing that I just love creating beautiful weddings and working for myself. Yet, I know what my limits are. And I know that it takes sacrifice to be a success but no matter what no sacrifice is worth it if I don't have the things that are dear to me... my health, my hobbies(outside of flowers), my friendships, my family life, my time with Chin Chin(my baby dog),my alone time, and my hopes.


Bottom line: Know what you are worth. Stand for what you need to make. Weather the storms by being a good saver. Spend wisely. Cash is king.

About Nancy: Out to Sea

Hi everyone...please don't be mad at me but I'm taking a little break from writing because I'll be working in Anguilla and St. Maarten from July 12th through July 22nd.

I promise if the Viceroy Anguilla has wi fi, I'll post a few pictures and share about the design details.

In the meantime, I send you my best wishes and I'll drink some Pina Coladas while I'm writing proposals and working on my website.

Adding a little

Lessons: What's in a Name?

When I first started in this business in 2001, there were many roses like 'Sterling', 'Nicole', 'Fire and Ice'....I'm sure they are still out in very small quantities but more than likely what was formally called 'Sterling' which is a very pale, mildly scented lavender rose has now been replaced with new varieties and same goes for the 'Nicole' and 'Fire & Ice'.

Many of you who haven't been in the business that long or aren't floral designer may not be aware that  older rose varieties sometimes get 'phased' out and new names and varieties take their places.

'Circus' is one amazing two tone rose red/orange rose but today I found something quite similar called "High and Magic' which had an intensity that 'Circus' has been lacking. Trust me, every day I see new colors coming in and old names phasing out.

'Sterling' which was a beautiful and pale rose had its issues and I'm guessing that new varieties corrected old issues in terms of longevity, stem length, and petal count.

Whatever the reason, when you are writing a proposal and you use a specific name like a 'Sterling', you are basically telling your client, it's going to be a pale lavender(grey toned) rose.  And that's alright but I know that some planners, brides, clients may expect to see their grandmother's 'Sterling' rose(not another one but the same one!).  The lesson that I learned is that you might want to write out the color description as opposed to the exact name in the event that you might be held responsible for getting an exact "variety".


Bottom line:  Don't promise a specific breed and variety  if you aren't sure you can get it.  Have a clause in your contract saying that you will substitute the closest thing.  Never leave yourself open to such scrutiny that you could actually fail.

About Nancy: The Guest Experience

I live in the world where I create beautiful things.  I transform spaces.  I get paid to create a mood.  Lately, I've stood in the sidelines and observed weddings through the eyes of the guest.  And I ask myself,

Have we forgotten about the guest experience?

Are we so wrapped up in making things perfect that we forget that a wedding is about human encounters, authentic moments, celebratory merriment, good conversation over an intimate dining experience, and a reunion of friendship and kinship.

I'm completely guilty of focusing on creating a gorgeous setting and styling a polished wedding that I sometimes take my job too seriously and forget what's important.  Sure, my role is to help create a great mood but it doesn't mean that my designs, styling should overwhelm guests and take away from the meaning of weddings and celebrations.

I'm sure many of you will disagree with me but I feel so strongly that a wedding shouldn't bankrupt you, put you into credit crd debit, or turn you into a basket case because you can't figure out if peonies are better in light pink or blush pink.   If you are losing sleep because you haven't thought of a great, unique sign in design, then you aren't really having fun.   Yes, styling decisions are important for some brides and this article is not addressing them.  If that is the most important part of your day, then I understand.  We love working with brides and grooms who do want a very specifically styled wedding because they want their wedding to look and feel uniquely theirs.  I get those couples but it's about us as a professional vendor.  Are we taking our jobs too far so that we aren't looking through the eyes of the guests?

For many of you, I suspect that the design and mood is important only to enhance the guest experience.  Sure, the details should be sweet, well done, and nice
 but don't get wrapped into it that you can't sleep or you will have a "fit" if one small thing just isn't perfect.

We aren't perfect people and perfection is so overrated.

Brides, Grooms, Mothers, Fathers, Friends - go have some fun...okay?

Inspirations: More than Red and Blue

This patriotic inspiration board is aptly appropriate for independence day.  Weddings today reflect our individuality and this board has it all, from striped paper bags, cherry soda pop, ribbon candy, blue hued tutu skirts, and lipstick red shoes, it's far from tradition but certain a new classic.

Happy July 4th - May Freedom Ring.

ps - We can't take the credit for this beautiful board.  It's all Snippet & Ink!

Inspirations: Lighting a Ballroom

Don't you hate it when you have to tell a client, "I told you so!".  Well, 

I told you so!

Many of my clients think I'm so bossy.  And I am.  I'm also pushy, opinionated, controlling, and unyielding(on some things!).

Many of them can't stand it when I tell them that they need lighting for indoor, evening receptions especially in dark paneled rooms.  "Lighting is a not a must have but when you see it you want to have it!("so says my good friend, John Woods of Enhanced Lighting).   Of course when you have to cut a budget, sometimes secondary things like lighting might be removed but I firmly think - it's so well worth it.   Sure, it's hard to fork over that extra couple thousand(or thousands) when you've already spent quite a lot on a beautiful ballroom that is already grand, ornate, and elegant.

But, come now.

Isn't it more beautiful when you can actually see the decor on the ceiling?  Isn't the mood more romantic when you can see across the table instead of looking into dark spaces?   Isn't it more dramatic when you can actually see beautiful trees uplight or flowers pinspotted? And don't you want to stay at a party were the dance floor looks inviting?






I know that this client took my advice and I think this wedding is pretty gorgeous. So if you are even wondering, should you? The answer is yes.

Photography by Ann Hamilton

Lessons: New Series

Dear Fans
I feel that I haven't talked to you in a while. It's been a tremendously stressful, challenging but productive year. And it will go down as one of the most amazing years in terms of design and client inspirations.

We've worked in many great locations this year (even a few firsts for me). In January I got to do a gorgeous all winter creamy wedding in Carmel Valley at Stonepine Estates(where Brooke Shields married Andre Agassi) then in February our team decorated an urban wedding at one of San Francisco's most popular restaurants, Town Hall. In March we revisited the Marin Headlands for a Highland Wedding(the groom work a kilt) and finally in April I got a chance to design florals for a wine country barn reception at Cornerstone. I've been wanting to work there for so long so it was a highlight of my spring.  In May I ventured to Winters(California) for a tent wedding at Bear Flag Farm.  In June I worked on the event and floral design for a modern wedding at Julia Morgan Ballroom.  What a year!

Now, it's almost July and half the year is gone. So many projects fell to the side as I delved right into my 2010 wedding season.

Many of you know that a few months back I dropped the "Ask Nancy" column and it was a sad day but when one door closes another one opens .  I've been trying to figure out what I could do to replace "Ask Nancy" and suddenly the idea came to me.  The Brown Bag is going to do a new series aptly called "Lessons". These short articles will focus on my mistakes and what I learned from them.

To start this series, I have a great story.

Everyone thinks making a boutonniere is simple and for the most part, it's neither complicated or hard but these stephanotis boutonnieres with mini grape hyacinth(muscari) with tiny buttons was harder than one thinks and if I am ever asked to do it again I'm going to find a new technique.

There was nothing hard about this boutonniere until I went to "twine" the ribbon. At first I thought once I finished the ribbon wrapping I could simply sew the buttons on. I learned that putting needle and thread through stems was not possible. The buttons looked horrific as I couldn't quite get them to line up right. I then thought I would just glue dot them on. How hard could that be? It was too easy as I put glue dots on the back and attached them.

The next morning as I got them out of the cooler to check on them, I noticed that buttons had fallen off. OH, no! I turns out that the cooler shrunk the glue dots.....and I had to go to plan C.

What was Plan C? I had no idea!

I used a bit of adhesive hoping beyond hope that the glue wouldn't look too bubbly. Still, as I was pinning the boutonnieres on, I noticed a few buttons just didn't want to stick though I had enough adhesive glue on them.  To think on your feet is one of the key attributes of a floral designer as you never know what challenges will arise on the day of.  Without hesitation I went to my tool belt and used a few tiny pin to adhere a few of the buttons on the lapel. All in all, they did look adorable but I learned a valuable lesson.

Lesson: Simple things aren't always that easy to do. And if one things fails, try, try, try again.

Photography by Gertrude and Mabel