Many florists work closely with brides to create quality bridal bouquets and other wedding flowers. Delivering the highest quality of customer satisfaction starts by knowing exactly what the bride wants and how to give it to her. The modern bride assumes many roles and is often referred to as an "echo boomer bride" or "millennial bride," both nods to their Generation Y status. There are many helpful things to remember about these modern brides that will make creating the perfect wedding flowers much easier for your consumers.

What's In A Name?

"Echo boomer" refers to the baby boomer generation who are the parents of the echo boomer brides. "Millennial brides" is often used to refer to brides who married after the beginning of the new millennium, but this is still typically the Generation Y crowd. Modern brides have very distinctive tastes and desires but favor advice from Read the rest of Satisfying Today's Echo Boomer Brides »

It may seem to most Capricorns that having a birthday between December 22^nd and January 19^th is a really bad idea. Christmas and birthday presents get combined while the after-glow of holiday gatherings is short lived and tends to bring celebrations during January to a dreary halt. Capricorns and their beloved can rest at ease because the search for a clever and unique gift is over! Presenting a zodiac inspired flower arrangement to the Capricorn in your life is a fantastic way to show off your creativity while showing that special someone that they mean more to you than shared ceremonies.

Capricorns are the hard workers of the zodiac signs. They deserve special recognition for the 364 days of the year that they spend focusing on other people. Beautiful arrangements containing statice, holly, snowdrops, chrysanthemums and jasmine are ideal choices for Capricorns. African violets are also excellent gifts for the winter birthdays as they add a touch of color and bloom to the long-lasting characteristic of a plant. Capricorns are usually practical and will appreciate the endurance of a hardy plant.

When blooms are the only things that will cut it for your beloved choose a beautiful ruby color for her arrangement. Not only does this color match the ruby and onyx colors of the Capricorn sign but also represents deep and true love. If your honey prefers another shade, look for more color meanings associated with flowers. When the message counts the most, find the right flower meaning for your sweetheart’s arrangement. Whatever her preference, you know it best so contact your local florist to help you design the perfect zodiac flower arrangement for your Capricorn.

African Violets are a beautiful addition to a Capricorn home.

Happy Hanukkah Bouquet

Well, there are several December holidays that come to mind. Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Chanukkah take the lead in my mind. Chanukkah and Kwanzaa are major holidays that are very understated and tend to take a backseat to Christmas. However, these are very popular holidays that merit the same kindred spirit and celebration.

But what do you do when you need to give a gift for these holidays but you've never celebrated them? Well, there are a couple of ideas. First, hide under your Christmas tree and hope that everyone forgets about giving gifts this year. When that fails, call your local florist.

Chanukkah bouquets are all the rage this year. Flowers are very traditional and fit the bill for every occasion. However, Chanukkah is that special Jewish tradition that is celebrated for eight (8) days. While a new floral gift each day may not be exactly right for you, marking one of those days with a colorful Chanukkah flower arrangement is a great way to spend the holiday.

Ruby Red Regalia Bouquet

But what about Kwanzaa? Kwanzaa isn't as lengthy a celebration and is in no way Jewish. This African holiday is neither political nor religious. It's not a substitute for Christmas. It does however inspire African Americans to reflect on the values of traditional African families. So what goes along with that? You guessed it. Flowers.

However, ask your local florist to make this Kwanzaa bouquet a bit more special. Red black and green ribbons wrapped around an red black and green arrangement is a neat idea. Another good gift idea is to send a pretty vase arrangement with a sweet card. It never fails to inspire and it lets the recipient know that you care.

So you see, it doesn't matter much whether you celebrate these holidays or not. Sometimes doing a little research is fun too. Sending a unique gift along with a colorful arrangement of flowers is a great way to show your friends or loved ones just how valued you consider them.

I received a question today about mistletoe. After all, it is that time of year parties, presents, eggnog and of course kissing under the mistletoe.

The question was: Do you guys sell mistletoe's or know where i can purchase? Tony, Laurel MD

The short answer is Flower Shop Network doesn't sell mistletoe. We are an online directory of real local florists. However, many of our florist members do sell mistletoe around the holidays; either in the fresh form or artificial. I'm not sure which one of our florists in your area sell mistletoe. To find mistletoe in your area contact a local Laurel florist listed in our directory. They should be able to help you.

You might wonder where the florists get the mistletoe they sell. Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that grow attached to the limbs or branches of trees and shrubs. So live mistletoe is often purchased by your local florist from wholesale florists who carry mistletoe. Because this plant is parasitic and not easily reproduced, many local florists carry dried or artificial mistletoe instead of live mistletoe. Your local florist would purchase preserved mistletoe from a wholesaler of dried or preserved mistletoe. And of course, your local florist would purchase artificial mistletoe from a wholesaler who specializes in holiday botanicals.

While we are talking about mistletoe let me share a few interesting facts:

• The flower meaning for Mistletoe is "Kiss me, affection, to surmount difficulties, sacred plant of India"
• Mistletoe was considered sacred to the Celtic and Druid cultures.
• Mistletoe is an evergreen that has berries.
• Early Mistletoe tradition dictated that young men had the privilege of kissing a maiden under the mistletoe. After the kiss they had to pluck a berry off the mistletoe. When the berries were gone the privilege of kissing under the mistletoe was also gone.
• The berries of the mistletoe are poisonous.

Mistletoe is an interesting plant with an long and vivid history. It sad that we remember it only once a year.

Alright. It's the middle of December and you still haven't managed to cross everyone off of your Christmas gift list. No worries! Just like always, your local florist is available to help you out of this holiday haze. Flowers are traditional and classic but can be updated to fit into any contemporary decor. It's the perfect Christmas gift idea!

Let's face it. A week before Christmas leaves zero time for hitting the stores plus gift wrapping and holiday parties. Though we should probably all be given a super-hero moniker, it's just an easier holiday on everyone if we're able to enjoy it without rushing around in a panic looking for gifts. Slow down, take a deep breath, and call your local florist. Believe me. The good people at your local flower shop are trained experts in dealing with the holiday rush. You're in good hands when you choose to send flowers to friends and family.

With more and more consumers "going green" and encouraging environmentally friendly practices, flower shops are using tips like these to ensure the highest quality designs and products.

There are many benefits associated with more eco-conscious work habits. First, you gain the trust and patronage of conscientious consumers. Secondly, you reduce your energy dependence and energy bill by proxy. Another great benefit is that you encourage other people to adopt these habits. Every little bit helps.

On a side note, I know of an elementary school in my area that has used the money received from recycling alone to buy new playground equipment. With a student body of a few hundred K-2 students, the school has purchased more than a dozen new pieces of equipment thanks to the hardwork of the students. Help keep our planet green for younger generations to enjoy beautiful flowers thanks to eco-friendly practices such as these:

• Recycle paper, cardboard, plastic containers. Shredded newspaper comes in very handy as packing material. Cardboard boxes from a new shipment of vases can be used around the workstation to absorb water and protect that table from cuts. Empty milk jugs can be used to water plants or hold pre-mixed preservative. Print on both sides of the paper or cut used papers into squares for scrap paper.
• Phase out / eliminate use of aerosol sprays.
• Encourage and reuse returned containers. For example, offer a free arrangement with the return of 5 vases.
• Buy local products when possible for a smaller carbon footprint. Buying products from local nurseries, growers, and suppliers helps keep travel costs down which reduces carbon monoxide emissions.
• Turn off non-essential electrical appliances at day's end. With the exception of security systems, floral refrigerators and other essential equipment, reduce your electricity bill and conserve energy by simply shutting off the lights and switching off your computer at the end of the day.
• Favor the use of cloth towels over paper towels. Cloth towels will need regular cleaning but these costs are minimal when compared to continually supplying paper towels. Another option is to opt for durable shop towels over paper towels. These cloths tend to be made of stronger cloth fibers. Though as disposable as paper towels, shop towels tend to last longer under the stress of big jobs.
• Fill delivery vehicles with gas during cooler times of the day. The popular belief is that gas vapors do not evaporate as quickly during the cooler morning and evening times. Therefore, you get more bang for your buck because you are gaining an extra fraction of a tank.
• Recycle vase water by using on outdoor plants. Instead of taking a hose to outdoor plants, conserve water by using your vase water on outdoor plants. Instead of dumping the water from an arrangement that is a few days old, use it instead on outdoor plants.****This is only for clear vase water. If it has floral preservative in it you can not use it.*****
• Replace standard light bulbs with energy efficient light bulbs. Looking much like a glass curly fry, these light bulbs come in a variety of watts but reduce wasted energy. Plus, they usually last as long if not longer.
• Use plant-based cleaners to clean spills and workstations. Harmful chemicals can hurt the environment and your plants. Avoid using these chemicals and opt instead for plant based cleaners.

There are many ways to protect the environment. Energy efficiency is at the top of the headlines almost daily. Efforts to save the environment are gaining popularity and spreading like wildfire. Tips like these are a great place to start because they help everyone go green while saving some green.

Ask the Expert: help identify a dried flower

My mother whom is now passed away got these flowers in a dried arrangement years ago. I was wondering what kind of flower is this? I've been searching for sometime now, any help is greatly appreciated. A photo is attached for your consideration.
Thank you,
Jennifer Nutter

See Attached photo Read the rest of What IS This Dried Flower? »

Remind your sweetheart of your Perfect Love

Many people see it as kind of a bad thing to have an anniversary in December. With the holidays in full force and so many people strapped for cash from holiday shopping, it gets tough to give someone a gift and not automatically call it an "early Christmas gift." And for those with a Christmas or Christmas Eve anniversary, my condolences but this great gift idea will help you too!

Want something quirky and creative? Carolers are popular around Christmas time. What if you convinced her to open the door to some carolers only to present her with a singing telegram! How fun! If the singing courier brought chocolates and romantic anniversary flowers to present to her, you'd be set for the evening!

While this approach is a bit non-traditional, that's what is so great about it. Just think about how fun it would be to expect to hear "The Little Drummer Boy" but to be treated to a special serenade instead. I know that I'd chuckle and then instantly become putty in my honey's hands. It's hard to top something that creative.

Want something a bit more traditional but still special? I've seen many homemade ornaments in my time and especially love the clear or translucent ones that contain something on the inside. Dangle a piece of jewelry such as earrings, a necklace, a bracelet or even an engagement ring (big ornament) inside of an ornament. Hang this ornament from the tree. She'll never think that her anniversary gift is hiding in plain sight!

Another good idea is to have your local florist attach the ornament to a ribbon and make a colorful bow around a vase of romantic anniversary flowers. Not only is it colorful and romantic, but it's also unique and special. She'll love it!

Florists Help Send A Happy Chanukkah Bouquet or Flowers For Another Occasion!

I recently read the new Flower Shop Network Holiday Helper newsletter about how florists are the perfect holiday helpers when stuck on a great gift idea. You know, I sit and think all day about how great florists are in helping design and deliver the perfect gift. Sometimes it is easy to get lost in that "forest for the trees" view of things which is why I really enjoyed the Holiday Helper newsletter.

We often get super busy around the holidays. Running around from store to store and bouncing between holiday parties starts to take a toll on us. One thing most people do not remember is that florists are the holiday helpers that we're all craving! The next best thing to a personal assistant, your local florist is a holiday lifesaver. I can quickly think of three ways that I learned about how choosing a local florist is going to be the saving grace during an otherwise hectic holiday season.

First, florists create amazing flower arrangements. Gift idea solved right there! Need a traditional gift that can't miss? Want to splash it with a more modern feel? Let your florist know and he or she can create awe-inspiring floral designs with your ideas.

The second way that florists are holiday helpers is that florists provide personalized gifts. You can send a completely different arrangements to all of your family members. Is your brother a concert junkie who spends every spare minute listening to, playing, or watching other bands play music? Ask your florist to include concert tickets instead of a card. You can even send a cd with the arrangement! Is your little sister a big fan of Strawberry Shortcake? Ask your florist to create an arrangement of pink, red, and white flowers. A pretty bow and Strawberry Shortcake birthday card will set your sister's heart awhirl. Regardless of their tastes, you can satisfy every person on your list with unique flower bouquets from your local florist.

Now of course this is just a small taste of the great ideas described in the Holiday Helper newsletter. Don't just take my word for it. Check it out!

Ask The Expert: Hello,
Please help me. I read your article on lucky house bamboo. I purchase 3 plants (stalks) in May 08 and until recently they were just fine. They did not grow much however I do have some plants growing out of them. I have them in water in a vase, which is how they were in the florist section of my food store. I noticed about a week ago that one of them is turning yellow. Is this a problem? Should I isolate it from the others? Is there anything I can do to help it return to green? Should I take the others out of the water and plant them in soil? These plants are 20 inches in height and the leaves growing from them are about 2 inches so far.

Thanks for answering with information you might have.

Patricia