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Rustic Beach Wedding by Back to the Fuchsia Florist

This is a guest post by Jeanne Smiczek of Back to the Fuchsia, a flower shop in Saugatuck MI.

Rustic Wedding - Alter Flowers

The bride for this wedding gave me a few flowers that she liked, the colors that she wanted and the rest was up to me.

The ceremony was taking place in a beautiful, old chapel by the lake and the reception was in a tent right on the shore of Lake Michigan. The bridesmaids were wearing “clover” dresses, so I chose 3 sunflowers with bear grass and wrapped in raffia. The boutonnieres were Viking bloomies wrapped in raffia.

The Bridal Bouquet [Read more…]

How To Order Flowers And Get Exactly What You Want

Robbin Yelverton on How To Order Flowers

Today we’re going to talk about how to place an order for flowers and actually get what you’re ordering. This article is the transcript from the helpful video by our friend and pro florist, Robbin Yelverton.

Too much to read? Robbin explains it all in the video at the bottom of this post! Don’t miss the video!

Good Clear Communication

A lot of times things seem to get lost in translation. For example, there are 3 words that people use all the time when placing an order, which are: Flowers, Bouquet, & Arrangements. It’s funny how they will use those 3 words, and in a lot of cases think those words mean the same thing. These 3 words are not synonyms. They are not the same thing when you are talking to a florist.

Flowers From Local Florist

  • Flowers refers to the actual flower. If you are talking about tulips, that’s a flower.
  • Bouquet, often people will use the word bouquet in exchange for arrangement, but to us as professional floral designers, a bouquet is something you carry, like a wedding bouquet. In some cases, we refer to an arrangement of loose flowers gathered together and presented as a wrapped bouquet that someone then takes out of the wrap and places in a vase for arranging.
  • Arrangement or design. Now that implies that it is flowers arranged in a container and then sold together in the container.

So most of the time when people call in to order flowers, they’re really calling to order an arrangement. So remember to be clear.

The thing about ordering flowers, it’s sorta like playing the game of 20 Questions. You have to provide enough information that the person taking the order understands what you’re saying and then is able to transfer this information to the designer to make sure it gets created the way you wanted, and then gets delivered to the person it’s supposed to go to correctly.

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In Loving Memory of Amaryllis

Amaryllis | Hippeastrum

Today’s exceptional post was shared with us by Olivia Nicholas, a writer and a busy mom. She is always happy to share her passion for life and experiences through her work.

I’ve never been sure what made me remember Grandmother’s amaryllis obsession when autumn first began to turn the leaves this year. It could have been a flash of scarlet fabric seen from the corner of my eye, or maybe a stately bell-shaped flower struggling to carry on its existence despite the slow creep of cold weather. Whatever the case, I found myself driving to the local greenhouse one day instead of going directly home as I usually did after work. The clerk was very helpful, directing me to the perennial bulb section and setting me up with flower pots, soil, and everything else necessary to cultivate and continue my grandmother’s flower legacy. Excited, I got to work as soon as I got home.

The feel of the amaryllis bulbs in my hand and the rich smell of potting soil evoked even more memories of planting flowers at my grandparents’ home. Like my grandmother herself, amaryllis is a winter beauty, as dainty and gorgeous as it is tough and hardy; both thrive in cold weather and wilt in the heat. In my mind, the two of them had always been synonymous, especially since my grandmother was also called Amaryllis.

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Flower Arranging With Children

Flower Arranging With Kids Are you looking for something new to do with your kids? A new project that will showcase their creativity and imagination? Why not introduce the art of flower arranging? Flowers are bright and beautiful, with so many different characteristics, shapes and scents, your child will be captivated by the experience!

  • Arranging a basket with fresh cuts to spruce up the kitchen.
  • Creating beautiful potted plants to sit on the front porch is a great project for little hands.
  • A heart-felt arrangement made especially for grandma and grandpa.

Each season brings a different variety of flowers to pick from, each with their own special needs. Your local florist will be able to share with you the most appropriate flowers-types for children to handle. With some being more durable and sturdy than others, your florist will guide you in the process of choosing the most suitable flowers for your project. Letting your child pick out the flowers is a great way to get them going. Daisies, carnations and sunflowers are always a big hit. Whether you are picking from a garden or from your local flower shop it is a sure way to put a smile on their face.

Tip: Most local florists also sell loose flowers by the bunch. Take your children on a short trip to meet their florist, and be introduced to all the great flowers this season has to offer. Let them pick out their favorites to use in creating flower arrangements at home.

Flower Arrangement Example Flower ArrangementFlower Arrangement Example

Now Let’s get started!
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Vintage Kitchen Inspired Flower Displays

Vintage Kitchen InspirationIt’s the newest fad – Flowers in Culinary Containers! Kitchen-themed flower art is both inspiring and classic. If your party plans take guests into the kitchen, this flower idea is the perfect addition to your kitchen.

To get that vintage-inspired, natural look, use these items for the foundation of your design:

  • Old colanders
  • Mixing bowls
  • Mason jars and ceramic jugs
  • Vintage tin cans
  • Muffin pans.

Find these items at local thrift or second hand stores. The older the better; these items can bring a special childhood nostalgia to life.

Kitchen-themed Flower Ideas

When choosing flowers, simplicity is key –

  • Choose garden flowers, such as peonies, garden roses, liatris, sunflowers, lilies, and delphiniums.
  • Include fruits and veggies, such as artichokes, apples, and eggplant for a natural, timeless ‘Farmers Market’ feel.
  • Interesting foliages add texture and eye-catching designs to your arrangement. Think long bear grass or wheat.

Fruits and vegetables are a great way to bring depth and creativity to a clear vase as well. Fill your vase or clear jugs with apples, oranges, carrots, cranberries, cucumbers or any bright colored vegetable or fruit.  Just imagine guests walking through the kitchen buffet spread, all the while mesmerized by your amazing kitchen flower arrangement. These displays are perfect for bringing an interesting impact to any event!

If you’re interested in adding a vintage kitchen flower arrangement to your next party mix, give your local florist a call. I’m sure they will have even more exciting ideas!

The Rustic Spirit of Fall Through Flowers

The look this fall is: Rustic Chic

Fall Wedding Bouquet TrendsAnd with fall right around the corner, now is the time to start thinking Autumn colors! You want your rustic-themed bouquets and flower arrangements to look effortless, chic and natural. Organic colors will blend perfectly into your fall wedding.

  • Dark reds
  • Deep yellows
  • Burnt oranges
  • Deep purples
  • Sage greens

Add The Spirit of Fall To Your Wedding Ceremony

Think about all of the things that make the fall season so memorable and unique:

  • pumpkins,
  • rustic vines
  • figs
  • moss
  • cornucopia
  • berries
  • grass
  • different colored leaves
  • acorns
  • twigs
  • holiday ribbon

Using the above fall accessories, you can create an organic, chic rustic-themed bouquet. These simple, easy to find accessories will compliment any wedding ceremony. Textures make a huge impact and by creating a floral design with these alternative accessories you are sure to express your creative spark in more ways than one!

Your local florist can create the prefect wedding bouquet for you. Or if weddings aren’t on your horizon, opt for a beautiful arrangement of fall flowers instead! Same principles apply!

For more wedding photos, visit our sister site Wedding & Party Network’s galleries.

The bouquet featuring orange lilies was created by Floral Design & Home Decor in Coeur D Alene, ID

It’s Grandparent’s Day – Celebrate with Personalized Flowers!

Grandparent's Day is September 13th

Grandparent’s Day is the first Sunday following Labor Day, which happens to fall on September 8th in 2013.

Grandparents Day is a day to honor and show respect and love to the seniors in our lives. Through thick and thin, our grandparents stood by us – spoiling us, every moment of the way, and now it’s our turn to spoil them a little!

Bring the whole family together to celebrate and pamper your grandparent’s this September. Treat your grandparent’s to their favorite restaurant, special vacation or family picnic, sentimental gifts and, of course — flowers!

Try these Grandparent’s Day Card Messages!

Grandparents Day FlowersCreate a beautiful flower arrangement for Grandparent’s Day to display in their home. If they have more of a green thumb, give a beautiful flowering houseplant – it’s the gift that keeps on giving! Personalize your gift by adding touches of their personality into the arrangement.

  • Say your grandfather is an avid fisher: include fishing hooks, bait and a miniature fishing rod!
  • If your grandmother loves to knit, add a few knitting needles and yarn to reflect her passion!

Grandparents have always been and always will be a great inspiration and a source of wisdom that will live on for generations to come. So celebrate and enjoy your grandparents, showing them just how much you truly love them!

The History behind the Holiday

Grandparents Day was founded by Marian Mcquade of West Virginia in 1970. It was in 1973 that Governor Arch Moore proclaimed the holiday, and finally in 1978, it was declared a national holiday by Jimmy Carter.

Forget-Me-Nots are the official Grandparent’s Day flower and Grandparent’s Day even has its own song that was officiated in 2004; “A Song For Grandma and Grandpa” by Johnny Prill.

Kids Love Flowers Too! Send A Surprise With Personalized Flowers

Sending flowers to the people you love has always been a great way of showing that you care – it’s a tradition that is loved by many all over the world. Who doesn’t  love a luscious bouquet brought to our doorstep with a little note saying ‘I Love you’ or ‘Happy Birthday’? It is a thoughtful gift that will always bring a smile.

Kids Love Flowers Too!

It’s a great gift idea for a child that is too far to visit, in school all day or just for the kid who loves a fun surprise! You hear a knock at the door – “Sweetie, it’s for you” hollers the parent as the child runs to the front door to see a bright arrangement of happy-go-lucky flowers with their name one it! Who wouldn’t squeal with delight?!?

Personalized Flower Arrangements for Super Smiles!

When choosing flowers for your kid-o, make sure to include their favorite characters, themes, or sports. Your cookie-monster would flip for a little monster of their own – made of flowers!

Little Monsters - Flowers For Kids

And, the girly girl, who loves everything pink will be walking on air when she receives a bright pink vase of flowers with butterflies, fairies and everything PINK! You just can’t go wrong with flowers!
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More Than Just a Boutonniere: Trends For Fall

Natural Boutonniere InspirationBoutonnieres are a long-standing tradition; generally simple, delicate, and reflective of the partners wrist corsage or bouquet. But who says a boutonniere can’t make a statement with a hint of flair, all on its own?

2011 fall boutonniere trends are leaning toward a more natural, earthy style than the average carnation or red rose.  Twigs, rope, feathers, berries, shells, stones, and thick textures turn what could be an ordinary boutonniere into something outstanding!

Natural Boutonniere Ideas:

  • Imagine a sunflower donning driftwood and/or feathers
  • Fun-textured greens nesting upon the lapel of a dark brown tuxedo.
  • Green button poms with red berries, rope, and festive greens will POP against the back drop of a black lapel.
  • Twigs wrapped together in raffia with a pheasant feather 

Natural and floral pocket squares are also very trendy this year.

No matter the color of the tuxedo or suit, these earth-inspired boutonnieres are sure to make a statement at any wedding or event.

Thinking outside the box!

Using your imagination as you get back to your roots with nature inspired boutonnieres will inspire you to create  a piece of wearable art that will stand out amongst the others!

Check out the galleries our sister site, Wedding And Party Network, for more wedding flower inspiration.

Pucker up! It’s Almost Kiss and Make up Day!

Kiss and Make Up DayAugust 25th Is National Kiss-and-Make-Up-Day. And let’s face it, we all have little spats from time to time. Whether you’ve had a fight or an argument with your spouse, family member or friend, Kiss-and-Make-Up-Day is the perfect time to work it out and remember what is important in life. And, Hey! Kissing and making up is the best part of any fight!

Celebrate Kiss and Make Up Day With Flowers!

Sending flowers is a great way to say those words that are so hard to say. I’M SORRY!

Did you know that purple hyacinth means ‘I’m Sorry – Please forgive me’? You see, flowers speak for themselves. (View more flower meanings) Have your florist put together an apology arrangement to make amends. Including a heartfelt note of apology will increase your chances of being forgiven! Just speak from your heart and tell them how you feel, today is a day to make things right. Now kiss and make up!
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