Recently, Flower Shop Network had the wonderful opportunity to visit the Louisiana State Florist Association Convention for 2013! What a great show it was — the theme was Journey to Oz and you could definitely follow the yellow brick road to some absolutely stunning floral designs!
Weathered & Worn – The Perfect Look for a Rustic Wedding
Welcome in the worn look with these incredible wedding photos shared by Martha Sheldon Florist from Eastman, Georgia. From inviting wreaths to large elegant sprays to unique containers, this FSN florist knew how to capture a day of perfect rustic beauty.
This theme focused on designs that work in lovely counterpoint. Lace twisted around grapevine. Twigs mixed with white and pink flowers. Weathered wood adorned with pale delicate blooms. Independent elements with different textures and colors work together to give a comfortable sense of time and place. We find it completely breathe-taking for an event that centers around dreams of lasting love!
Got the Father’s Day Blues?
Father’s Day is just around the corner; you have been diligently searching and constantly on the lookout as you quest for dear ole dad’s perfect gift. You’ve traveled all over town, explored store after store, but still can’t find anything original, something that you haven’t bought at least a hundred times before.
Is it time to just give up and buy another tie?
Of course not. This is the man who taught you how to ride a bike, bait a hook, throw a strike and score a touchdown. He paced the floor in worry when you were sick, cheered you on as you rounded the baseline, and consoled you after your first break-up. After all dad has done, and continues to do, doesn’t he deserve more than the same gift yet again? Isn’t it time to think outside the box?
There’s still one store you have yet to visit, one place that didn’t immediately cross your mind. That’s right, I’m talking about your local florist! I can hear you thinking, “Flowers? For MY dad?” Sure! Why not? Your local florist isn’t just there for Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, and first dates; they work hard all year ’round to ensure that they have just what you need and want for any occasion. Father’s Day is no exception!
What’s Available For Dad at the Florist?
Personalized Flowers
Most florists can create an arrangement of flowers with your dad’s favorite team’s colors as well as use themed accessories for any of the different major sports. Want a golf theme? They can do it! Football? You bet. Baseball, basketball, tennis, and hockey? Check, check, check, and check! A quick phone call should answer any questions you have and ensure that you get exactly what you want. [Read more…]
Florist Friday Recap 6/1 – 6/7: Bright & Cheery
Florists everywhere are gearing up for summer fun. Bright and cheery flower arrangements are going out to happy people all across the country. Today’s recap shows recent arrangements by local florists all across the country.
Summer Flowers
Summer florals by Paisley Floral Design Studio, Manchester NH
“Bright, garden inspired vase for sympathy – incoming FSN order filled!”
—
Fun summer flowers by Crossroads Florist, Mahwah NJ
““Havin’ a Ball” Tom Kenison AIFD… Just for the fun of it”
—
Brighter Than the Sun – Sunflowers That Will Take Your Breath Away
Living with four sorority girls that are in serious relationships can lead to many “When I get married…” conversations. While discussing our dream wedding dream wedding plans, I asked “When would y’all want to get married?” Of course, we all had some idea, but one roommate had only one thing planned — her flowers. “I just want sunflowers, so my wedding will be planned around their season. My fiancé will just have to understand.” I’m sure he will.
Planning A Wedding With Sunflowers
Sunflowers are typically warm-weather bloomers. If you are in the same boat as my roommate, it’s best to plan your wedding between May and October. Although most florists are able to order sunflowers year round, they are usually much more affordable when they’re used in season. Sunflowers have a long season which allows the flowers to be used for summer and fall weddings. The sunflower is the perfect statement piece, and the placement is all up to the bride. Sunflowers are great for bouquets, arches or center piece. With so many placement options, they make flower planning a breeze.
Did I mention sunflowers look great in different themed weddings?
Planning a wedding can be (and most likely is) a difficult task, but why? My theory is that, as women, we want it all. I want a country wedding, but then I also want a beach wedding. It only happens once, and it’s hard to choose. Sunflowers can be used in many different themes, such as: southern rustic charm, country elegant weddings, beach weddings and outdoor weddings.
Father’s Day Game Plan
Every year, it’s easy to let Father’s Day sneak up on you. This year have a game plan! Think your mom is the only one in the house who would appreciate flowers? Guess again. While you might not think your dad would enjoy fresh-cut flowers, consider why he deserves a special gift from the heart. Flowers can express how you really feel. We’ll help you select something that is perfect for dear old dad and show him that you don’t play favorites when it comes to your parents!
Flower Suggestions For All Types of Dads
The Sports Fan
Does a limited edition jersey constitute dressing up for your dad? Ask your flower shop to represent his favorite team colors. Or start with some bright sunflowers and have the florist work in packaged sunflower seeds for a perfect pre-game snack. Don’t be surprised if he can’t stop singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”
Great Outdoorsman
Whether it is fishing, hiking, or gardening, your father spends his time out in the elements. An arrangement that features some local flora is a great idea. Just ask your florist what is common in the area. Have earth-toned elements like tall cattails, marsh reeds, and unusual seed pods mixed in and this gift will have your dad dreaming of the sun, wind, and water he loves.
Mr. Golf
If “tee time” involves a bag of clubs for your pop, ask your florist if they have anything special for golf fanatics. Chances are they do. Golf inspired creations can be as simple as a design that works in some new tees to adding some fun color to a bucket of golf balls. This reminder at the office will immediately take dad right to that 18th hole. [Read more…]
Florist Friday Recap 5/25 – 5/31: Patriotic Pride
Many florists go above and beyond to show their patriotic pride, as seen in today’s Friday Recap! Local florists all across the nation share their favorite weekly arrangements with us. It’s no surprise we’re seeing many variations of red white and blue due to the the recent patriotic holidays: Armed Forces Day (May 18th) and Memorial Day (May 27th).
Patriotic Flowers
Memorial Day flowers by Wilma’s Flowers, Jasper AL
“Memorial Day!!!”
—
Armed Forces Day flowers by Everett Floral, Everett WA
“Armed Forces Day Flowers”
—
Patriotic wreath by MaryJane’s Flowers & Gifts, Berlin NJ
“We presented 2 wreaths one in the center of town at the veterans memorial and the other at the cemetery where we handed out all the roses. This was wreath 1 in the center of town.”
FSN’s Favorite Arrangement for June
If May is for Moms, then June is unmistakably for DAD! Not only is Father’s Day in June (16th), but so is the beginning of summer — the season where Dads shine! Cookouts, BBQs, fishing, camping, sports and all of the fun outdoor activities make summers perfect for dads everywhere. This month’s favorite arrangement is Flowers of Distinction, a perfect design for Father’s Day.
What better way to thank Dad for all the summer fun than with fresh flowers for Father’s Day?! I know what you’re thinking, “My dad doesn’t want flowers.” Your dad just might surprise you. If your dad is into fishing or other activities in nature, why not send something made of fresh wildflowers or something with branches and twigs. This could be especially good if your dad is no longer able to get out and enjoy the summers like he used to. Flowers never fail to put a smile on someone’s face, and Dad is no exception!
This June, when you’re sending flowers to your dad, remember to always, always, always send from a real local florist! (Need a card message? Visit our Father’s Day Card Messages page for ideas.)
This Father’s Day, I’m Sending Dad Flowers
The scent of roses at a fresh market or at the table of a nice restaurant sends me back to Valentine’s Day in third grade when I received my first bouquet of roses. Psychologists believe that specific words can evoke certain emotions in the reader. A simple word like “smile” can make one think of a sunny day in the park. I believe flowers can do the same. Red roses remind me of my first hand delivered bouquet of flowers.
Always Daddy’s Little Girl
The bouquet was given to me by the most important man in my life, my father. Dad was a pilot for Children’s Hospital when I was younger. His usual mornings started at 5:30am, when I was long asleep in my bed in the next room. On this particular morning I heard the blow dryer, part of my mom’s usual morning beauty routine, and the coffee maker’s sizzling drops. To my disappointment, I did not hear Dad come in and say goodbye.
Mom woke me up with her usual perky singing of the “Green Acres Theme Song.” I asked for my usual five more minutes, but that day Mom quickly flicked on the overhead light. She jumped out of the doorway to reveal my Daddy holding a bouquet of twelve beautiful roses. I can still feel my cheeks cramping from the delighted smile.
“I will always be your Valentine…”
He knelt beside my bed and whispered in my ear, “I will always be your Valentine. No matter who walks into or out of your life; remember that.” After eleven years, Dad still sends me a bouquet of a dozen roses each year. The sight of a bouquet takes me back to that morning.
This Father’s Day, I’m sending Dad flowers.
It’s your turn to start a new tradition in your family. Deliver your next memory with the help of your local florist.
Florist Friday Recap 5/18 – 5/24: Ready for Summer
It’s Friday! And not just any Friday, the Friday before a big 3-day weekend! You can tell florists are looking forward to the break by the amount of photos in today’s photo recap. There might only be a few, but they are fabulous! Before you kick off you’re Memorial Day Weekend, check out these beautiful designs made fresh this past week!
Spring Flower Designs
Made in the Shade by Crossroads Florist, Mahwah NJ
““Made in the Shade
This eye catching visual display is brought to life by a play on contrasting colors. Bright teal parasols are inserted into simple round arrangements of red alstroemeria and red carnations, and are arranged in mustard yellow jardinières
—
Beautiful purple flower arrangement by Vintage Garden Flowers, Fairfield CT
“Rustic wedding centerpiece.”
Find Your 

























