Bloomin' Blog

Wedding Trends: Bridal Shower Arrangements

August 26, 2015 by Tanya Giraldo Leave a Comment

Flowers aren’t only limited to the wedding—they can also be used as decor for wedding events. Here are some great ideas on flowers for a bridal shower!

Floral Accents

Adding florals to a centerpiece, like a candle or even a pretty vase, emphasizes a design and adds a special touch to any table decor.

Sweet Jars

Consider little table arrangements that you can also spread out around the event space to add a romantic touch to the party.

Majestic Blooms

One huge arrangement can be the focal piece to any party. Use it at the gift table or use this arrangement to make the bride’s table extra special!

Whether the event is a full-on soiree or an intimate family gathering, give it a special touch with flowers from your local florist!

Floral Accents photo accreditation to: weddingandpartynetwork/gallery/14865

Sweet Jars photo accreditation to: weddingandpartynetwork/gallery/15792

Majestic Blooms photo accreditation to: weddingandpartynetwork/gallery/15661

Filed Under: Wedding Flowers Tagged With: Parties, Wedding Flowers, Wedding Trends

Social Media Photography

August 24, 2015 by Tanya Giraldo Leave a Comment

It’s no surprise that most of us rely exclusively on social media for our marketing. It continues to grow and change every day—especially with the integration on photography and video. In our line of business, we must rely heavily on photography to show off our designs and intrigue the customers. This is why we have come up with some important tips on photography for your social media marketing.

The Importance of Photos

A picture is worth a thousand words—and, in some cases, the only thing standing between you and a customer making a purchase. Taking a quick photo of your design can be a great thing, but if the photo isn’t very good, it could end up hurting you in the long run. A bad photo could imply that you are unprofessional and even make your beautiful design look rather dismal. “But I don’t know a thing about photography!” Not to worry! Here are some basics on photography that can make your designs stand out—even if taken with your phone!

Basics

Lighting
Lighting can make or break your photo. Ever notice that little grainy look in some of your photos? That’s due to lack of lighting. You could go all out and set up a whole photo room where you have very expensive lights. OR you can use the best lighting of all: natural light. Try taking your pictures outside during the morning when the light is at its best.

Location
It’s important to consider where to take your photos. A messy workplace can take focus away from your beautiful designs and it can also make you look unprofessional. Designate a specific area that is only for photos. You can also make an easy backdrop on the side or back of your shop to use for your shots.

Angles
Sometimes one photo isn’t enough. Make sure to take many pictures from different angles. Sometimes a design looks best if taken from the bottom up or a close up of an embellishment stands out more than a basic picture.

Pro Tip: Include the recipient of the gift if possible! Nothing intrigues customers than seeing the result of a beautiful gift. This also promps your customers to share your pictures!

There is no need to be an award winning photographer to take a couple great shots of your designs. Remember to always look at your photos as if you were the customer and post your fantastic pictures on all your social media platforms. For more great tips and marketing tricks, check back with the Bloomin’ Blog!

Filed Under: Marketing Tips Tagged With: Floral Photography, Marketing Tips, Social Media

FSN at the N.C. Florists Association Convention 2015

August 21, 2015 by Tanya Giraldo Leave a Comment

This past weekend, Flower Shop Network was also at the N.C. Florists Association Convention and Tradeshow 2015 in Greensboro, NC. There were many fantastic sessions and workshops! We got to meet up with members and many who put together this fantastic event! Here are some highlights.

Here is our Flower Shop Network booth full of our popular goody bags!

This is our Flower Shop Network Account Representative Judi Martin (left)
with N.C. Florists Association President Lona Mckenly (right).

If you missed this great convention this year, no worries! Start planning for next year!
The next convention will be held August 13-14, 2016.

We would like to thank everyone who was a part of making this convention a wonderful one and for letting us be a part of it! Check out our Facebook Page to see where we go next!

Filed Under: Floral Conventions & Flower Shows Tagged With: Floral Conventions, NC Florist Association

FSN at the Arkansas Florists Association 63rd Annual Convention

August 19, 2015 by Tanya Giraldo Leave a Comment

This past weekend we had a phenomenal time at the Arkansas Florists Association 63rd Annual Convention held in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The AFA did a fantastic job putting together this event. We met with some of our members and had a wonderful time seeing the beautiful designs. Here are some photos from the event!

Preparing our goodie bags!

Winner of the Mid America cup from Arkansas and our member.

Winner of the Mid America cup from Louisiana and our member.

FSN Account Representatives Krystal Pillow (far left) and Shelley Anderson (far right).

This is one of our long-time members, Michelle Oneal of Petals & Co in Rochester, IL.

We want to be the 1st to welcome the newest member to Flower Shop Network.

Classic Flowers out of Forrest City, Arkansas.

A sincere thanks to the association for letting us be a part of this special event. Check our Facebook Page to see where we will go next!

Filed Under: Floral Conventions & Flower Shows Tagged With: Arkansas Florist Association, Floral Conventions

Flower Spotlight: Tulip

August 17, 2015 by Tanya Giraldo 1 Comment

Tulips are the third most popular flower in the world! They are beautiful and sure to bring on the happy! Here is a brief history of this astonishing bloom.

Origin and Symbolism

Tulips originated in Turkey and Persia many centuries ago. The popularity of this flower grew very quickly, especially in the Netherlands. Back in the 17th century, a phenomenon called “tulip mania” took place where tulips were traded in the stock market and sold at incredibly high prices. Dutchmen left their jobs to become tulip growers but suddenly the market collapsed and many investors were left penniless.

Tulips symbolize imagination, dreaminess, a perfect lover and a declaration of love. Legend has it that a Persian boy fell in love with a maiden. One day, Farhand (the Persian boy) found out that Shirin (the maiden) had been killed. He was so heartbroken that he decided to get on his favorite horse and jumped off a cliff to his death. Each drop of blood became a tulip, a symbol of his perfect love.

To Consider

Tulips can be planted in fall since they do require a period of cold before flowering. They grow better in places with cold springs and dry summers. Some parts of the flower are edible, but avoid eating if they have been treated with chemicals. They have “a mild bean-like taste, to a lettuce-like taste, to no taste at all.” Some tulips have a sweet scent and different varieties grow from a couple of inches to over two feet tall.

The ASPCA says tulips are toxic to dogs, cats and horses.

Availability

There are over 3,000 registered varieties of tulips. They come in many different shades, but the most popular color is red. Tulips make beautiful hand-tied bouquets for brides but can also be given in a vase for display. The flower has a vase life of 7-10 days.

This flower is really one of the most popular and beautiful of blooms. Head to your local florist and surprise a loved one with a stunning tulip bouquet today!

Filed Under: Flower Identification Tagged With: Flower Identification, Tulip

FSN Summer Shell-ebration 2015

August 14, 2015 by Tanya Giraldo Leave a Comment

At Flower Shop Network Headquarters, we had our annual summer company picnic on August 11, 2015. This year we went with an “Under the Sea” theme and decked out the Paragould Community Center with nautical decor. With delicious food, great music, and fun activities, we all had a wonderful time with our coworkers, families, and friends. Here are some pictures of our great night!

Our picnic team did a great job of decorating and setting up the event!

All our coworkers had fun competing in the Baggo Tournament.

Both kids and adults had fun at the water park–especially on this hot day!

A local student band showed off their talent with live music.

Our tech guy wows us with his amazing musical talent.

Flower Shop Network’s owner, Brock Atwill, takes a plunge in the dunk tank.

We had a fantastic time getting to celebrate a great year! It was great to meet family and friends and share one love–We love local florists!

Filed Under: FSN Announcements Tagged With: FSN Announcements

Ewing’s Greenhouses and Florist Celebrates 60 years

August 12, 2015 by Tanya Giraldo 1 Comment

It’s no surprise that Nancy and Walter Trego know flowers. With their successful floral business, Ewing’s Greenhouses and Florist, you can say they are veteran’s in the industry. This shop is not only celebrating 15 years as a Flower Shop Network member this fall, but they are also celebrating 60 years in the business.

Experience You Can Count On

Serving the Elkton, Maryland area, Ewing’s experience speaks for itself with their full-service flower shop, there is nothing this team can’t do.

From floral gifts and sympathy designs to weddings and events, their arrangements are versatile for any occasion.

Customer Satisfaction

Ewing’s makes it a point to work with the customer and strives on customer satisfaction–even when ordering online.

One such customer ordered through their site from another state for a loved one in the area. This is what they had to say about their service:

“I’m a first-time Ewing’s customer and will definitely be placing more orders in the future. Wonderful prices, beautiful flower and plant arrangements. The order was delivered between the days specified. Great feedback from recipient (plant was blooming and the perfect size). Would highly recommend.”

When sending flowers to a loved one, you want the best shop on the job. So, look no further than Ewing’s Greenhouses and Florist with 60 years of experience and love of all things flowers.

Filed Under: Florist Spotlights Tagged With: Florist Spotlights, Maryland Florist

Card Messages: August 2015

August 10, 2015 by Miroslava Casiano Leave a Comment

Have a beautiful arrangement of flowers selected, but have no idea what message to write on the card? No worries, we’ve got your back! Here are some great ideas of what to write for different occasions.

Just Because

No special occasion is needed to share a piece of my heart with you. I love you!

The occasion today is just because. Because I love you, because you’re sweet, because you’re always kind to me.

Friendship

I know I don’t say it enough, but this friendship means so much to me!

I cherish each and every moment I spend with you! Thanks for being my friend.

Congratulations

Nothing makes me happier than seeing your success. Congratulations!

Birthday

Today, you are royalty. Let others spoil you! Happy Birthday!

Found these messages useful? Visit our Bloomin’ Blog for other card message ideas and more!

Filed Under: Card Messages Tagged With: August, card messages

FSN at the WTNM Florist Association Convention

August 7, 2015 by Tanya Giraldo Leave a Comment

We had a fabulous time at the West Texas New Mexico Florist Association Convention in Amarillo, Texas this past weekend. There were some wonderful designs and great events! Here are some pictures from the convention.

Our FSN Account Manager Ken Cochran ready to talk with florists at the FSN booth.

There were some great sessions and events this year!

A wonderful choir on the Sunday morning of the Convention.

The dinner awards banquet with beautiful designs in display!

We can’t wait to see what next year’s convention will bring! Check our Facebook to see where we will go next!

Filed Under: Floral Conventions & Flower Shows Tagged With: Floral Conventions, WTNM Florist Association

5 Reasons To Send Flowers: August ’15

August 5, 2015 by Miroslava Casiano 2 Comments

There is always a reason to celebrate. Whether it be a birthday or a silly holiday, here are just some of the reasons to send flowers in August.

1. Happiness Happens Day – August 8th

This holiday was created by the Secret Society of Happy People to encourage its members to think about happiness and incorporate it into their daily lives. Today, send flowers to those involved in your happy memories and remind them how special they are. A dozen roses to your wife, or bonsai or exotic flower to a relative will bring happiness to a simple day!

2. Son and Daughter Day – August 11th

Just like we have Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, we too have Son and Daughter Day! This day is all about the kids! Let them know how much they are loved and if those kids already have their own home, flowers will definitely make that a happier place.

3. Relaxation Day – August 15th

We all have at least one person in our lives that just never stops. They basically live at work and only take time to breathe. Flowers are not only appealing to the eye, but also give a sense of calmness and relaxation. A beautiful bouquet of white blooms with greens is very soothing and great for that hard worker in your life!

4. Be An Angel Day – August 22nd

Jayne Howard Feldman created this day to inspire people to perform acts of kindness. It can be something as simple as complimenting people as they walk down the street or by simply giving a gift. A beautiful mix flower arrangement or a dozen red roses from the local florist is perfect for someone who doesn’t expect it. Put a smile on someone’s face this day!

5. Just Because Day – August 27th

Today is the perfect day to say “Just Because.” Who knew this was actually a holiday! Surprise a loved one with a dozen roses, remind them how no special occasion is needed to receive beautiful blooms and gifts.

This month is all about making people happy! Be it by giving flowers or performing an act of kindness, the purpose always is to make people smile. Head to your local florist because flowers will do the trick!

Filed Under: Gift Ideas, Holiday Info Tagged With: August, Best 5 Reasons, Sending Flowers