Florists for Events

Florists can arrange single or multiple bouquets and centerpieces for your event.

Flowers are a great addition to any event, for beautification, scent or tradition. Finding the right florist takes a little effort. When you have a big event or special occasion coming up, plan ahead and make a list of what you'll want as floral arrangements. Clip a few photos from magazines featuring flower designs that reflect your taste and style, and show the photos to florists at the interview. Ask about flower types and availability, and ask to see the florist's portfolio.

Weddings

Every bride needs her special bouquet.

Probably the most popular reason hire a florist is the wedding. These very special occasions range from quiet, simple events to extravagant affairs with hundreds of guests. Flowers make the difference no matter how large the group, and no bride should be without her favorite flowers to carry to the altar. If you need a florist for a wedding, check with the planners at the church, hall, inn, restaurant or wherever the event will be held. Often, planners at these venues have staff members to guide you to florists they use. Typical lists for weddings include the bridal bouquet, flowers for the groom and attendants, corsages for mothers and elders, petals for the flower children, decorations for the event area and reception flowers for tables. Sometimes brides have two bouquets --- one to carry, dry and keep, and one to toss. And sometimes, there are two brides who'll each want her own bouquet.

Banquets and Feasts

Elegant dining and business dinners often have floral decorations and displays.

Florists for events are sometimes brought in via the hotel or facility staff. If you are planning an event at a hotel, ballroom or major venue, ask the management for suggestions. Or shop around your area and get recommendations from friends and family. At small banquets, sometimes a few small bouquets are arranged for the head table and beverage or other areas. For most large banquets, each table has a centerpiece, and bouquets or arrangements can be placed around the room for extra color or visual appeal. Talented florists will devise interesting and unusual vases or sculptures by using flowers with feathers, stones, colored glass, wood and other things. If the feasting party is celebrating a certain age group or major marker in a business, the florist can help with choosing appropriate themes, colors and extras.

Anniversaries and Birthdays

Celebrate birthdays with special flower arrangements.

Birthday and anniversaries sometimes call for a single arrangement or bouquet. But if you're throwing a big party for a 25th, 50th, 75th or 100th birthday or a silver or gold wedding anniversary, you may want to consult a florist for input. Some people like to have re-commitment ceremonies to recite their wedding vows again and may want to have a bouquet for the bride. Special corsages or wrist flowers and tussy mussies (small bouquets) often come into play for anniversaries. Men wear carnations or roses, too. Ask your florist for suggestions.

Holidays

Any holiday event is enhanced with the beauty of flowers.

The season of giving is often a time for holding parties and other celebratory events. You don't have to settle for pots of poinsettias to say it's Christmas. If your event has a religious or spiritual focus, determine with your florist the appropriate flowers that best speak Kwanzaa, Hanukkah and other ceremonies. If you're celebrating Yule or Nollaig (Christmas in Gaelic), you may want a special Yule log centerpiece to later throw in the fireplace or keep. Swags, wreaths and greenery strung throughout a home, church, hall or even outdoors may be desirable. New Year's parties often have arrangements, too, with streamers and ribbons. Try for the unusual or keep to tradition. Given enough planning time, your florist will find all the right touches to grace your event.

References

• Ricci Events
• Big Apple Florist: Events
• Hospitality Networks: Choosing a Florist and Selecting Flowers for Your Wedding

Resources

• Signature Flowers and Events
• Celebrations Now
• Choosing the Right Florist for Your Wedding or Special Event