Exotic Flowers in Boston

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I worked in the wholesale flower business for decades specializing in high-end invents-weddings in particular.  Although most of the time, the florists whom I consulted were gifted with pleasant (and most importantly) realistic brides, there was always that one client who proceeded to torture designers unmercifully.  Here’s the top five snags Boston Florists run into when planning their floral work:

photo credit: estestherapy.com

1. The eminent request for a variety of flower that DOES NOT GROW during the season she wishes to wed.  
2. They insist on a particular color palette that is so ugly, the florist is afraid to be recognized as the designer.
3. Desiring the most expensive flowers available but not wanting to pay for them due to budget constraints.  
4. Changing their order a week before the affair leaving the florist to cancel their order from the wholesaler who is bound to go bananas.
5. Asking for the most heat sensitive flowers such as sweet pea and lily of the valley for a July date forecasted to be in the 90’s.  (You know they wont live to see the aisle).  

So I know we all recognize these agonizing situations but a few tips can help alleviate these ugly confrontations.  Stress is usually the number one instigator for disagreement and ridiculous requests so whatever a florist can do to prepare the customer will be helpful to decrease surprise costs or failure of availability.  Contracts set up before the florists makes any attempt to fulfill the order is always wise and can deter “you promised” or “I never agreed to pay that” from being said in the long run.  Other ideas that might help render a difficult bride are these five tips to assist the florist in experiencing a fuss free wedding day.

1. Have everything in writing so there is a concrete paper trail during the entire floral buying process.
2. Make a quick pamphlet for each season, which showcases the readily available flowers so that the bride has a firm understanding that you are not a magician.  
3. Do not leave the sordid topic of cost until the end.  Deal with a clear budget concept during the first meeting and hold tight to your guns.  Make sure this information is clearly printed in the contract mentioned in tip#1.
4. Try not to get too specific about each and every bloom you plan on using for the affair.  With the exception of the bouquet, chances are she won’t notice every bloom anyways.  You can use this as a little wiggle room if a problem occurs with your market order.
5. Keep reflecting back on her and the wonderful occasion marriage is instead of focusing solely on the role of the flowers.  The event is about joining two people who love each other after all, not the centerpieces or boutonnières!

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I love flowers.  In fact, I love them twelve months of the year and especially during the holiday season.  April brings beautiful bulb plants while July and August bring sweet stems of wild flowers.  Even the fall produces an extraordinary array of options including sunflowers, asters and cabbage.  New England is almost a year round resource for botanicals but there are those sticky few months where the wind chill factor drops to below zero and that white fluffy stuff drops from the sky.  Alas, Boston florists have made it their mission to supply their customers with hardy and most importantly, beautiful, blossoms during the months of January and February.  Now you can’t go into this without realizing that flexibility is a must.  You might not find peonies but you will be able to choose from a delightful selection.  Here are some of my favorites for the winter season.

 Sweet Peas are probably one of the most sought after flower for weddings during this time of year and remarkably, comes from several different countries of import such as Holland and Japan.  Petals come in shades of purple, yellow, white pink, blush, fuchsia, peach and even red.  Their delicate appearance makes them perfect for wedding bouquets, showing a dreamy like appearance when stems are tucked tightly within European styled handhelds. 

Lilly of the Valley is another popular item because again, it’s shipped into the US on a standard basis during the wintertime.  Also dainty in nature, these tiny stems hold white cups that resemble bells dripping off the vine.  This variety is one of the more fragrant options and also becomes popular with brides using sprigs for hairpieces and corsages.  Be careful though, they likely will not live for a long period of time so weddings and party work are the best place to utilize this variety. 

                                         photo credit: Flower Factor

Tulips are everywhere during this time of year and for a good reason.  They come in a mass assortment of shapes and colors and in most cases are priced reasonably.  Tulips can either be ordered from your Boston florist or picked up in your grocery store-its that simple.  While the spring bulb may not look like a decadent additive to your floral arrangements, they present a “clean” appeal that is also extremely easy to work with.

                                   photo credit: Flower Factor

Cypripedium orchids are stunning, end of story.  They are small in height but produce the most gorgeous green, pedaled face that has a striped green and white throat.  These little babies might cost a penny or two but one things for sure, they last!  You wont need too many stems either as they are perfect standing alone in a simple fuss-free glass holder.  Trust me, you wont be disappointed with this pick!

 Suzie and Ryan Canale, Boston MA 2014

Suzie once served as the South End Wedding Planner for examiner.com