Retail Florist vs. Event Florist?

Q:  What is the difference between a retail florist and an event florist? 
Barbara, Studio City 
 
Orie Says:
A retail florist operates out of a flower shop or a counter in a supermarket. An event florist does not. Many event florists work out of their home. Flowers by Orie is an event florist working out of a studio in our home. By doing so we keep the overhead down and pass on the savings to our customers.

The Illusion of Candle Light?

Q:  At my wedding venue we cannot use votive candles that can be lit. Is there another way to give the illusion of a lit candle?
Debbie M. New York

Orie Says:
At Flowers by Orie we get this request often. We recommend a mini battery operated light floating in clear gel in a votive holder. The illumination is impressive and some lights even flicker.

Stephanotis

Q:  I love the fragrance and star shape form of Stephanotis. Why are they so expensive?
Dana, New York

Orie Says:
Stephanotis have very small stems which prevent using them in arrangements. Florists have to remove the stem and put the bud on an artificial stem that is longer and provides moisture. This process is time consuming and causes the cost to go up. Many brides feel the increased cost is worth it to use this beautiful flower

Florist Deposits

Q:  Is it customary to give a deposit to a florist before the wedding?
Joanne S. Encino

Orie Says:
Each florist may have a different policy regarding a deposit. At Flowers by Orie we require a non-refundable deposit to hold the wedding date. Once we receive the deposit along with a signed contract, we reserve the date on our event calendar.

Flowers on a Valentine’s Day Wedding?

Q:  I am getting married on 2/11/12 which is the Saturday before Valentine’s day. Can I expect to pay more for my flowers?
Kim.M. Canoga Park

Orie Says:
Yes you can. Many flowers go up in price due to supply and demand the week before and through the week after Valentine’s Day. Roses, Lilies and Carnations will definitely go up. If you like Roses you will find that red varieties will escalate more in cost than other colors.

Allergies…

Q:  I am highly allergic to fragrances. What flowers should I avoid for my wedding?

Debbie, Encino

Orie Says:

You should avoid using Oriental Lilies, Freesias, Rice Flower and Misty Blue. At Flowers by Orie, during our free consult, we always ask the bride if she is allergic to fragrance. We want her to experience comfort and joy on her special day.

 

Mini Gerbera

Q:  I love Gerbera daisies but I feel that they are too big for a bridal bouquet. Do they come in different sizes?
Lisa, Canyon Country

Orie Says:

There is a smaller size than the one you are used to seeing. It is called a Mini Gerbera or Germini. The Germini is about three quarters of the size of the standardGerbera. Standard Gerberas bunched together and hand tied make for a beautiful bride’s or bridesmaid’s bouquet.

Bridesmaid’s Bouquets

Q:  I know what flowers I want in my bouquet but I’m confused about my bridesmaid’s bouquets. Any suggestions?

Carol,Sherman Oaks

Orie Says:

First you need to know the color of their dresses. Any bouquet, both style and color, must be harmonious with their dresses.Many brides select the same style as their bouquet for their bridesmaids but smaller.Other brides will use some of the same flowers as in their bouquet for their bridesmaids.

The most important part of your decision is that they look good with their flowers, since you will relive your wedding for years to come through the photos that are taken.

Bouquets and Centerpieces and Succulents… Oh My??

Q:  Can I mix succulents with cut flowers for bouquets and centerpieces? Will they look good together?

Felicia, New York

Orie Says:

Yes you can. They would look great if combined with colorful cut flowers.The succulent’s shades of blue-grey, silver and almost black go especially well with red roses and orange dahlias.

Easy Care, Long Lasting Flowers?

Q:  I would like to send my 80 year-old mother-in-law some flowers for her
birthday in a few weeks.  What would you recommend that would require the
least care, but could last a long time?  Oh, and can it be fragrant too?
Jenny K., Agoura Hills

Orie Says:
Hi Jenny!   A bouquet of fresh cut flowers  will bring color and beauty, but may last one to two weeks in water. Think about sending a tropical, which lasts a very long time or perhaps a cactus, which can last almost forever with very little care.  Options for tropical flowers can be: Orchids, Birds of Paradise, Pikake (the very fragrant Hawaiian jasmine plant) or Hibiscus, to name a few. Night Blooming Careus is a fragrant and lasting cactus that will bloom (you guessed it!) at night.  We can also do a live plant arrangement in a basket that would simply need to be watered once in a while.