How to Order Holiday Event Flowers
Plan as early as August
Ordering for your big year’s end soirée or holiday gathering should be Fun and Painless! Plan as early as August to get the best prices on your flowers. There are Deep Discounts available when you plan ahead, because Florists appreciate the advance notice. In addition to saving money, you will get More Individualized Attention from your Florist during the months of August-October than you will in the peak months of the holiday season.
Great News! You can Start even Before you Confirm THE DATE
You might think you need to have an Exact Date confirmed for your event BEFORE you order flowers. You would be Wrong! It is the Advance Notice that you give your Florist that helps your planning process remain effortless and fun, and you can begin this process without an Exact Date. Who knew?!
None of the details your Florist will need (see below) require an EXACT Date.
Pieces of the Puzzle
It is Okay to have only a few of these topics decided when you first sit down or talk to your Florist. As I pointed out at the very beginning of this article, it is the Advance Planning that will benefit you Most! It brings your price down. It gets you on the books, allows your Florist to schedule staffing, time off, inventory needs, as well as purchase hard goods on sale beforehand, etc.
A good Florist will keep you on task and gather all of the rest of the necessary pieces of the puzzle in time for your event.
Price is Your Guide
Price will be one of the Biggest Factors that guides you and your Florist. Price lets you know what is going to be available to you specifically – from varieties of flowers and whether you can have premium imports, to selection of containers. Without knowing your budget, you can waste a lot of time looking at items that may not work for you, and you may be disappointed if you have to downgrade your selections.
For example, if you set aside $95 per centerpiece, you might get a towering, full centerpiece of premium flowers and greens on a tall rental vase. For $45, a lush, low centerpiece of seasonal flowers and greens in either a simple glass or ceramic vase or even a disposable container. For $25, a glass bowl of floating flowers and candles or a very simple arrangement of greens and a few stems of flowers.
Theme & Style
Will you have a theme? This will help form your initial vision for floral arrangements and centerpieces. It will also keep you on track when you select particular varieties and containers. It need not be a resolute theme like “Red and White Ball”. It can be more general, such as ‘Rustic Charm’ or ‘Winter Wonderland’ for example.
Color & Season
Color & Season will be of utmost importance in the selection of the flower varieties and accents. While many greens are available year-round, some flowers, berries and seed pods are not. Greenhouse growers have made many items available even during their off season, which is great. And the cost of greenhouse flowers is not much more than the cost of seasonal flowers grown outdoors. There are locally grown flowers from outdoor growers and from greenhouse growers. The same goes for imports.
Select a color palate of at least three actual colors (not including a green) if you can. If your company colors are Blue and Yellow, then add a light yellow for a third color for example. Select a shade of green for your greenery (if using greenery).
Once color is decided, your Florist can offer options in those colors that are available during the time of year of your event. You will want to take into consideration the colors of the linens you are using and any other materials you may be placing on your tables such as favors or signage.
To Keep or To Give Away
Decide whether you’d like to give the floral centerpieces away after the event. They can go home with guests, or be auctioned off to guests, awarded, or even brought back and used for décor at your place of business.
If they are to be given away, then the containers and accents you select will need to be included in the cost of the centerpieces in full. They can still be handsome and affordable with enough planning (i.e. time to shop!).
If the flowers are to be kept in your business or home, or discarded after the event, then you have the option to rent more premium containers and accents from your Florist. You will be able to return those items (or have the Florist schedule a pick up for you) after the event. Be sure to read and comply with all Rental Guidelines to avoid unnecessary fees after your event.
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