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Flowers & Decorations

Traditional or contemporary flowers? White flowers vs. bright colors? Wrist or pin-on corsages? These are just a few of the questions that couples will encounter when selecting flowers for their wedding. I spoke with Daniel Vaughn, Owner & Designer, of Daniel Vaughn Event Design in State College regarding information and suggestions for couples when choosing their wedding flowers.

Selecting A Florist/Designer

With an abundance of local floral shops in the area, selecting a particular florist for a wedding can be difficult. According to Daniel Vaughn, couples should feel comfortable and at ease with their potential wedding florist. Couples are encouraged to ask their designer questions and to look at a portfolio of past weddings he/she may have designed. A qualified florist should be able to answer flower or design questions presented by the bride or groom. A professional florist will also be prepared at not only the initial consultation but at subsequent consultations.

Having confidence in a florist is stressed by Daniel Vaughn. Couples must remember it is the florist who will execute the design and ambience of a wedding and reception. Flowers are just one of the many services provided by vendors that brides and grooms will not see completed until their wedding day. A professional florist will have a passion for design and flowers that will carry over to a couples’ wedding.

Vaughn also suggests couples from out of town ask local family and friends about flower shops in the town they are getting married. Locals often know which shops have a good reputation and have seen their work displayed at other weddings and community events.

Oftentimes couples want to know how far in advance they should book a florist. Vaughn suggests couples book a florist after they feel comfortable with that florist’s services. Couples are encouraged to schedule an appointment with a florist before reserving their services. Daniel Vaughn Event Design will hold a date for a couple with a deposit and will not overbook a date. Daniel Vaughn Event Design will also accept last minute weddings and receptions depending on his store’s availability.

Current Flower Trends

After speaking with Vaughn, he acknowledged that each wedding is different from the next and that there is no dominant theme that brides are following in terms of flowers and design. Bouquets, arrangements, centerpieces, etc. vary depending on the theme and setting of the wedding.

Today, brides are using bolder color schemes and using their favorite flowers at weddings and receptions. Some brides request flowers be arranged in clear glass pieces such as cubes and lotus bowls. Also popular is using different size vases or cubes on the same table at receptions. Brides are now using flowers they like to help customize their wedding and to tailor it to their everyday style. While there is somewhat of a break from traditional style weddings, Daniel Vaughn still encounters brides in search of a traditional style and design at their wedding.

Selecting Flowers

Many brides enter consultations with their florist undecided of the type of flowers they want to use at their wedding. Bridal magazines recommend brides bring a color sample of their dress and a sample of their wedding colors to their florist to give him/her a starting point. It is important for brides to express their likes and dislikes when a florist shows them different flowers, pictures of bouquets, etc. A florist needs to know and understand the style a bride wants to create at her wedding.

Brides uncertain of the type of flowers they want to use at their wedding can match flowers to their wedding season. Ask a florist to see an array of seasonal flowers to see if any of the flowers match your style and color scheme. For example, tulips are a popular spring flower and come in a variety of colors for brides getting married in the spring. Sunflowers, hydrangeas, dahlias, and lilies are popular flowers to display at summer weddings. For winter weddings, couples could use deep-red roses, calla lilies, white pine or holly at their wedding. Adding fruit such as apples or pears to vases or arrangements can make flowers stand out at fall weddings.

Questions To Ask A Florist

What services does your store offer?

Couples should ask florists if they or their store offer any additional services. For example, a store like Daniel Vaughn Event Design offers not only flowers but complete event design from the rehearsal dinner to the reception. Daniel Vaughn’s business can provide couples with table linens, accessories, china, etc. Staffed by a group of industry professionals, Vaughn’s store can style flowers at the church, reception hall, and service the bride’s flowers before walking down the aisle if necessary.

Can I see a portfolio?

A professional florist and design company should have a wedding portfolio for couples to view. Ask a florist how long they have worked in the wedding industry. After speaking with Daniel Vaughn, it is evident to see his passion for working with flowers and being part of a couple’s wedding day. Selecting a florist passionate about flowers will carry over to the design of a couple’s wedding day.

Are seasonal flowers available year-round?

Brides wanting seasonal flowers such as tulips, lilacs, or lilies of the valley outside of their regular season need to make sure a particular florist can obtain the flowers. In today’s global market, it is much easier for florists to secure seasonal flowers for weddings but brides should still confirm the flowers’ availability and quality with their florist.

Can your store work with my budget?

Discuss budgets with a florist at your initial meeting. Find out if a florist is willing to work with a budget. Daniel Vaughn Event Design encourages brides working with a budget to contact his stores. Vaughn»s store will turn away couples working with a tight budget. According to Daniel Vaughn, every bride deserves to have a beautiful wedding day and that any couple can have style at their wedding, even on a modest budget.

Couples still in need of a florist can contact Daniel Vaughn Event Design at 814-237-2789. Remember to visit WeddingPage.com prior to the 2009 Wedding Showcase to view a list of local florists participating in the show.