Tuesday, May 29, 2018

How to Write the Perfect Flower Card Messages

Picture this: it's Mother's Day. You're standing at the florist, or maybe in the process of ordering flowers online, and you're trying to fill out the little card that gets sent to mom with her Stargazer Lilies.

The problem? You're stumped. You find yourself asking, does writer's block apply to flower card messages? Because if so, I might as well be a sober Charles Bukowski.

You're not the first person to come up empty when thinking about what to write on a flower card. You also won't be the last. What you can do, though, is get better at it.

If you're standing at the counter right now with pen in hand or staring at an empty text box on your online order, keep reading. You'll learn tips and tricks to find your inner card-writer and nail that flower card message.

Speak From the Heart

It's hard to speak your feelings. If you're not a particularly emotional person, or even if you are, finding the right words can seem impossible. And even when you find them, saying them takes courage.

Look at flower card messages as the perfect opportunity to practice putting yourself out there.
Do you have a stubborn streak in you, yet you're trying to send a heartfelt apology bouquet? Look at the card in front of you as an exercise in apologizing sincerely. Because sometimes it's so much easier to say it on paper than to your loved one's face.

Are you trying to write a sympathy card, but struggle to find the right words to convey sympathy for a loss you've never felt before? It's common, but sympathy flower card messages don't have to be cliche and unmeaningful. Try to share one meaningful memory you have of their deceased loved one, or if you didn't know them, offer a sweet memory of the addressee to make them smile.

If you're sending a bouquet for Mother's Day, tell your mom three things you're grateful for on her flowers card message. Let's be real-- you probably don't call her enough, and it would make her day to read real, honest appreciation that's specific to her.

Maybe she picked you up from a high school party where you were too drunk to drive, no questions asked. Maybe she handled all the details on your wedding day, leaving you free to enjoy your day. Maybe she made your favorite dinner growing up anytime you asked.
Let her know you remember.

Try Your Hand at Something New

Have you always envied those who can draw or write poetry? Well, everyone had to start somewhere-- that could be you. Want to get those creative juices flowing?

Try speaking from the heart in the form of a poem. They're fun and show that you wanted to take the time to write something unique.

Haikus are an easy place to start. They follow a simple 5-7-5 syllable rule, and don't have to rhyme or anything!

Portrait illustration is also a super fun element to add to a flower card message for a birthday, holiday, or even a sympathy card. There are lots of great step-by-step lessons online that will have you drawing simple portraits in as little as one day!

Pick a Meaningful Quote

Speaking from the heart is all well and good, but it's not always that easy. If you're really struggling to convey how you really feel on your flowers card message, don't be afraid to refer to the greats for some inspiration. Here are some ideas.

Romantic Flower Card Messages

Throw some seriously classic Lord Byron down by penning the quote: "like music on the waters is thy sweet voice to me."

In a modern era sonnet, Elizabeth Barrett Browning wrote to her husband: "I love thee to the depth and breadth and height my soul can reach." That's sure to bring a tear to your lady's eye.

Reassure your commitment and loyalty to your loved one by adding a quote from Song of Solomon in the Bible: "I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine."

Sympathy Flower Card Messages

Sympathy cards are always the hardest to write-- what can you say that makes a loss easier to bear? Maybe the point is less to help them bear it, but rather just to let them know you're thinking of them.
Leonardo da Vinci might have written the best quote for a sympathy card ever: "as a well-spent day brings happy sleep, so life well used brings happy death."

Hans Christian Andersen, a well-known children's story author, honors the memory of a life in his quote: "a human life is a story told by God."

You can also remind them that the ones we love never really leave us in the words of Thomas Campbell, who said that "to live in hearts we leave behind is not to die."

Apology Flower Card Messages

Sending apology flowers? Let's hope they get you off the hook. Your words count extra here, so make them extra good!

Admit your humility with a quote by Plato: "I am the wisest man alive, for I know one thing, and that is that I know nothing."

Remind your loved one the enduring faith you have in your relationship with this quote by J.R.R. Tolkien: "Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens."

Or you can assure them that you plan to change in the future with this quote by Tyron Edwards: "right actions in the future are the best apologies for bad actions in the past."

Flowers for Flower Card Messages

Now that you've become the Ernest Hemingway of writing flower card messages, you need to send some flowers to put your new skill to work!

Mother's (and Father's!) Day is right around the corner, and have long has it been since you've checked your calendar for an upcoming birthday?

Check out our best sellers for all the favorite bouquets we offer and get in touch with any questions you might have about florals or delivery!

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

5 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Florist

When you're planning a wedding, there are so many things to keep track of. From the guest list to the seating arrangements to the music cues, it can easily get overwhelming.

Hiring the right professionals can make all the difference in ensuring you get the wedding of your dreams. That is especially true when it comes to hiring a wedding florist. The flowers at your wedding will set the tone for the entire event, and you want to make sure you're working with a florist you can trust.

Before you hire a florist for your wedding, you should feel confident that their style matches yours. Asking certain questions can give you insight into how a particular florist works. You want to be equipped with as much information as possible.

Below, we've put together a guide of five questions to ask your wedding florist before hiring. Read on to learn more!

1. What's Your Experience?

Most brides prefer to work with experienced vendors, and a wedding florist is no exception. It doesn't matter if you're planning a small, intimate wedding or an over-the-top celebration. You want to know that your florist can handle your job.

As you're interviewing florists, be sure to ask them about their prior experience with weddings. If you are planning a grand affair and they've mostly done simpler celebrations, they might not be the best choice for you. And vice versa.

You should also ask to see samples of the work they've done for other weddings. While they might be happy to tell you whatever you want to hear, pictures don't lie. You'll be able to get a more realistic sense of their experience through these examples.
It's also good to keep an open mind when considering a florist's experience. Just because they've never done a wedding like the one you want doesn't mean they can't.

2. How Involved Will You Be?

Different brides have different expectations of their wedding florist. Some want a full-service experience, while others want something a little more hands-off. Before you hire a florist, you should decide your preference.

If you do want a florist who will be actively involved on the day of your wedding, ask them how many other events they have on the same weekend. If you expect your florist to handle all the set up of ceremony and reception flowers, you want to make sure you'll have their full attention.

On the other hand, if your only expectation is for delivery on the day of your wedding, then it may not matter how many other events they are also working on.

Just make sure you've really envisioned your wedding, and what the logistics will look like on the day-of. Once you've figured out what you want, you'll be in a better position to hire a wedding florist who can deliver on that vision.

3. Can You Work Within My Budget?

The amount of money wedding flowers cost can vary widely from bride to bride. Typically, you should plan to spend about 8 percent of your overall wedding budget on flowers, although that may vary depending on your personal priorities.

Regardless of how much you have to spend, you want to work with a florist who understands and respects that limitation. When you're meeting with florists, it's up to you to be forthcoming about your budget. Then it's their job to show you what they can do for that amount.

You should never let a florist--or any other wedding vendor--pressure you into spending more than you can afford. If you are working with a smaller amount, see how creative they can be when selecting certain blooms or putting together arrangements.

It's also on you to be realistic. If you love a particular look that you just can't afford, you have to recognize that going in.

4. What's Your Style?

Some brides go into the wedding planning process with a very clear idea of their bridal style. Other brides have never given it much thought, and are figuring it out as they go along.

There's no one right way to design a wedding, but you do want to make sure that your vision is aligned with your florists, or that you trust them enough to lead the way when it comes to design.
If you've always pictured your wedding as a glamorous event with large table settings and lush bouquets, you wouldn't want to work with a florist whose typical design style is minimal or rustic. If you picture sunflowers and greenery, you don't want to work with someone who constantly tries to sell you on roses.

Pay close attention to the words they use when describing the looks they've created in the past. Write down the adjectives that stand out. You can review the list later and see how it compares to the way you want guests to describe your wedding. If it is a match, that's a good sign that you've found the right florist.

5. How Do You Work with Clients?

As your wedding date gets closer, it's likely that your stress level as bride will rise. You'll have to make lots of decisions at once, including finalizing design details. It's likely that you'll change your mind about certain elements at least once during the course of wedding planning.

When that does happen, it helps to be working with vendors who are flexible, responsive, and communicative. You should ask your wedding florist how you can best reach them, and how long it usually takes them to get back to clients.

If you want face-to-face meetings, make sure they'll be available for that. If you prefer to communicate via email, ask if that works for them as well. You never want to feel like you're in the dark, and don't know the status of your floral design or flower delivery.

Ready To Pick a Wedding Florist?

After all of your hard work planning, your wedding should be the dream day you always pictured. Working with the right vendors plays a huge part in making sure that happens.

Asking your wedding florist the right questions is the best way to ensure you find one you can trust.
For more information on getting the best flowers for your wedding, please contact us at any time.

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

7 Beautiful Types of Sunflowers to Brighten Your Home

Can your home use a splash of color? Or perhaps something to brighten up the color scheme? You could go with another piece of artwork but what's the fun in that?

Instead, try flowers! They're a great way to add color or make your day better. Flowers are the poster child of wellbeing. They'll brighten your day, make you feel better when you're sick and can promote positivity. But we aren't just talking about any type of flower.

We'll discuss different types of sunflowers. They're yellow, cheery, and bright. How can you not want a bunch in your home?
Let's take a look!

Dwarf Sunflowers

You didn't think we'd have you place extremely tall sunflowers in your home, did you? If you did, that's okay. It's a bit unrealistic to house a gigantic flower in your living room or kitchen. With that said, we'll talk about the different types of sunflowers that range in height from three feet and lower.
Here we go!

Sunny Smile

They have that name for a reason. As soon as you lay eyes on their bright yellow color, it'll bring a smile to anyone's face. Similar to the larger types of sunflowers, they range about 12 to 15 inches tall. They're a great addition to the garden or make for one beautiful bouquet.

If you know someone who needs to be cheered up, they'll love receiving these at their doorstep. They're easy to maintain as you can leave them in direct sunlight.

Sundance Kid

Being the first of its kind, this was the first sunflower to be domesticated. It features yellow petals but the center differs from the regular yellow sunflowers. Instead of having what's called the disk flowers in the center, it features smaller petals of a reddish brown color.

They reach to be about knee height, making them a stunner in a tall vase. Have them be solo or group them together with other types of sunflowers for a little diversity.

Pacino

Before you get any ideas, this isn't named after the legendary actor, Al Pacino. It's actually the complete opposite. It's made up of delicate petals with disk flowers that look like a mandala made out of beads. They can grow up to be about two feet.

They match perfectly with other delicate flowers like Delilahs and roses. Or for maximum impact, group a bunch of Pacino sunflowers together in a tall vase.

Little Becka

Looking for a sunflower that's a little different than the others? It's still yellow but accompanied by a fiery red on the inner part of the petals. When you're really looking for something to brighten up your home, this choice is it. It gives you the same yellowy color everyone loves but with a twist.

Visitors will be amazed at how this sunflower resembles a sunset. It makes for a great centerpiece as it'll be the thing that breaks the ice between dinner guests.

Colored Sunflowers

Who knew sunflowers came in a variety of gorgeous colors? Rather than your average yellow, there are types of sunflowers that come in deep reds, even medium pink hue. Let's take a look at these colorful beauties.

Terracotta

Terracotta sunflowers look exactly like how they sound. They have pale orange petals with hints of yellow throughout. For the disk flowers, they're more of a brown color. They're perfect for fall bouquets and garlands.

Earthwalker

This is another type of sunflower that sounds just like its name. It's made up of earthy tones like golds, reds, and browns.

Moulin Rouge

If you're looking for a unique sunflower, this is it. Its gorgeous color resembles the best red wine available. It ranges from a rose red to a deep burgundy. Put it in any bouquet and it'll be the standout flower amongst the rest.

How to Care for Sunflowers

Now that you've been introduced to a wide array of sunflowers, it's time to learn how to care for them. And don't worry, it's not as complicated as you think. Here's what's needed to keep them looking vibrant and cheery.

Grow Individually

If you're a first-time sunflower owner, it's best to grow them separately. Some varieties as we know already can grow to be pretty large. And it can get easily out of hand if you're inexperienced.

For a planter, choose one with a good amount of drainage holes. As for the potting mix, opt for one that drains well. Keeping sunflowers separate from one another allows for optimal growth. They won't have to fight for space, which could cause them to die quicker.

Sunlight

Sunflowers have that name for a reason--they love the sunlight! Keeping them in at least six hours of direct sunlight means they'll grow to their ideal height.

Unlike other flowers, if you don't get direct sunlight inside your home, you can stick them outside. Rather than dying like other flowers would, they flourish when living in harsh sunlight.

Water

This part can get a little tricky for those who are forgetful. When the drainage tray is full, make sure to discard the dirty water. To keep your sunflowers thriving, it's important to keep the soil moist.
You don't want it to get soggy, however. Soggy soil can lead to the flower dying.

Fertilizer

For ideal growth, you'll want to get a water-soluble fertilizer made for house-plants. With sunflowers, avoid using a lot. It could cause the plant to grow more foliage.

Stakes

If you're growing a large type of sunflower, you might want to invest in getting stakes. Sunflowers become top-heavy when they're tall. Stakes will make sure to keep them upright.

Wrapping Up on Types of Sunflowers

Sunflowers are like a ray of sunshine. They're cheery and everyone can't help but smile when they see one. Looking for the perfect bouquet? Check out our best sellers today!

Tuesday, May 1, 2018

How to Pick the Perfect Baby Shower Flowers

Baby Shower Flowers
Welcoming a new baby into the world is always an exciting time! So it's no wonder we all want an excuse to celebrate, and a baby shower does precisely that.

Needless to say, you'll want this event to be an elegant affair so we thought we'd put this blog post together to help you pick your baby shower flowers. So, without further ado let's dive into our top advice!

1.) Find a Florist

When it comes to sorting your baby shower flowers, you'll need to find a reliable florist. An experienced florist (whether online or offline) is essential when it comes to choosing your flowers.
Flowers don't like being moved around or subjected to different temperatures. So, find a company who understand the importance of taking care of their blooms, so you get the best quality possible.

2.) Pick a Color or Theme

There are few things you'll want to consider when choosing the color of your flowers:
  • What's the baby's gender? Do you want the traditional pinks for a girl or blues for a boy? Or, would you rather steer clear of these stereotypes and opt for a more neutral color?
  • Does the baby shower have a broader theme? If so, you might want to try and coordinate the colors of your florals to the decor you've already purchased.
  • Do you want a display where you can add motives and other trinkets to the flowers- if so which ones, and what colors would suit you?
You may want to bear in mind that softer hues are ideal for baby showers. These colors tend to represent gentleness, which is perfect! Hence, you really can't go wrong with any shade of pastel.
Trust us; the above considerations will go a long way to helping you create the perfect floral arrangements.

Creating a Color Palette

Sometimes, it's easier to create a color palette before choosing the colors of your floral displays. Here are a few thoughts to fuel your inspiration;

Do you have the paints picked for the baby's nursery? If so, using these colors is a lovely way of making the event decor unique to your style and tastes- it doesn't get more adorable than that! Alternatively, you might want to let the seasons guide you. We would always advise opting for seasonal flowers because they tend to last longer. Plus, there's a higher chance you'll get more for your money's worth!

Winter

If you're hosting a winter baby shower, the following colored florals tend to be popular; mint green, baby blue, powder pink, or white. You may want to consider either carnations or pansies; these always go down well!

Summer

Whereas, if you're after a brighter more summery appearance, then bolder versions of the above colors might be ore the ticket; fuschia, teal or aqua.

Spring

Just like summer, spring is an excellent excuse to cracks out more vibrant colors. Especially, oranges and yellows. Favorite flowers for this season include:
  • Amaryllis
  • Peony
  • Cherry blossom
All of which are beautiful choices!

Fall

If you're hosting an autumnal baby shower, then muted colors like olive green or mustard, are a perfect choice. Favorite blooms include mums and gerbera daisies.

3.) What Other Decor Will There Be?

Before you decide on your flowers, you may want to consider the other types of decor you're having; balloons, banners, table decor, etc. You'll want to make sure you choose a color and style that compliments the rest of your theme.

What Flowers Should I Go For?

Traditionally, gypsophila paniculata is famously associated with newborns and are commonly known as baby's breath. So, this tradition makes it this flower the perfect choice for a baby shower. However, if you're stuck when it comes to picking your baby shower flowers then we have a few specific suggestions for you;

All of the blooms below are perfect if you're hoping to do any of the following:
  • Decorating the entrance, the room and/or table
  • Creating beautiful centerpieces
  • Providing a charming gift for the mother-to-be
So without further ado, here are our favorite flowers:

Lilies (Lilium)

Lilies are famous for their beauty and are perfect for virtually any occasion, plus they come in a variety of colors, so they're ideal if you're looking for something to fit your color palette.

Top Tip: Don't give a bunch of lilies to a cat owner. Sadly, when cats digest these flowers, they're poisonous and can be very harmful to these loveable bundles of fur.

Calla lilies

If you're searching for a more substantial sized flower, then you should consider Calla lilies. These blooms have bigger heads and gorgeously waxy petals. They tend to be available in the following colors: white, yellow, pink, orange and green! These are perfect if you're looking to break the mold a little bit, nonetheless, they're a lovely choice.

Lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum)

If you're looking for a flower that'll stand the test of time, the lisianthus is an excellent choice. Not only are they sturdy, but they're divine to look at. They have gorgeously delicate petals and come in an array of colors including; lavender, dark pink and purple.

Stock (Matthiola Incana)

This kind of bloom is nothing short of perfection. They have a gorgeous aroma which smells a lot like fresh cloves. They're a practical choice because they come in a variety of colors including; white, peach, lavender, pink, and purple.

Did You Enjoy This Article on Baby Shower Flowers?

Did you like this article on baby shower flowers? If so, we're confident you'll love our bouquets and gifts. Please feel free to peruse through these at your leisure. Alternatively, if you have any questions about this topic, please feel free to drop us a line. We'd love to help steer you in the right direction and provide you with the perfect flowers for your occasion. Speak soon!