Amalie Focus... FLOWERS

The floral industry is HUGE. It's a global economy worth over £100B (yes B is for billion, I did say it was huge!) a year. Most of my clients don't realise this and who's to tell them? Most peoples contact with flowers are picking some up with the weekly shop and while filling up the car. As a wedding planner I believe a better understanding of the floral industry would give couples an appreciation as to where their money is going and to answer the most commonly asked question; "why are wedding flowers so expensive?".

For people who are genuinely interested I will try and explain (I am no expert though, I leave that to my florist friends!). Most people won't be surprised to learn the main hub of the floral industry is Holland. Flowers from growers are flown in from all over the world (i.e. orchids from Asia, roses from Kenya and chrysanthemums from Colombia), which are then sold to wholesalers who in turn then transport them to the distributors (i.e. florists and nurseries) all over Europe and other continents.

It's a massive industry and when a couple walk into a florist wanting a "quick quote" for their wedding flowers they're not normally appreciating the fact that a) some flowers are seasonal, b) the global market dictates price and c) flowers 'on order' are more costly.

Seasonal Flowers

Not all flowers are available all year round even if they're grown around the world (although new growers in the Southern hemisphere are helping to combat this problem). Many flowers (and foliage) are seasonal and in some cases the flowers aren't just hard to find they damn right don't exist for most of the year. Some flowers are available 'early' however its a idea to know these young flowers won't be very big and may even struggle to open their heads. On the opposite end of the spectrum, flowers coming to 'the end' of their season will possibly wilt and die before the big day however much care, water and food the florist will give them. An example of seasonal disappointment is a story of a bride getting married last October who had her heart set on beautiful pale pink peonies. Nowhere in the world were these flowers available at that time of year. Trying to explain this to someone who had themed their whole wedding around them was as upsetting for the bride as it was for the florist I know. Most of the time if flowers are not available it's deemed their fault. Sadly this happens a lot.

Global Market

Most couples will have a fair idea they will be paying a premium if they get married near mothers day or valentines day. However many couples would fail to see why Easter or Christmas might have the same effect on sky high flower prices. This is because flowers are a global commodity and when whole countries are celebrating a catholic holiday (think both Italy and Spain) then it effects the world market including flowers imported into the UK. Another example is with Eastern Europeans; they love flowers. This is no exaggeration and even the poorest would not think twice about spending their last wages on flowers for their home or to give to loved ones. When there is a national holiday or celebration in these countries the prices of flowers escalates everywhere else too. When flower demand increases, availability decreases and then global prices rise.

Wedding Flowers

So armed with all of this information and you're getting married when global prices are low and you've picked in season flowers, how come they still seem expensive? The answer is in one word: "guarantee". You are getting married on a specific date at a specific time. You are wanting specific flowers of a specific quantity (normally 1000's even for a small wedding) which have to look their absolute best on the day. This means the wholesaler has to pick the first flowers off the shipment from the grower. There is no room for error, the attitude isn't "oh well we'll just wait to see what's left"! To guarantee the florist and you that you get what you want on one of the most important days of your life is they have to pick the first flowers off the shipment. Period.

Overheads and Expertise

If after all of the above the price still seems quite high then please also remember florists are providing you with a service. They are not running a charity (although many I'm sure would disagree!) but a business. They are providing you with talent, skill and knowledge which for many has meant many years of training. Most good florists will help you if you only have a certain budget to play with. The best way to help them is tell them your budget in the first place. Good florists will stick to it and help you make the most of what you can afford by suggesting ways to get the most out of your money. It's not going to reflect well on their business if they don't make your budget seem like value for money!

I really hope this has helped some people understand this industry a little better and give more appreciation as to whats involved. If you would like further information please check out the wikipedia synopsis which goes into far more detail than the above!

Amalie Focus: Marquee and Tent Hire

There has been a revolution! Well ok, not quite as dramatic as a revolution but a definite positive shift in the marquee and tent hire industry. Most people when asked to describe a marquee will say white, plastic windows you can’t see out of, dodgy flooring and multiple guy ropes to trip over and oh yes, have I mentioned white?! Many clients view marquees as an unfortunate addition they tack onto the main venue to hold extra guests or as the sad alternative to their dream venue due to budget restrictions.

With knowledge and imagination this is now anything but the case and I’m very glad to say there are some innovative and exciting structures out there making tents and marquees a unique, fun and creative space to which to hold your wedding – oh and some of them aren’t white!

Tip Top Tents

There are a few companies who are now solely concentrating on the supply of good quality, original tents. They dramatically range in size holding up to 200+ people depending on the configuration and are also very aesthetically pleasing; both inside and out. They are also named Yurts, Tipi’s, Kungsornen and the largest tent of all; the Giant Hat. Depending on the size of your guest list these can be an extremely versatile option. For example you could have a giant hat for the wedding breakfast and then have smaller ‘off shoot’ tipis for the dance floor, chill out area or the catering. In the winter they can be extremely cosy with open log fires, wood burning stoves and power heaters to keep everyone toasty.

Most companies such as the Beautiful World Tents or The Stunning Tents Company offer a range of sizes depending on your requirements and the space in where it will be erected. They offer a range of novel furnishings as well including awesome sheep or reindeer skins and solid wood benches for the rustic look or wooden bars and comfy seating for a trendy chill out area. The possibilities are endless and a serious funky alternative to a more traditional venue such as a hotel, restaurant or hall.

Modern Marquee’s

Marquees have also undergone a transformation. Ten by Fifteen Structures have created a unique stretched canopy which comes in multiple colours of strong and flexible canvas fabric. This means you can put them up anywhere including on hills or even over flower beds! The Pearl Tent Company, although the more traditional company out there has set the bar seriously high when it comes to the both quality of the materials used and the standards of service it provides. Both of these structures can seat over 350 people; ideal for large weddings where you would like to see everyone ‘under the same roof’ as it were.

Safety and quality are paramount for all of these companies and they will arrange a site inspection first and carry out multiple checks whilst building and also during the event, especially if the weather is slightly adverse. Again many offer extras such as prop hire, furniture, dance floors and even fireworks, making sure your wedding is a fabulous and stunning affair.

I can’t recommend this alternative highly enough, below is a small example of what you can do:

From top left to right by row, pictures courtesy of:

Multiple Grand Hat Tents from the Beautiful World Tents
Amazing centrepiece arrangement from The Stunning Tents Company
Example of gorgeous wooden benches and reindeer skins from Beautiful World Tents
Cool bar and comfy seating area under a grand hat from The Stunning Tent Company
The very impressive Dana Pearl design from The Pearl Tent Company
Seating area, dancing floor and gorgeous lighting from The Pearl Tent Company
Coloured fabric canopy and matching linen by Ten by Fifteen Structures
Example of flexibility due to surroundings from Ten by Fifteen Stuctures

Amalie Focus: Bridal Stylists

For most couples using a wedding planner can seem the ultimate luxury; but what about using a stylist to source your perfect wedding wardrobe? It might seem extravagant at first but on further inspection it could save a significant amount of time, money and also reduce stress levels. Clients who desire to look amazing and bang on trend at their wedding (and let’s face it – who doesn’t?!) might consider a little extra help from someone with a comprehensive knowledge of both the fashion and bridal industries.

I myself love fashion and bridal wear and have been glued to web updates showing the new Spring 2011 bridal gown collections from the New York Bridal Market over the past few days (I dream of one day being in the front row!). This passion though is no substitute for someone who’s been in the fashion industry for years and who has a breathtaking knowledge of contacts, sources and design. Companies such as Threads Styling Consultancy are bridging this gap in the market and are offering brides a comprehensive service for only a one off fee. This is very reasonable when it includes at least an initial consultation, a huge amount of research and various visits to shops and boutiques until the perfect gown and accessories are found.

I went over the process with Threads owner and head stylist Sophie Hill who explained it’s a deeply personal and exciting time for brides to be. She strives to spend as much time talking to her clients as possible, gaining an understanding of their personality, fashion sense (if they have one!) and other important areas they might have concerns over such as self confidence or body issues. After this initial meeting which normally takes place 9 to 12 months before the wedding, a few months will then be spent exchanging ideas and growing a portfolio of favourites. 6 months before the wedding the stylist will arrange appointments at bridal boutiques and will attend with the bride and friends making it a fun and special day out. Once the dress is on order the brides accessories, bridesmaids dresses and even the menswear can be sorted out to reflect the style of the brides dress and/or theme of the wedding.

A lot of pressure is placed on brides and although shopping with your mum or friend can be fun, to have a professional with you to cast an experienced and honest opinion is something I think all brides should consider. Stylists will also ensure you get the most out of your budget and offer suggestions you might not have thought of.So for a unique experience which will ensure you have the best wedding dress, tailored suit or honeymoon wardrobe, visit the Threads website or contact Sophie on 020 7749 0784 for further details.