Event Decor Series: Beyond the Bouquet
We started our Event Decor series by covering the basics of creating a color story. When it comes to event decor, though, that’s just the tip of the iceberg! Now that you’re comfortable helping your client design a color scheme, we’re moving onto another major decor element: floral design.
Like many people, at some point in your life you may have wondered why we pay so much for floral design. All you have to do is stick some flowers in a vase and you’re done, right? Well—not quite. In addition to sourcing fresh, beautiful flowers (many of which may be out of season locally), florists require training and top-notch artistry to create their stunning arrangements.
As an event planner, you won’t be arranging those flowers yourself, of course. But you will be involved in creating floral design concepts, so you’ll need a working knowledge of the basics. Here’s what you need to know.
Flowers for events of any budget
When it comes to floral design, price is probably the first thing many of your clients want to know. How much should they budget for floral design? Can they afford their favorite blooms?
Like with any element of event planning, the price of floral design depends on your clients’ personal preferences and expectations. A few simple centerpieces for a small wedding will obviously cost less than a huge canopy made of hydrangeas!
It also depends on the flower. Here’s a rundown on the price range your clients can expect when they start their shopping.
Low Budget
- Gerbera Daisy
- Lilac
- Sunflower
- Daisy
- Baby’s Breath
- Pom Pom
- Carnation
Mid Range
- Rose
- Dahlia
- Phacelia
- Tulip
- Daffodil
Pricy
- Calla Lily
- Lily of the Valley
- Gardenia
- Hydrangea
- Orchid
- Peony
Priciest
- Casablanca Lilies
Pro Tip: Flower prices don’t stay fixed year-round. Blooms that are in season tend to be less expensive, while out-of-season flowers can get pretty pricy. Help your clients figure out what’s in season—or pick a date when their favorite flowers will be at their most budget-friendly.
Using flowers in your event decor
So your clients have started picking their flowers—but how do they actually fit into the decor? If you’re planning a wedding, your clients will probably be looking for some standard floral arrangements: centerpieces, bouquets, and boutonnieres, for starters.
That’s not all you can do with flowers, though. Try out some of these creative ideas for bringing blooms to your event decor!
Floral Ice Bowls
The payoff for this simple project is incredibly beautiful. Small flowers, petals, and leaves frozen in ice bowls make for gorgeous table decor. Just remember that these gorgeous bowls will melt eventually, so make sure they’re sitting on something that can collect the excess water. If you’re using floral ice bowls to hold food or drink, you should probably nest a clear glass bowl inside—unless of course the frozen petals are edible!
Hesitant about trying the ice bowl, but still want the effect? Whip up a few batches of (edible) floral ice cubes before your clients’ big event.
Floating Wreath
Does your clients’ venue feature a pool or pond? If so, they can add some floral touches with a floating wreath. Once you’ve created a foam core in the shape of your clients’ choosing, all you have to do is attach blooms and leaves. For smaller bowls or pools, you could also add some single floating flowers for an understated element of elegance.
Another option: take the wreath out of the pool altogether and add it to your wall decor. Any shape works, but a flowery sculpture of your clients’ initials would make a perfect addition to any wedding.
Floral Cakes
Just like wildflower bouquets, cakes overflowing with luxurious blooms are a definite trend this year. A few delicate flowers can add a touch of color to your clients’ wedding cake, or you can scale it up with a cascade of beautiful blooms. Just make sure to get your clients’ florist on board so you can source flowers and greenery that are grown without pesticides.
For clients with a major sweet-tooth, try going the candied flower root instead. Violets, pansies, rose petals, and other edible flowers can be candied for a cake accent that’s both pretty and delicious.
More Floral Foods
Why stop at the cake? Edible flowers can be incorporated throughout an event’s menu for food that’s beautiful as well as tasty. Try:
- Flower-filled popsicles
- Dried flower petal sprinkles to top ice cream, cupcakes, or other sweet treats
- Pops of natural color in flower-filled salads
- Flowers pressed into soft goat cheese
- Flowers and petals as dainty cocktail garnishes
Upside-Down Garden
Not for the faint of heart (or the tight of budget), an upside down garden can work a magical transformation on any space. Hang an upside-down floral arrangement over any table to provide an incredible floral-scape that won’t get in the way of conversation.
Floral Wall
These decadent floral features have been popping up in tons of weddings recently. Your clients can keep it minimal with a few artfully arranged blooms, or go all out for a wall completely covered in flowers. A stunning backdrop for a wedding ceremony or a dessert table, this floral decor is perfect for clients who can’t get enough of their flowers.
Very useful information. Good inspirational ideas.