Have you ever ask yourself, “How many stems in a bridal bouquet?”
I have. In fact, I spent months wandering around trying to find the answer to this question.
Now, someone else might immediately jump in and say “34” but I want to go deeper. I want to give you the tools to help you come to the right conclusion for your business.
YOU ARE THE CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF YOUR FLOWER BUSINESS
When I used to work in advertising agencies, the person who lead the creative development process was the Creative Director.
That means, when you start a flower business, YOU step into the role of creative director; it means you get to decide your aesthetic, your vibe and the kinds of ingredients you want to use. Yep. All of it can be up to you.
It also means you get to decide how big or how small your designs are. So, in response to the question, how many stems in a bridal bouquet, the real answer is: How many stems do you want to put into your designs?
One of the things no one tells you about being a floral designer + business owner is that you are in charge of everything. That includes being the creative director.
Every floral designer has their own preferences in terms of shape, size and ingredients. So there is no right or wrong answer here. You get to decide.
EXPLORING ALL THE OPTIONS
One of the unexpected lessons I love teaching floral designers is how to be selfish. I know, it’s an unexpected topic.
Being selfish is seen as a bad thing in so many cultures. But not being selfish, gets us into trouble in our flower businesses. I spent years creating work I didn’t even like. I didn’t know there was a better way, a different path and a different option on the table.
I want to give you permission to explore, to take some time and ask yourself what kind of work do you want to be creating?
You know all those famous florists you follow on Instagram, if you could pick up design queues from any of them, what would your aesthetic look like? What kinds of ingredients would you use? How abundant would your designs be?
Not sure? Don’t stress. I’ve got a great exercise to share with you.
The next time you find a photo of a design you love, take time to create your own design recipe. (You can follow me on Instagram for more inspiration.)
I’ve spent years doing this and it’s one of my favourite ways to learn and deconstruct different colour combinations, textures and ingredient selection. And you don’t even need to leave the comfort of the sofa. That makes it even better!
Here is my exact approach to this creative deep dive:
- Find a photo of a design you love
- Identify the ingredients
- Count the stems
Once you have your basic recipe, you can make specific adjustments to the ingredients, textures and colours to make it your own or give allowance to what’s in season at the time.
Finally, with your recipe in hand, make a date, pick up your flowers and have a play. Be sure to take notes and reflect on what you’ve created.
Do this exercise a few times and within no time, you’ll have a great sense of how many stems you want to put in a bridal bouquet based on your aesthetic and preferences.
EMBRACE BEING IN CHARGE
I spent years letting my clients dictate the work I was making and the specific ingredients used. They’d provide me with a photo and I’d do everything in my power to make that exact design.
It causes me so much stress and it took me years to learn there is a better way.
It took me a long time to learn I was the Creative Director of my flower business. No one tells you that bit when you start a flower business and it feels very unusual for us to be in charge. Embrace the discomfort; you are the captain of this ship!
When it comes to managing your client’s expectations, it’s important to remember your customers don’t know how the whole “flower designing” thing works. That’s why they’ve come to you. They see you as the expert and need your help. In many cases, your clients are going to be more open-minded than you first imagine.
Of course, there is a lot to think through when it comes to stepping into the Creative Director role in your business.
I’m here to help. I’ve recorded a podcast episode on this exact topic. I’m passing along my exact approach to defining your kind of bridal bouquet and giving you my best tips! Listen to the full podcast episode using the Spotify player below.
FRUSTRATED IN YOUR FLOWER BUSINESS?
I spent years feeling like I wasn’t in control of my business – my customers were driving the design process and I was second-guessing everything. I felt trapped. And totally alone.
I am on a mission to show floral designers a better way, to save you from the same frustration and exhaustion I felt.
Peoples, it’s time to put yourself back in the driver’s seat, get back in control of your business and step up your marketing game. Sign up for my Flower Boss Bootcamp and get my blueprint for creating a successful flower business.
You can do this. I can help.
Check out my Flower Boss Bootcamp here.
