Thursday, January 10, 2019

Real Brides Figuring out Wedding Flowers


If you would have asked me six months ago what a clooney ranunculus, anemone, or dusty miller was, I couldn’t have told you. The most I knew about flowers was that I liked getting roses on Valentine’s Day! While my fiancé Kirk tackled booking a DJ, I started the process of finding our florist. Floral was probably at the middle of our priority list—OK, my priority list. Kirk still wasn’t sold on how much a florist cost.
We know we aren't having a long ceremony, so I don't want to sink a bunch of money into flowers that can't be repurposed for our reception. Also, our bridal party is above average in size—six bridesmaids, six groomsmen, four ushers, plus an officiant. So flowers for everyone will add up. When it comes to flower types, I want a bouquet with blush peonies, which can be iffy (or expensive) in April, depending on weather.
I once again began by searching Wedding Wire and The Knot, noting not only the florists’ photos, websites, Facebooks, and Instagrams, but also their reviews. Then, I set up appointments with eight—yes, EIGHT—florists. Was this overkill? Probably. Have I learned how particular I can be? Definitely!
Just as I did with previous vendors, I learned as I went along. When discussing our wedding colors (navy and blush pink) with one florist, I said, “Too bad there are no navy flowers.” She quickly pointed out anemones, which have a navy center. Meeting with another, I had sticker shock when I saw what it would cost to have large floral arrangements on every table. She suggested doing one-third of our tables with flowers in small bud vases, one-third with “low and lush” arrangements, and one-third with larger arrangements elevated in tall vases.
All eight of the florists I met with were wonderful, but once I started to compare quotes, I noticed they varied when it came to the inclusion of non-floral décor and setup/teardown fees. Some florists included things like votives, vases, and pedestals at no charge; others offered them but charged a rental fee; and a few didn’t offer non-floral décor at all—you’d buy these items on your own and supply them.
Also, some quotes did not mention setup or teardown fees. Kirk and I decided we didn’t want to deal with cleaning up any décor at the end of the night, so knowing what it would cost a florist to return at 1 a.m. was important. I would highly recommend asking a potential florist if non-floral décor is included, as well as what they charge for service fees. This is not always obvious, and both things add up!
In the end, I chose to work with Nathalie at Chez Bloom in the Kingfield neighborhood. When I went to meet with her, she really stood out with a bubbly personality and creative eye for design. Even more impressive, since she knew my wedding colors ahead of our meeting, Nathalie had saved some bouquets and flowers from a blush-themed wedding the weekend before. She even let me take one of the bouquets home!
Kirk and I also loved that Chez Bloom included things like votives, vases, and pedestals at no extra charge, and that Nathalie had an affordable after-hours teardown fee. We signed on the dotted line, and are so excited to have her blooms be part of our big day!
Follow Jenna’s adventures in wedding planning on Instagram or Twitter @jennasbennett.http://mspmag.com/weddings/real-brides/figuring-out-floral/

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Peak Summer Flowers


As we enter the "Dog Days" of Summer, our locally grown flowers are hitting their peak! Today we highlight Green Light Farm, and growers Maggie Sheehan & Ben Olson. Their Prairie Farm, WI farm specializes in sustainably grown cut flowers for wholesale sales to Twin Cities independent flower shops and the Midtown Farmer's Market. www.greenlight.farm We appreciate their dedication and hard work they put in to help to ensure American Grown Flowers continues to flourish in today's economy. We value their product and are excited to design flowers for our customers utilizing product that is grown locally, has minimal impact on the environment, cultivates a strong bee population, and brings beauty to many others! Please check our web site www.chezbloom.com for our latest arrangements for summer and you may also call as new flowers arrive each week. 

         
                                                       

Monday, May 23, 2016

Minnesota-Grown, Sustainably Produced Flowers for Events & Delivery

 One of the finest florists in Minneapolis, Chez Bloom specializes in the finest quality Minnesota-grown flowers. Chez Bloom's commitment to putting our customers first is a priority that combines trustworthiness and follow-up service with an enjoyable online shopping experience that lets customers make use of the latest technology.

You'll find ordering our flowers online is convenient and fast. Our professional designers, who shop the market daily, create our stunning and unique featured Designer's Showcase arrangements utilizing the freshest locally grown flowers.

Thursday, April 28, 2016

The New Breakfast Wedding Trend: Ideas & Inspiration

When spring arrives, stunning flowers aren't the only beautiful things blooming in Minneapolis. Gorgeous flower selections and hot new brunch and breakfast wedding trends keep popping up like wildflowers all over the place. We’ve compiled many charming ideas for planning your special wedding breakfast or brunch!

Find the Perfect Venue


 Selecting the right venue for an amazing wedding brunch or breakfast experience is a matter of personal taste; but it has to be the coolest place you can find, of course! There is no beating around the bush about some of Minneapolis' most fantabulous breakfast venue options. From quaint and charming to majestic and extravagant, or somewhere in between, Minneapolis is ready with the wedding brunch locale of your dreams. Hoping to read about at least one of these splendiferous places? You are in luck. The one, the only American Swedish Institute delivers an unsurpassed indoor/outdoor fantasy setting all its own within its historically renowned castle setting. That's right. We said, "castle setting". Enjoy this one-of-a-kind, elaborate museum, and cultural center's Swedish tile stoves, incredible wood carvings and posh rooms.

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Some of Our Favorite Springtime Floral Arrangements

Sending flowers to someone can be a wonderful way to show them you care. Whether you are looking for the perfect spring wedding flowers to adorn your tabletop or a lovely date-night bouquet, our Minnesota-grown flowers are sure to please. Chez Bloom has a great selection of beautiful spring flower arrangements available for any occasion, and our Minneapolis flower delivery service is top notch!