Vendor's Viewpoint featuring Gathered Floral Designs
Did anyone else look up and realize it was June already?! Our summer show is right around the corner and we could not be more excited. And guess what? It’s time for another Vendor Viewpoint feature. These happen to be our favorite blog features, because you get to hear directly from an expert (we love and support) in their field!
Roses are red, violets are blue who doesn’t love flowers in every hue! OK, totally cheesy, but seriously, doesn’t everyone spend too much time drooling over the gorgeous floral creations on Instagram? If you don’t, then we suggest you start now by following today’s featured guest, Sarah Burke of Gathered Floral Designs.
This incredible mom and wife is talent! Her self made business is thriving and her creations are divine. We caught up with her hoping to find out a little more about floral inspiration, pricing, and what drives her to create!
So, let’s get the bad news out of the way first. Sarah let the cat out of the bag with some very important truth! “Flowers are more expensive than most people realize.” Yes, we know that is not good news for some of you and she knows that too. She continued, “I know that’s a bummer thing to share, but this is something I find myself saying a lot in consultations. All the gorgeous images on Pinterest that we all love have a price tag. Add to that the labor involved and the time it takes to create beautiful designs, and it can be a shock to the system (or the budget). But like with most things in life, you get what you pay for.”
We know some of you just heard an audible whomp, whomp, but before you close this page let us share why her honesty can help you! For starters, the truth shall set you free. If you know that florals are mega important to your wedding day and now you know they are probably more expensive than you thought, you can set this portion of your budget accordingly. Sarah said it best, “You need to find a florist with a good reputation, whose portfolio you love, that gets your vision--and who can work with your budget.” You don’t want someone to over promise and under deliver.
In looking for a florist with a good reputation we think the vision Sarah has created at Gathered is one that should set the standard. When asked, “What do brides need to know before booking you?” Sarah replied, “We create custom floral design. We want to get to know you, your style, your vision so that our designs perfectly reflect you. This means we don’t copy or recreate designs. We work best with a bride who has a defined style and inspiration, but also an open mind. Collaboration is our favorite! We get excited about working with you to find the perfect fit--that’s where the magic happens.”
Speaking of magic, we also asked Sarah what inspires her, and she replied, “So many things! But most consistently nature and interior design. I cannot drive down a road or go on a walk with my kids without looking at the bushes, trees, and landscaping around me. I love seeing what grows naturally -- the colors and textures excite me. I also love interior design. The way pattern, color and light play into a beautiful space. Interior design creates a mood much like floral design can. A room or an arrangement can be playful, classic, dramatic, etc. Creating something that has feeling inspires me.” FYI this kind of enthusiasm is what you are looking for from all the vendors involved in your wedding day.
Florals can be a huge part of any wedding, but whether you go big or small in this department, Sarah has shown us that having a creative, reputable, resourceful florist is most important. Set your budget, find and book your florist early, and be honest with them! Remember Sarah’s advice, and we do believe your floral dreams can come true.
Ready for a little behind the scenes footage from Sarah’s life?
Take us through a day in your life?
I am a wife, mom and florist, so there’s always a lot happening. Once the kids are at school, I get caught up on all my computer work--emails, proposals, ordering flowers and supplies for upcoming events. Usually at the end of the week, we get flowers in for events. So those days are full of processing blooms, prepping for designs, organizing what we’re bringing to the venue and then the fun part-- designing! At the end of the day, cooking dinner, putting the kids to bed, and watching a show with my husband before we crash.
Now tell us what your best workday looks like?
I love design days and set up days. If I’ve got my Gathered team with me, beautiful blooms and an exciting design to work on-- I’m in my happy place.
Do you have a fave ritual or work jam that gets you in the groove?
Music is playing while we work, for sure! Usually something upbeat and fun. Anything from Whitney Houston to Paramore is fair game. Or we ask Alexa to play “something happy” and we just roll with her selections.
What’s the best compliment you could receive regarding your work?
When I hear that we’ve not only created the vision that was in our bride’s head but made it better than she imagined. Or when I deliver the bouquet and she cries! Ha! Both of those make my day!
Anything else you would like to add?
I’m going to plug my other vendors! Brides--when you come to a florist with a vision and feel you’re going for in the flowers-- make sure that vibe is carried throughout the day. The photographer, the venue, the linens, etc.-- all of it combined is what communicates the style. When you look at your inspiration images, notice the style of the photography-- is it light and airy or dark and moody? The table setting-- is it clean and simple or a full, formal place setting? Florists can create gorgeous work, but when combined with the other vendors and details, is when the design is elevated and produces the result, you’re envisioning.
Photography Credit:
Matt McElligott Photography