Sun + warm temperatures = flowers, flowers, flowers. We sat down to talk about some of our favorite floral and décor elements for weddings and events.
Q1. Summer is gearing up and that means Chicago has many more flowers available for events. What is your favorite flower for a wedding and why?
Jennifer:
It’s so hard to choose just one flower. Peonies are amazing and are so special since you can’t get them EASILY for the entire wedding season. BUT I fell in love with Dahlia’s at the Real Jardin Botanico in Madrid and it has since become my fave. It’s a flower you don’t always see used so it’s an extra special treat for me when it is.
Allison:
There are so many! While I do not have one particular favorite flower, I do love a high/low contrast in floral design. Adding some dark and rich hues in addition to pastel or white floral is always so dramatic and modern. Whenever I see a centerpiece with lots of contrast, I can hardly look away.
Lauren:
My absolute favorite flower is hydrangea and I while I love every color it comes in, I am partial to the blue, of course. If my clients like this flower, I tend to recommend it because while they are expensive – they are large and take up more “surface area” than a ranunculus or a spray rose so it’s a better bang for your buck. I also love stock – something about the softness, texture and the shape; it is unique and I love the colors it comes in. I buy hydrangea and stock when in season for my home and I love to see those two flowers in bridal arrangements.
Nicole:
I know it’s not a Summer flower, but one of my favorite flowers for a wedding is a dahlia. The colors and textures of the petals are just a great addition to a bouquet or centerpiece.
Q2. When a client asks you for help with their event design – color scheme, theme, or mood – where do you look for inspiration?
Allison:
I always like to ask simple questions about how design impacts their daily life – what is their favorite room in their house or apartment and how is it decorated? Or what is their favorite outfit and why? Knowing how my clients live their life on a daily basis helps me to guide them on a décor vision that stays true to their personality and will likely be a design they can love throughout the planning process instead of leaning only on a trend.
Lauren:
I love helping my clients with their overall design for their wedding. I get inspired by their interests as a couple – what do they like to cook, what are their favorite restaurants and why? Do they like to travel? Where to and what types of things do they like to do while traveling? Most important to me, is their sense of style in their home. I love to meet with them in their environment so I can get a sense of their personal style. Even if they may not want to incorporate it into their wedding décor, it helps me get a sense of who they are as a couple and their tastes and personality.
Nicole:
If I’m working for a corporate client, I first ask if we need to keep their color scheme on brand. If I have free reign, then I consult Design Seeds for inspirational color palettes. If it’s a holiday party, I tend to look at shop windows to see how they are decorating for the holidays and build a design off of that. For my wedding couples, I like to ask them certain questions to understand if they are going for a classic, romantic, modern or vintage type of wedding and build from there.
Jennifer:
Event design is what my clients often say is one of their biggest stressors. In order to get their creative flow going I ask them questions about themselves that help me get a better grasp on their personal style. For example, questions about how they decorate their home (even better if we can even meet at their home), what they like to wear, where they like to travel and what they like to do. This allows me to get them to expand on their likes and dislikes without feeling like they’re focusing on their wedding décor specifically. Then once we have this as a baseline then we can expand more into wedding décor and show them photos of our amazing weddings that fit their own personal style.
Q3. What trend are you seeing in bouquets and boutonnieres in 2015?
Lauren:
We are seeing pocket squares replace boutonnières and I LOVE this look. Very clean and simple and looks wonderful with a suit or tuxedo. Bouquets are still tending to be more neutral and natural. However, I LOVE color so I think the brighter the better, but never to take away from the bride and her dress…I just love making a statement.
Nicole:
Color!! I am loving that a number of my couples are bringing more colors into their personal flowers. White will always be classic, but I believe that adding pops of color (even a soft color like peach or light blue) into the right design of a bouquet or boutonniere keeps it timeless.
Jennifer:
I’ve had clients who have the Maid/Matron of Honor have their own special bouquet made just a little differently than the Bridesmaids and more guys forgo the traditional boutonnieres for pocket squares.
Allison:
A trend I am seeing pop up again and again this year is using herbs in addition to flowers in bouquets and boutonniers and it makes me so happy! So many couples are leaning towards incorporating rosemary, sage, lavender, and other fragrant herbs for a lovely addition to their bouquet or bout. It adds such a nice scent and textural component and I am loving seeing all of the creative ways they are being used!
Q4. Tell us about an event where the floral décor surprised you.
Nicole:
I’ve actually seen many amazing events lately, but I think the one that sticks out the most for me was last fall’s AFR Networking Tour. They paired caterers with event designers to compete for votes on the overall best “mini-event”. Chicago’s best really stepped up their game to showcase their creativity.
Jennifer:
I was lucky enough to be invited to the Revel Provocateur Planner Dinner and was blown away by the décor. Everything was spectacularly different than anything I’ve ever seen before at a wedding related event. Wedding events are usually more neutral palates but this was dark and mysterious with just the right amount of edge and SO many amazing details that went with the theme of the party. It was such a fun way to let us have a new experience.
Allison:
At a recent industry event, I was shocked at the room reveal to see lots of black and clear lucite being used to set a dramatic and sexy tablescape. Hints of red roses were used amongst the black candles and clear candelabras and it was so exciting to see a décor that was so different than the norm. While this floral décor is not for everyday weddings, it was really inspiring to see floral being used in a different way!
Lauren:
I don’t know if floral ever surprised me but I can definitely say I have been blown away by the talent of our designers in this city. There are many times where I have walked into a reception space during the set up and I am just in awe of the beauty. I am so fortunate to be able to work with the most talented designers in this city and together we bring our client’s vision to life. I love seeing the finished product after months and sometimes years of planning. It is truly the best part of our job!
Q5. What Chicago Festival is a must-attend for you?
Jennifer:
Ha! I don’t remember the last festival I attended as I’m usually working another amazing LK Wedding on the weekends. That being said I used to love Wine Crush in Old Town but sadly I don’t think that happens anymore. I always enjoyed Old Town Art Fair and still need to get to Oyster Fest – I’m not sure how Nicole and I haven’t made it to this yet with our obsession with oysters.
Allison:
The Chicago Blues festival is always a must-do! I love hearing live music and the ambiance is always so great – lots space to sit back and enjoy the music and the city skyline right behind you.
Lauren:
I love the Randolph Antique Fair and plan to go as often as I can this summer! The finds are amazing!
Nicole:
It sometimes changes names, but the Guinness Oyster festival in Roscoe Village is a can’t miss event for me! Oh the fun, food, drink and memories!
