Transcript
Speaker: Planning a wedding comes with timelines, trends, expectations, and a whole lot that couples never see coming. We're two wedding planners pulling back the curtain on what really happens behind I do. Each week on Behind I Do, we bring you real talk about real weddings, timelines, trends, the wins, and the what ifs.
Speaker: From the smooth as silk celebrations to the did that actually just happen moments, we're sharing the stories, lessons, and insider knowledge that help couples plan with confidence and maybe even laugh along the way.
Speaker: Whether you're a bride, groom, vendor, or wedding lover at heart, this is your backstage pass to the world of weddings. Told candidly, graciously, and with the expertise only seasoned planners can offer. Grab your coffee, your planning binder, and your confetti, and join us behind I do.
Speaker: Episode 24. Woo. We have Samantha with us. One of our favorite florists. That's me. Wayward Greens. Yes. Into his house. We're going to deep dive into Sam's.
Speaker: Floral world. Get all the dirty secrets. Literally. So with vendors, we always like to start with how did you start? Like, how did Wayward Greens come to be?
Speaker: Wayward Greens is newer than my experience, I guess. But yeah, I mean, starting with Wayward Greens. Moving to Idaho during COVID. Just the best time.
Speaker: um So it took me a minute to start my business because, no you know, I was homeschooling kids. and all things. This weird pandemic. So I worked at some retail spots, ah floral shops, and did some freelancing for a minute.
Speaker: um But as soon as, basically, as soon as we were settled in, I was like, yep, I need to. Do my own thing. Has you been in flowers for how long? 22 years. Potentially.
Speaker: 23? I don't know. Sometimes I lose count. It all blends together. It's been a long time. Yeah. A long time. It's been a long, long time. Is this your first time doing something on your own or did you have something on your own previously?
Speaker: I started... I actually... I had my own business when I first started flowers and it was like. I just kind of got pulled into it because family members were like, oh, we'll do my wedding. And then they recommended other people. And the next thing I know, I'm like, okay, well, I guess I got a side gig here. I was like, here we go. um But, you know, I mean, I didn't.
Speaker: I was going to. Score the beer. pop I was like I was that's right I remember you telling me that yeah I was like got my associates in criminal justice and I was a police cadet and I like.
Speaker: I volunteered at the police department and I was like working part -time as a records clerk and I was like, I'm going to get all, I'm going to understand all the sides of this and do all of that. And I was going to school for it and everything. And I was just like,
Speaker: Working at Safeway on the side. and working in the floral department. and um You know. I'm really fortunate that I got that opportunity because I got to have some really important experiences that made me realize like... Crazy, I'm sure. I don't know if I am the person that is for this, you know?
Speaker: um And so, you know, naturally at the age of like. 20. I had a midlife crisis. What am I doing with my life? Everything I've ever wanted was to be a cop and a total badass. I was like, I'm gonna... be on the SWAT team. And I'm like... You know.
Speaker: um and then And then I learned. And I was in it more. Yeah, dived into it more. And then I was just like angry a lot. Like a lot. um And then one day.
Speaker: my amazing husband, boyfriend at the time was like, just what what are you doing when you're happy? Just like... Everything else out of your mind, like where do you feel happy?
Speaker: I'm like... doing. Stupid flowers. Like I'm like, I was like hysterical. I was so mad. I was like, that's such a lame. That's so dumb. Yeah. Such an unimportant, stupid thing to want to do.
Speaker: And. But he was like. you're not happy doing the other things. like yeah yeah Is that what you want? to really do. And I was like, Bye. So that is hard when you like work so hard for that, then end to realize your dream, quote unquote, is actually not what you want to do. Or not what makes you happy. Right, yeah. Even if, yeah, you still want to do it.
Speaker: Yeah. It's so different for you. You're not happy in it. Mm -hmm. I was just being stubborn. I was like, oh, okay, well, maybe I can just do this. And I was like, I'm not going to be able to make a living doing this. Like it was just all the fears and things. Holding you back and your husband's like, please, God, just do that. Yeah. Because this top thing's not working. Yeah. He's like, you're going to be miserable. And even if you do it for a long time, like eventually you're going to want to.
Speaker: Do the thing that makes you happy. Right. I'm like, yeah, you're right. God bless your husband. I know. So wise. And he was 22. He was, he's two years older than me. So yeah, but. We were young. He was just, he's a, I got him young. I was i swooped him up.
Speaker: I could mark it as soon as I could. ah um But yeah, he um he was so supportive. And he was just like, you're going to find a way to make it work. So I did. I will like worked at Safeway and then started my own business on the side. And I was hustling from day one just to...
Speaker: Make it work. And then had twins just to like spice it up a little, you know, just in the middle of it all. Yeah. Roll the dice, throw some twins in there. you um So you obviously started like in like a like more of the floral shop side and then kind of branched into weddings. Is that kind of what?
Speaker: um Yeah, I started in like... You know, they call it mass market, like the grocery store flower stuff. And then I was doing weddings and events like on the side. um And then I went into flower shops. So I worked in flower shops for... you know, five to eight years or something in the middle there. um Ran some floral shops when I was living in Washington. and Got more of like the.
Speaker: flower shop side all of these different areas of the floral industry have their own Yeah. Things. Do you prefer, I mean, I would. I guess you fully do weddings, but like, I mean, are there aspects of one over the other that you like?
Speaker: Better like floral shops compared to weddings? Um, I... I'm over the flower shop thing. You know, I think it's just. um I am a person that gets... bored easily, which is why.
Speaker: I. named it wayward i'm like i like to do weird different stuff all the time that's I don't want to do the same thing all the time. I don't want to have like... the same recipe for.
Speaker: a centerpiece and I'm just. Doing it constantly over and over. It's a soul crusher for me. so um i like that When I have a studio situation and it's weddings and it's. birthdays and it's different events all the time and there's always like a different vibe and a different ask. and a ten new challenge something that i haven't done before because when you've been doing it this long It's hard to find things that like.
Speaker: You haven't already done it. Yeah, because I'm not doing the same thing over and over. Um, no, I get that. Cause I do feel like there's like some, I mean, there's one wedding. and specific that we've done up at Tamarack and now we've had multiple brides that just want to like recreate the same thing and I hear that from florists all the time that it's like I don't want to do Something I've already done. Like I've already created that. Let's like make it unique. Let's do something different. Like yours. Yeah. You don't want it to look the exact same as somebody else's. And I think that's sometimes what's hard with brides is like, yeah, they'll come to us and be like.
Speaker: Okay, like, these are... pictures of things that I want to do or this is a wedding that we've seen that you guys did and we want to do that same thing and so I'm like okay we can still book that same florist. However, I think we should like...
Speaker: Try to make it a little more you. right if You don't want your wedding to look just like that person's wedding from two years ago. like that's right That's not fun. As like a... As I think any vendor, you want your clients to trust you. Like you don't want them to just come to you because you were the cheapest or yeah most.
Speaker: easily available or whatever. you want them to come to you because they trust you. So if they like your work. The hope is that they would trust you to... Take what you already like.
Speaker: And make it yours. Right. and but Individual to you. 100%. That's kind of the... And so with that, like when someone reaches out to you, kind of what's like your process? Like how do you?
Speaker: like what's like you know where do you start um I guess, you know, inquiries come in on my web website and it's usually kind of. sifts it through like all a la carte if you just want a few random items and you want to pick it up or deliver it or whatever, or you want full service.
Speaker: And full service is usually where the funner things are happening because it's installations where you're actually getting to come in. and put things where they go yeah and build things on site.
Speaker: um So usually once they reach out, you know, we... create a call. I just need to like... Have an actual conversation. with someone, whether it's in person or on a video call.
Speaker: To me, it's like so important that you actually like. vibe with the people that it Totally. you know, yeah you're working with. because it's I've had a few clients where I haven't met them.
Speaker: until the day of the wedding and oh it is... It would be so weird. It's hard. one it's like So much more stress. Yeah.
Speaker: Because you like don't really know them and their personalities. And it's like you want them to love the flowers, but you're like not really sure because you don't, you haven't vibed with them. Well, yeah, you're like a stranger walking in on like the most important day of their life. And you're like, here's your flower. And they're not ready yet. And they're like getting their makeup done and whatever. And like they've got all of their people, their parents, you know, all their friends. And you're just walking in like, hi, I have your bouquet.
Speaker: I know we've never met. It's really awkward. Like, I just, I'm like, are you the bride? Like, yeah. You're all wearing white robes. I don't know. Yeah. I'm like, here you look the prettiest. I think this is yours. You walk in the room, you're like, Linda. Yeah. Who's going to put the pop their head up? Yeah, yeah. Like, I don't ever want to be in that position. And I want it to be.
Speaker: personal Yeah. You know what I mean? Absolutely. When I think that's as we've like grown, I think our understanding of the floral process has. gotten better and I think getting to know florists and like all that stuff so I think That's something now that we really tell all our couples, like you need to meet with these vendors. like And especially florals because...
Speaker: We all know that the florals are more expensive than you think. Like that's something we tell our couples a lot is they're going to shock you. However, like go in kind of with an open mind and also like, let's say your budget is $5 ,000 for flowers. Let's reach out to three florists and then meet with them and talk through like.
Speaker: what you're envisioning and what your design is and see if that floor is vibes with you. Totally. Like in what you're wanting to create because you are going to be spending a lot of money on these flowers. So you don't want someone to just like make something and throw it on a table. like Yeah. And I think like with that.
Speaker: one of my biggest I don't know if it's a pet peeve, but it's really frustrating, right? Is I get a lot of inquiries where... um you know, Everyone that comes into this.
Speaker: Brides and... you know, partners and... Sometimes. It's like the mom or the best friend. And they're like, we haven't. done a wedding. We don't know what normal is. So they're reaching out to everybody and they're just like, I just want an estimate. I just want a vague idea of like.
Speaker: ballpark what I'm looking at. There is no such thing. Yeah. Like it depends on so many different things. And. Like I got. a random call the other day and she's like I just want to get an idea of like kind of where I'm at if I Can I just like... tell you kind of what I'm looking for. I just kind of want to get A quote.
Speaker: And I'm like, Okay, great. um She sends me some photos. They're very lush, full arch. all the way down the aisle full florals.
Speaker: um And then some personals. And our budget's $500. You know, that's that's all. And we just we'll just repurpose everything. So it's not and it's not a lot. is what she's telling me. But the photos are... A lot. Whoa. That is not not a lot. That is a lot. Even if you're repurposing, that's still a lot of flowers. Yeah. It's heavy coverage. um And.
Speaker: I said. You know, absolutely, I can put this together for you and give you and a good idea. um What's your budget? like but what Budget range, are you that? And she, it's just.
Speaker: Her response was like. Well, we're just getting estimates from lots of people and we're just going to see who has the best. Estimate. And I couldn't help but kind of laugh. And I was just like.
Speaker: I'm just gonna be honest with you. i'm I can totally do that for you. But if you're getting estimates from... Multiple florists, which you always should.
Speaker: You're not comparing apples to apples if you aren't having a ah conversation about. um Yeah. What your budget range is and what your expectation is, because right now you're telling you're showing me photos.
Speaker: for your expectation, for your hopes and your desires and your dreams. And you're telling me. Just... Give me a quote. Just throw it out there. I don't know what the best quote is.
Speaker: I'm like an aisle piece that's going to be repurposed as a centerpiece. can range from $150 to $700.
Speaker: So if I don't know what your budget is, I am literally just... throwing darts at a wall yeah and hoping maybe it'll work for you yeah and what i am thinking in my head that i could do for you might be wildly different than what this other person is doing and just because there's this less expensive, That doesn't mean you're getting the same product. Right. That doesn't mean... So if you're going to go around and get quotes from multiple people. Ask for...
Speaker: the same thing. So when you are comparing, you can actually compare. The same thing. Otherwise. you're if if if price is the only thing you're comparing.
Speaker: It's not, I mean, I think that's what I think is hard that I don't think couples understand. It's like, you're not, that's not fair to florists in a way. I mean, it's not you. You're not getting all the information. Them too, yeah. Like you're just, again, you're just looking at the... price point and it's just I mean in a way it's kind of even with us like people are just looking at a price
Speaker: And again, like even us compared to other planners, it's not apples to apples. It's just like there's you have to like meet with that person and ask the questions. and like What is going to be included in what you're creating for me? Right. Not just give me a number. and Right. It's like, well, it doesn't. I can give you a number. I can throw something together for really cheap. Yeah, and it'll all be carnations. Or, yeah, or they're going to eat not get what they wanted because you're trying to fit in their budget and or they're going to go over that budget because when they once they actually book you and meet with you. and create what they actually want, it's going to be way over what you initially quoted them. Exactly.
Speaker: And then they're going to be like, what? Where did this come from? Right. And I'm like, I never want to yeah under. Estimate. right because i never want to get to the point where we're like oh actually i'm gonna need more money right to me that just like over like almost shocked them in the beginning right and then maybe we can come down yeah I'm like, okay, let's go with 20 tables, even though it might only be 15. It's always easier to like trim it down and down't feel better because.
Speaker: What? What then as a planner? What doesn't come up at the last month of the wedding that isn't? costs that nobody was expecting. They're like, son of a bitch. Now I'm paying yeah this much more money than I thought I was going to yeah and all the other things. I don't need the flowers to be that thing. yeah It's not necessary.
Speaker: Totally. um So having... a conversation about like what your expectation is, what you would like. and like Depending on the situation, Often, like...
Speaker: I end up... having to do two estimates and I'm like, If you give me a budget and you're like, this is really where I want to be. then I may not. bid you what you're asking me for. But once we've had that conversation and I've talked to you about what's important to you, what your vibe is, what you like, what is happening.
Speaker: I can come in with all of my experience and say, okay, well, this may not be exactly what you think you want. but this would fit into your budget. and It'll work.
Speaker: In the vibe. Right. So like, what this is my best bid for your budget, what I can do for you. Right. And if you want this very specific laundry list of things. this is what it would be. yeah Um, but.
Speaker: there's just so many different ways you can go. It's like an unlimited amount of ways that things - Which I think is so true. And I think that's why florals sometimes are the hardest for couples, I think, because they want to do it just like - They book other vendors. They reach out to three photographers. They reach out to three DJs and they get their pricing. And for the most part, it's all. pretty similar. And then they think, oh, we're going to do the same with florists. And it's like. It's just not.
Speaker: It's just not the same. Like there has to be more of a conversation. There has to be more of like a deep dive of like. Because you are creating something that is like a big vocal point of the wedding. like yeah I mean, yeah and I really think, too, it's like...
Speaker: as we've met with couples too, and knowing different florists. What you had said earlier is like personalities, too, I think is important. It's you want to like vibe with the couple and they want to vibe with you and be like, oh, I really trust Sam. I like how she kind of.
Speaker: goes off the wall a little and I trust her and I want her to create, like she knows my vision. I want to let her create it. Right. And someone that you feel comfortable talking to because like. I want a client that...
Speaker: will trust me but will also Like, I don't like that. Yeah. Like, I want you to, like. I know you're adding that to it, but I don't want that. Yeah. Take it back. When I'm like, ooh, okay, you said this, so I'm thinking this, and then that's too far. That's, like, not quite the direction. Be like, okay, I mean, I like this, but maybe not quite over there. Right, right. Whatever.
Speaker: like It's... It's so much funner. as a designer and an artist. and Just... as a human, to have somebody that's like...
Speaker: you have a good rapport with and you can have good conversation with. And you just feel comfortable with. Cause then I'm like, okay, cool. I just like, I'm at peace with knowing like.
Speaker: what they want and that i that they trust me to make the right decision. And there isn't like this gap of unknown like... i don't know her are they gonna like this or if they're gonna be down for this one thing And, and then it just like. adds in mental load that's totally unnecessary.
Speaker: And then you're not enjoying. It. like And then you're almost kind of just waiting, either dreading the wedding or waiting for this wedding to be over with. Right. Which isn't fun. Every decision. Because like flowers are not jarred, as we know. Right? like I can order...
Speaker: Butter yellow. and they may just show up and they're like here's your butter yellow and I'm like This is highlighter yellow. You know, like this is not going to work. yeah So there's always.
Speaker: these things yeah but if I know my bride and I've talked and I know What my clients. Preferences are... And I really like get to the bottom of like.
Speaker: what their goals are, I can make the best informed decision. You can pivot without. adding stress to them or whatever you to you yeah yeah to just be like okay yeah this is the direction we're gonna go i know that when it's all said and done even though this one tiny detail isn't what we had planned. That'll be okay. a whole, the vision will be there yeah and that they're going to trust me and I can have a little more fun because.
Speaker: That's like. the ma what's when the magic happens? Like when all the product finally shows up in the studio and I'm actually looking at all of the flowers and there's always something that like I wasn't planning on buying.
Speaker: I leave budget for that. specific thing, my local specific products that I didn't even know existed in somebody. brings and I'm like, oh my gosh, i I have to add this. Yeah. And then I'm like, oh, I'm inspired. I want to do this special little situation over here.
Speaker: and I can be in that creative, happy, excited mode to make those decisions and do those things. when I know my client. And I'm like.
Speaker: stoked about it. I know they're going to be stoked about it. And then I'm just. That's my happy. That's my happy place. Which I love your little studio. And you're...
Speaker: garage or whatever it's so cute i love how you've decorated it Yeah, I think people are confused when they're not really sure what to see. And then they're like, oh, it's like a whole thing in here. I'm like, nope.
Speaker: Pretty and peaceful and yeah, it's one fun to spend space. Um, okay. Now that we've kind of talked through that, I'm... My favorite question is always like, what is... When it comes to working with planners, obviously that's what we do. What is your, and it could also, if you want to dive into other vendors too, but like. Oh, she's like, let the shit then begin. Yes, exactly. Planner specific. I think not even, and it is kind of fun and I like the drama, but also I think like even when we met with Kayla, like learning what.
Speaker: other vendors like Little Pet Peeves are that like either makes their job harder or whatever. I think it is good for us and other planners to learn. And like, be willing to like.
Speaker: Okay, you know, we don't need to do that. When we work with this florist or whatever. So, I mean, is there something that stands out to you that is a pet peeve or annoying? when you work with planners.
Speaker: So many things. Not just one. How long do we have? You have five minutes. I don't think we have enough time. We're going to need a second episode for this. Perfect. No, I think.
Speaker: The biggest things for me is communication, um where if I haven't worked with a planner before and they just pop in out of the blue. um And don't give me any context as to how.
Speaker: They work? Mm -hmm. It's harder for me. Because. Every one of you does things. So wildly different. um And I've learned the hard way. But we're the best, right? Just kidding. um I've learned the hard way that like.
Speaker: You can step on toes sometimes without knowing if they're not clear about how they do things where I've had planners that um really want to be the gatekeeper to their clients and like they don't want me reaching out. directly to the clients.
Speaker: And that is super weird for me. Because so that's weird for me. I want a relationship with my client. you just talks but We want you to like. Like it. ah There's like a.
Speaker: i don't know double -edged sword yes like i like we want to be in the know of it like i don't want you like creating a whole new design board and we weren't told about it. And then all of a sudden, oh, I didn't know we were doing pillars. But, you know, that obviously would be helpful. but Yeah, you should be.
Speaker: I don't know. It is probably nice for you to have conversations with them. Yeah. But you also don't need to be involved in. Yeah. Like, at the end of the day, like, especially a wedding management client, even some of our planning clients, it's like, you go run with Sam and you guys go wild because we're doing 14 other things. Exactly, exactly. I don't want to be there for a four -hour -long plural meeting. Exactly. Oh, wait, I've done that before. If...
Speaker: um But yeah, I mean, I think that's the biggest thing. because
Speaker: Everybody has their thing. But if you hit... Hit me up on the side without the client on the email and you're like, Hey, we haven't worked together. Just so you know, I usually I will put you in an email with my clients and then I'm going to kind of leave it to you guys to figure out your stuff. Just keep me in the loop.
Speaker: boom i'm like wonderful i i know what to expect i know what's going on and i don't have to wonder do they want to be on these calls? Because sometimes they'll connect us and then me and the client will schedule something. And then the planner's like, okay, well, I can't make that date out of nowhere. And I'm like, oh, shoot, shit, sorry, my bad. I didn't know you wanted it. yeah yeah You know what I mean? yeah So I think that's one of the things.
Speaker: early on in the process that's usually hard. Um, And I think. The other one is... My God, have I had some...
Speaker: day of uh timeline stuff that's just been really interesting this year with um newer planners that I hadn't worked with and some planners that I had worked with where Um.
Speaker: I know that everyone's on their own timeline. Some of some planners will get me timelines super far ahead of time and it's like, this is just the rough draft. Just so you have some details, this will probably change. great at least it gives me an idea and then they'll give me another one later sometimes it's Two weeks out.
Speaker: here Here it is. um But sometimes I get. The. first
Speaker: conversation that is had about timeline is I'm putting the timeline together Let me know what your timeline is.
Speaker: like Well, I need to know what the day is looking like. I am a florist, right? So I don't know how it works for other vendors. I'm sure. Other vendors have their own things. And maybe other florists do it differently too, but as far as I'm concerned, if I'm booked for full service...
Speaker: My day. is going to be planned around? Your wedding, right? Like. I'm not like... Uh...
Speaker: My start time is 9 a .m. I will drop off at 9 a .m. I will be done. Like, I don't know. and I'm sure it depends on yes the ceremony is set up. Are we doing if you're doing an. in so installation we need to plan it before we set tables and chairs is there a dance floor like what there is so much gonna be dropped so i've sent the same email so many times this year in response to messages that i've gotten from planners saying.
Speaker: what's your timeline for the day? And I'm like, Honey, you have to tell me. When you need it. Yeah, yeah like. What time does the ceremony start? What time does the photographer need the bouquet for photos ahead of time? Right. What time are the linens going to be dropped? how long and if they're taking photos after the ceremony at the ceremony site with the flowers How long is that going to take? So that I'm not sitting there waiting.
Speaker: Just like waiting for 30 minutes. Until I'm hoping that somebody gives. me the idea that now I can go get the flowers. Let me know. If the ceremony ends at 5 p .m., that they're going to take 15.
Speaker: 30. 50 minutes on photos. So I can plan for that. right And then we know what we're doing, but like. I can't tell you.
Speaker: When i'm I'm like, I'm getting the flowers at 530, whether you're done or not. yeah Like, I'm moving them inside. I'm like, you have you got to tell me a little bit about what's happening and those time things.
Speaker: And it's hard when you're in the middle of the season and I'm having, it feels like I'm coaching people sometimes. um And usually, you know, it's you know that they're newer. And that's fine. But ah that is a...
Speaker: a tough pet peeve for me when I'm in the thick of the season and I am so busy. You just tell me when I need to be there. Well, but then I have to be specific because some I've done that where I've been like, well, can you give me your...
Speaker: timeline, even if it's a rough draft right now. So I can see where I can fill in the gaps, but then I get such a skeleton. that it doesn't have those details. like So much of this depends on the photographer. yeah Do you know what I'm saying?
Speaker: And I've even had it before where I've asked the... the the question about. a you know for the flip Sometimes it will say. ceremony starts at four.
Speaker: Cocktail hour begins and that cocktail hour beginning is the next. thing And I'm like, okay, so does that mean that the that the ceremony is ending at that same exact time? Or are you...
Speaker: Is there a gap in there? Like, exactly. I need to know where in the middle there I belong. Yeah. um And I've asked before about that and I've gotten. I'll ask the bride and get back to you and I'm like Why are you asking the bride? Shouldn't you bet? Isn't that the photographer? Wouldn't the photographer be the one to ask at this point? Or don't you know? Yeah. For the photos after the ceremony?
Speaker: And so, which that is a good point, like noting on timelines, like. for the florists.
Speaker: At 4 .30, you know, it's cocktail hour. But then at 5, they're done with photos. So then we can make a note like florists can move flowers. Yeah. And I don't like and I've had some planners who like will make a florist timeline that's just floral and send it to me. And that's like, whoa whoa, that's like great. But I feel bad. I'm like, you don't have to do that for me. Like, I appreciate date it. But that's a lot. But it doesn't need to be that far either. Right. It's like.
Speaker: I know I've talked to a lot of ah planners and they're like some. of these timelines are 27 pages long and high. So I'm literally going through pages like... a yeah Where am I at? Where I need to be. Yeah. um But yeah, I think just like a little.
Speaker: flag for the yeah for like which and that's we've been trying to be better because we get it especially when we like you know recently we just talked about I did a wedding with 22 vendors so that timeline was like 23 pages it was there was just a lot going on But then when we send our eat the timeline to vendors, we send them individually. So we'd be like, hey, Sam, here's the timeline. And for the florals, this is an over, like then we just tried to do an overview in the.
Speaker: <unk>s up Or in the email email. That it's like, we have you arriving at this time, ceremonies at this time, or this is when tables will be done for you to do. So we try to like give. Like a little snippet of just your stuff? Because we've thought about that. You're going through this timeline and you're like...
Speaker: I don't care about the caterer. This is so much information. Yeah. But I also, I don't want to create an individual timeline in Isle Planner for every single vendor. Exactly. Like that's aggressive in my opinion. I think that like for, I feel like the the florist.
Speaker: most closely aligns with the photographer's timeline for sure that's usually Because we don't want to have it done too early. yeah especially in june or yeah yeah yeah and we don't want and we want to have it there for when the photographer needs it so i feel like
Speaker: it's I think those are the smaller events. where They have like just day of coordinators or whatever. It's like the photographer's timeline is almost. Like I've even had photographers that I know and love. who will be like, hey, I know we're working together all on just so you know, this is my timeline. And I'm like, thank you. Cha -ching. That's all I needed. Thank you very much.
Speaker: Thank you. Goodbye. that so That's where it is for us. And like like, I don't want people waiting on me and I don't want to have to be like. hiding in the bushes for 45 minutes because I'm not sure. And then I'm like, I don't want to interrupt and bother anyone. And I'm like, um, excuse me. Can I move the flowers yet? Is it time? can And then I'm like.
Speaker: And the cocktail hour is about to be over and I have how many minutes yeah to get all of this in there? Yeah. It's all very important. But I think sometimes, yeah, they are so focused on, you know, like maybe catering photographers and it's like, but there is still. so The florals don't just get dropped off and that's it. Like there has to be some. Yeah. Something else. And that's the hard part, too, is that half our weddings, they do. That's true. So it's also this weird.
Speaker: in between that we're stuck in where like, I'm the florist. Like we move during wedding, like from. Ceremony start time to the end of the night. And so it's an interesting... it And I would agree. And that's what I think is hard. And I go back and forth because.
Speaker: We have some florists that are like, no, I stay and I'll move the florals because I designed them and you don't understand. And I'm like... Oh, good Lord almighty, I can move flowers. Like, I understand you designed it and it's your thing and I don't want to step on your toes. However, if you're going to charge my couple $500 to stay to cut flowers off an arch and move it to their head table.
Speaker: No, like I will do it for God's sakes. Like for free. It's just, yeah. Like I it is adding one more thing to us, but I'm just like. I don't know, there is that like double -edged sword that I don't want to step on toes and I want the florist to do their thing. But yeah, most of the florists do just drop off and leave. Striking.
Speaker: who what is that like I mean for the first six years we threw so many flowers away Or would have to, like... Find vehicles to be like, hey, can we fit four centerpieces in your car? Because the flower they didn't want to throw the flowers away. So it's we're learning, too. It's like having those conversations with florists. Are you staying for the flip? Are you going to come back to strike? Like.
Speaker: This is ah it's so interesting because. I... this... Sometimes I feel like I'm being a pain in the ass because people do just want a price. They just want to know how much is it going to be and like they just want to get to the point.
Speaker: But these details matter yeah and they end up becoming an issue way later. And I am the person in the very beginning going. Slow down. Can we just please have... Can we please just have this conversation? And like we please talk about this like, we just like run through this for a moment because I want to make like, my goal is to make everybody's life easier. I want my life to be easy. I want it all to be cohesive and easy and not have confusion and misunderstandings. but like
Speaker: disappointment, right? That's all of our worst fears, yeah right? Is to disappoint our clients. So. I like to anticipate needs and plan ahead. So when I know that my clients are like,
Speaker: Okay. This is my inspo pick. This is what I want. No, we don't need flip because we have these amazing planners that are willing to do the flowers because there are planners that are like. No, bro, I'm not your goddamn florist. You need to hire a florist for that. And that's fine, too.
Speaker: There are two sides to every coin. yeah But when it is that client, I'm saying, I know that you want an arch with all these florals attached. However. Those of flowers are not designed.
Speaker: To be taken off the arch and look good in a different situation. right And. I don't want it to look like crap for you. Right. Right. Like I want it to look the way that it's supposed to look and look good and not end up having.
Speaker: a weird zip tie showing or like a weird naked spot that's now showing that wouldn't have shown when it was up there. And so when that's the case, I'm usually coaching and saying like, I will make you something I would love to. However.
Speaker: If that's what's happening. Let's do something on pillars or do something else so that... It's not overcomplicating. Someone who's not a florist who has to deal with this situation. And that's where I think it's, again, that middle ground. We don't mind moving florals. And again, we don't want any florists to be upset with us.
Speaker: But if it is literally just taking the ground florals down the aisle and we're just putting it in front of a table, like we can handle that. But if it is something more complex and this design piece that needs to get.
Speaker: you know, taken from one spot and not installed in a different spot. Yeah. For sure, that should be the florist because during Cocktailer, we joke that is... a chaotic time we're moving chairs we're trying to get guests away from the couple we're trying to get marriage license yeah there is yeah a lot going on there's other things which i think the people the florists that are like These are my florals. You're not touching them. I think it might be a little closer to like.
Speaker: We care about the end result. 100%. And you don't want it to look ugly. And especially during like... warm times of the year. We're judging the... buck out of every arrangement. I'm not just like picking it up and moving it. Right. I'm picking it up and I'm looking at every side of it and I'm pulling out stuff that maybe someone stepped on because it's on the aisle. Right. Or when they were shuffling to get in and out. Or like... How many times I've found...
Speaker: A fucking beer can in the middle of the arrangement. Because someone on the aisle like put their flat or like whatever, you know what I'm saying? Totally. Yeah. So we're like, that's true. We're like, re which that I understand. them And I'm always like, I've got my bucket of extra flowers and whatever's leftover of scraps that I can like help. make it look better, yeah water it if all the water got dumped out.
Speaker: Dry the bottom so when you put it on the table, it's not like leaching out everywhere. So there's all these little details. Yeah. That we're not going to think about. Which is so helpful for us. Yeah. For sure. But again, like if I know. The...
Speaker: This is where you're at with. what works best for your budget and for your plan. I want to customize it. to work for that scenario it's an easy just for us what i would already make right because there's so many decisions i can make along the way what container i use Whether I'm using foam or whatever, like I try not to use foam. whenever possible, right? But if I know.
Speaker: That it's not going to be me and my team transitioning. When you pick up this really shallow, wide dish that's all chicken wire and water slosh. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Someone's going to end up with water all over them. Or spilling it on the floor inside. Totally. Or on the table. Right. It's problematic. Totally. I'm like.
Speaker: you know, I'm happy. But again, it's all it all starts from the beginning and having those conversations and not just booking a floor space off the pricing. It's like having conversations and... Going through all these things. Yes. And I think like.
Speaker: some of my best clients or some of my best experiences this specific year have been where They knew they trusted me. They knew they wanted me. And even though they couldn't get everything that they wanted or that someone else's promising that they could do for that price. They were like, I would be happy. With this plan, because it fits in my budget. I trust you. And I'm booking you. Right. Because I want you. And then later, as we got closer, okay.
Speaker: let's maybe we will actually do want to add this other thing back or, you know, maybe we weren't going to do strike, but now we want you to do strike or whatever. And I'm flexible to do that. um But.
Speaker: It's like. You know, I don't want to. push anyone outside their comfort zone in their budget or... But every couple should have the floor strike. and I just like this last one on Sunday, the florist came back and and it just like I could have cried seeing her again. It's just like, thank you, Jesus. Like because we're doing so we're like tearing down the tables, the chairs, throwing linens and bags, picking up trash like.
Speaker: And then to have to figure out where all the flowers are going. I'm like, so. Well, and everybody has this idea of like. It's so interesting. because I mean... How many times I've talked to my clients ahead of time, they're like,
Speaker: oh yeah, no, we don't need the flowers. like donate them, whatever you want. But then once they see them... we love them so much. We want to keep them. And it's like, yes.
Speaker: And so it's like. But then you need a whole vehicle at the end of the night just for flowers. A U -Haul. hear Yes. And how many times I've seen like, oh, we'll just, we'll have our friends take them home or whatever. Your friends don't want you.
Speaker: They're hammered. It's hard for them to remember their shoes. Yeah. No one lives here. They don't want flowers. Yeah. And they're not going to be taking these flowers. And if they do, they're going to spill them in their car and they're going to be mad about it. So I'm like, let's just like. Let's have a plan for it. Yeah.
Speaker: And I've had several clients this year that like end up just paying for the extra day and. We strike at the end of the night and then the next day. We re -deliver all the centerpieces to their...
Speaker: and they're all taken care of brunch or whatever their day after whatever thing that they're doing um And when they don't want them, we take them to nursing homes or whatever. and we We take them somewhere and not just like fill a trash can full.
Speaker: yeah Yes. For sure. Okay. smart Ending of episode one with Sam. And we're going to have to continue to you know talk for hours. I'm so sorry, guys. You're right. A little timer. I know. Yeah, yeah. Put the music on. Your time is ending. So cheers. Cheers. Thanks, Sam.
