The Knot Chicago Weddings Spring Summer 2020_downmagaz.com

EXPERT ADVICE
ALL ABOUT
FLOWERS
56
OUR PRO
Brie Pflederer,
the floral designer
behind Oak Park’s
Splendor of Eden
STYLE VIBE
Splendor of Eden is
known for pairing
romantic, gardeninspired
blooms
with unexpected,
textural touches.
DISCOVER
SplendorofEden.com
@splendor_of_eden
WALK US THROUGH THE FLORAL DESIGN
PROCESS FROM START TO FINISH.
First, we get on a phone call so we can get to
know each other and discuss the overall style
or theme of your day. If it’s a fit, the next step
is an in-person meeting. There we talk about
the details of what you’re looking for—color
palette, quantities, ceremony or reception
inspo and your desired budget. After we meet,
I put together an inspiration board and come
up with a quote. This gives you a visual of the
design plan, showing you how the flowers will
look while allowing room for creative freedom
and week-of decisions. Yes, week-of decisions
are very important to allow for. Working with
Mother Nature is unpredictable. After the
quote’s in your hands, I wait for feedback. You
can make any revisions as needed. One
advantage: Quotes don’t require committing
to a package, but can be à la carte. Lastly, we
revise and finalize the remaining details
around three weeks before the wedding date.
That includes your final guest count and
making the final payment.
WHAT’S THE EASIEST WAY FOR A COUPLE TO
PERSONALIZE THEIR ARRANGEMENTS?
It’s important to be yourself. Flowers set the
tone for an entire event, so choose wisely—
they should be a reflection of you. I ask
couples a lot of questions. What colors do you
normally wear? What home décor are you
drawn to? Who are you as a couple? Those
details inform and personalize my design. For
example, if a client keeps things modern, the
flowers should be clean and minimal.
WHAT FLOWERS BLOOM IN CHICAGO, AND IS THERE A
TIME OF YEAR IN WHICH THEY’RE DISCOUNTED?
Spring brings peonies, ranunculus, tulips, daffodils, clematis
and hellebores. In the summer, snapdragons, lisianthus and
phlox are in bloom. Dahlias, cosmos, cockscomb and zinnias
show up in the fall. Throughout the year, whichever flower is
in season will usually be the cheapest, specifically because
you avoid any shipping costs. As a florist, I enjoy working
with the season, not against. It ensures the best quality.
TELL US ABOUT ONE OF YOUR MOST CREATIVE DESIGNS.
Last year, a client asked for a blend of “English garden”
and “circus” for her theme. I was a little nervous initially,
especially about the circus part, but up for the challenge.
I wanted it to be timeless and classic but still fun and
whimsical. We chose a palette of five bright, fun shades, and
the end result was one of my favorites to date, including
colorful compotes, yellow taper candles and an installation.
THINK AHEAD
Kick off the process
by booking your floral
designer six months
to a year in advance.
Follow Brie’s inside tips when working with your own floral designer.
BE OPEN
Inspo images are handy, but
limit your restrictions or
hard-and-fast requirements
in favor of creativity.
DESIGNER DOS
MAINTAIN TRUST
Make sure you hire a
designer you know and
trust—that way you can
relax and have fun too.
ASK QUESTIONS
Don’t be scared of asking
for a pro’s opinion or
answers. That’s exactly
why they’re there.
FROM LEFT: FOR JUST A MOMENT; JENN MANOR PHOTO
Book a local floral designer at THEKNOT.COM/CHICAGO