Say “I Do” To Fabulous Flowers

Photo by Lisa Rigby Photography

If you think the word succulent refers to filet mignon, don’t panic. The fabulous ladies behind Whim Events will explain all your floral decor options and help make your Big Day extra special.

Moira Thompson (creative director and floral designer) and Natalie Pinney (event planner and business operations) met when Moira put together the arrangements for Natalie’s wedding. I chatted with them about helpful hints for all the baffled brides looking for blooms:

Why are flowers important to a wedding?

Moira Thompson: Flowers are such a tradition. Plants and nature set the tone and mood for the day.

Natalie Pinney: Flowers bring life and create ambiance. I wasn’t a flower person until I met Moira and saw what she did for my wedding. As soon as I saw it, I felt at peace and alive.

What is the ideal timeline for you to start working with a couple on their design?

MT: About six to eight months before the wedding is ideal, so that we can meet the couple and get an idea of what they want. I like to take the couple to the flower market to see what they like about three months before the wedding.

Keep reading for more floral tips…

What goes into planning flowers? What kind of questions do you like to ask?

MT: We want it to be an experience for the couple. I like couples to show me photos of what inspires them. I then put together a proposal for them to make sure they love it. Of course I ask basic questions like, “Do you want high or low centerpieces?” but we really like to get to know who they are as a couple and what is special to them.

In addition to centerpieces and bouquets, what are some other arrangement ideas?

NP: Ceremony backdrops are really cool. The reception has become so big, but the real celebration of the marriage is the ceremony.

MT: It doesn’t just have to be flowers. One time I used clusters of lemons to decorate the bar and the buffet … The extra touches really complete the picture.

What about the budget?

MT:  Weddings should be complete joy. Money brings stress and worry into the picture so we work with each couple based on what they are comfortable with.

(Quick tip: Whim offers a budget-friendly “Farmers’ Market” package that includes flowers from local growers.)

Whim Events, Cambridge, 617-413-9735, whimevents.com (Facebook).

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