We like to share with our readers some of our favorite vendors in the biz. Today we bring you, Tweeny of The Flower Lab. She started The Flower Lab in 2008 but before that, had been working in a research lab studying cancer biology. When her best friend was getting married, she helped her with her reception flowers, and it was during that time she thought about starting her own floral business. When she’s not working with flowers, she is enjoying life in Santa Monica with her husband, 4 month old daughter, and dog Betsy.

 

 (photo by Michael Segal Weddings)

Q: What trends do you see happening in flowers this year?
A: Natural and organic continues to be popular, especially with the use of succulents and ferns. The vintage look is also well-loved with mason jars, vintage bottles, and milk glass vases.

 

Q: What are some alternatives to the traditional vase display of flowers?
A:  Branches as centerpieces can be very beautiful and many brides will request manzanita branches or grapevine branches for their centerpieces. Bird cages and apothecary jars for a terrarium look are also very interesting and unique ideas for centerpieces.

 

(photo on right by one love photo)

Q: What are some of your favorite flowers for the different seasons?
A: Many flowers are available all year, but I’m especially happy when it’s spring and peonies, ranunculus, anemones, and cherry blossoms are readily available. In summer, I’m especially fond of sweet peas, lisianthus, and dahlias. Dahlias continue to bloom through early fall, and then tree peonies appear for a short time in October. Ranunculus and anemones start to show up again in the fall too. And in winter, my favorite flower is the narcissus.

 

Q: Do you have any nifty tricks of the trade?
A:  A great idea a lot of my brides utilize is re-purposing ceremony flowers for the reception. For example, we may hang mason jars filled with flowers on the aisle chairs during the ceremony, and then transfer them to the reception by placing them on the dessert bar, sweetheart table, or around the cake table. The bridesmaids and bridal bouquets make great decorations too and can be placed at the front of the head table or around the front edge of the sweetheart table.

 

(photo on right by Stephen Chen photography)

Q: Is there a specific style you specialize in?
A: We like to do all styles! Flowers are just so beautiful. Each wedding is a new and different adventure for us, which is part of what makes our job so much fun.
Q: What do you like about your profession?

A: I like meeting all the different brides who have walked through our doors and seeing how their weddings become an expression of themselves.

 

Q: Do you have tips for brides on a budget?
A: For brides on a budget, I always recommend that they focus their dollars on the flower arrangements that would make the most impact for their wedding. Usually, this includes the personal bouquets and the reception flowers. The wedding ceremony itself is usually less than 30 minutes long and is held in an already beautiful location that would not require much more additional decor, if any.

 

Q: Any DIY tips?
A: For the DIY bride, consider making the centerpieces yourself, and then hiring a florist for the bouquets and personal flowers. Plant based centerpieces (succulents, ferns, and orchids are great alternatives) are long lasting, and can be made a week or more ahead of time. If you would like to use cut flowers for your centerpieces, consider making simple arrangements such as all hydrangea or all roses, or individual stems in a collection of vintage bud vases for a just-picked feel.

 

Q: How far in advance should brides start looking for flowers?
A: We have had brides book us over a year in advance, and some less than a month before their wedding. About 3 to 6 months in advance is the norm.
Q: Any tips for brides when deciding which flowers to go with for their wedding day?
A: Once a color scheme and theme have been decided, figuring out which flowers to use can be simple. Some flowers only come in certain colors, and then some, like roses, can be found in almost every color. Certain flower types also exude a specific feel. For instance, a romantic, vintage wedding may feature lots of soft textured flowers such as peonies, ranunculus, garden roses, and sweet peas.

 

(photo by Michael Segal Weddings)

Q: What’s the most memorable experience you have had on a job?
A: Working on a Las Vegas wedding 10 days after a c-section! I’m blessed with a great staff and everything went smoothly without a hitch.

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