A Wedding Planner's Conversation with a Florist

When you think about wedding decor, what is the first thing to come to mind? Probably flowers, right? Me, too! And when I think of the vendor team it takes to pull a wedding off, a professional florist is always a most valuable asset to the team. Not only do they make the wedding beautiful, they do the job of decorating so we can do the job of coordinating.

I recently sat down with one of my favorite florists to work with, Sandy Figel of Verbena Floral, and had a conversation about all things flowers and weddings. I thought you might like a peek inside our visit:

How did you get started in flowers and how long has Verbena been in business? 

I was always one of those kids that loved picking flowers from my granny’s garden (or sneaking them from the neighbors!). In my own gardens I've always planted lots of different flowers and foliages for the sole purpose of harvesting them for bouquets. My first weddings were for friends and family with product from my sister's and my gardens. Although I couldn’t source an entire wedding from my garden any more, I still love growing unique varieties that I can use for that something special in a bridal bouquet or the groom’s boutonniere. Verbena has officially been in business for 12 years. 

Table arrangement by Verbena Floral, Photo by Bethany Kidd

What is your favorite thing to do with flowers creatively? 

I love being able to pick my own flowers and foliage or source from local growers, listen to music in my studio, and play with color combinations, shapes, and textures to create bouquets or arrangements. I also enjoy optimistically starting and nurturing a large number of flower seedlings every spring in my greenhouse (but then comes the job of trying to figure out where to plant them all.) Throughout the year I host floral and wreath workshops in my studio and that brings me pleasure too. 

What is your favorite part of doing wedding flowers? 

I like talking with couples to discover their interests and the dreams that they have for their wedding. Every wedding is unique and it’s always fun to hear each couple’s ideas and think about how I can contribute to their vision with flowers.  I enjoy how the plan evolves as the wedding date approaches and I’m able to build a relationship with the client. I also love the excitement and adrenaline of the wedding day itself when every thing comes together!

Bridal Bouquet by Verbena Floral, Photo by Bethany Kidd

 How is working with a wedding planner beneficial to your business? Does it make a difference having a wedding planner on wedding day? 

Finding and hiring a good wedding planner, like Marcea, makes all the difference in the world. A planner’s experience and expertise benefits not only the couple and their families, but all of us vendors as well. They can reduce stress, save time, anticipate and coordinate all the details, communicate with all parties, and help everything run smoothly during the planning process and on the wedding day. Couples are sometimes tempted to ask friends or family members to help during the wedding rather than using a planner. Trust me, you want to enlist a professional with experience and let your guests enjoy being guests!

What is your favorite flower? 

My current favorite flowers are butterfly ranunculus. They can add so much movement, whimsy, and life to arrangements. 

I so appreciate Sandy's insight into wedding florals. You can see more of her work on her website at https://www.verbenafloralseattle.com/ .

Table Florals by Verbena Floral, Photo by Nick Hanyok