How did you begin your career in floral design and décor?
I started in the floral business in 1986. I began designing in West Germany for Herr Hartmann of Blumenladen, which had been in the business for over 35 years. He truly tried to teach me everything that he had learned through his many years. I found a great friend and mentor in him. While I was in Europe, I had the opportunity to travel and learn many design tech- niques and work with many world-renown floral de- signers. It was a fabulous experience and that is where the beginning of my passion for flowers began.
You now own a posh floral and décor business called A Perfect Bloom. What colors and designs do you see trending this year?
Our design team has to stay up on the latest trends and styles. There's many areas that have to be researched to determine a trend - fashion has a great deal to do with that. Every year is completely diff- erent. This year you'll be noticing a lot of hot, vibrant colors! It's so refreshing to the last few years where we have been seeing the muted tones. We continue to still use a lot of the vintage elements such as lace, antiques and family heirloom items. Using special family vin- tage items really personalizes the wedding and gives family the opportunity to contribute.
Can you describe the importance that floral design and décor plays in the overall aesthetic of a wedding?
Flowers are vital to a wedding. A wedding is such an important life moment and there's no better way to make it special. Flowers dictate the colors of the wedding. They reflect the theme of the wedding - from contemporary to posh to simplistic to tra- ditional. With flowers, you achieve the over- all aesthetic of the special day.
What is your favorite flower to utilize in weddings and why?
I love the flower named "stock". It is one of my favorites. It's fragrant, comes in a variety of colors, inexpensive, very flexible and is just pretty! I really love every variety of orchids also. Spider mums are really having a comeback in wedding florals. They are long lasting and really funky!
6 Floral Decor Tips From Kelly
1. Don't mix over 3 colors.
2. Stick with your theme- don't veer too far from it.
3. Sometimes simple is the best.
4. Take advise from people you trust.
5. Set a budget and stick to it.
6. Always ask your florist what's in season... that will help in pricing.
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