Sending Smiles ~

It's summer and the weather outside is hot (with a storm brewing as I type this). In addition to lots of wedding and party flowers being designed, we've had multiple family funerals this week, including this piece for delivery tomorrow. Designing funeral pieces can be both rewarding and sad but we sincerely hope that the flowers we create bring comfort to the families who receive them. This wreath is being delivered to Fire Company for a memorial service. The sender requested a blue, yellow and white theme and Designer Alanna used an assortment of cremone mums, hydrangea, daisies, sunflowers and baby's breath. Measuring 28" wide on an elegant white wooden stand, this piece should look lovely among the other flowers at the memorial.

I admit that Cascade Bridal Bouquets have not made the big comeback that I expected a few years ago but every now and then we get to create one. Last weekend we were able to design this beauty with a topical theme for our bride Angela. The story behind this bouquet (and there is always a story behind a bridal bouquet) is that Angela and her true love Keehan are actually getting married in the Bahamas. With lots of family, friends and fellow church members, they felt compelled to have a ceremony in New Jersey, hence the tropical theme. Angela's bridal bouquet was created by our Lead Floral Stylist Alanna and consisted of Starfighter lilies, dendrobium orchids, bird of paradise, mini calla lilies flowers along with lily grass, spiral and silver dollar  eucalytpus, ruscus and podocarpus foliages! The bouquet turned out stunning and we think, ever prettier than the inspiration photo provided by Angela and her sister Donchell (who is a wedding planner we work with on occasion)....

One of the most asked questions is "Should I send flowers to the service or to the home" and although either one can be appreciated, they are very different. With the time between the death and funeral services getting shorter and shorter (sometimes less than 3 days) it's becoming harder for folks to make arrangements to attend a service. Of course, most want to express their sympathy in some way, so sending flowers is a thoughtful way to do that. The flowers sent to the service are often highly personalized, especially those coming from direct family members. Favorite flowers and colors are often requested and personal items or even hobbies can be included. Flowers and plants sent directly for the funeral home or church help provide a backdrop and atmosphere for the service. They represent the person who has passed while gifts sent directly the home are meant to express feelings of support towards the survivors. The next question we often get is "What...