Know your wedding venue.

I recently read an interesting blog written by Kara Buntin of A Cake to Remember about the importance of wedding pros knowing the venue site. I couldn't be in more agreement with that. As a wedding florist I have seen and been in some very unique settings delivering and displaying flowers. And yes. long roads to plantations definitely apply to flower delivery, just think fragile flowers, glass every where, water, and temperature, and 4 wheel drive ( it snows in Virginia ).  But all of this comes into play when setting up, how far is the nearest water, does the venue allow you to use the kitchen for water, do they have a leaky facet problem themselves ?  This was a live and learn lesson at a location and no fault of mine, the kitchens faucet which we were told to use literaley flooded the working banquets kitchen which they were also working out of. This was their first event being held so I'm sure the problem has since been corrected.
     Some of the more historical sites in Richmond have older AC units and the rooms can be on the warm side which will effect the flowers perseverance through out the wedding day. Remember sometimes we are carrying 30 centerpieces up stairs so it's nice to be prepared at all times. So what do we do to prepare ? Know the site which comes from experience working at the site. If we have not worked the venue I do make a personal visit to introduce myself and get familiar with the location before hand. Have a back up plan always in place for in climate weather changes. Arrange appropriate delivery times to coordinate with all the other working wedding vendors of the day. And carry a tool box of floral goodies as well as my own water supply.

Deborah-Lasting Florals