Having flowers and greenery on the wedding day is a beautiful tradition that has been used through the centuries to signify many meanings, including hope, new beginnings, and fertility. The colourful palette of nature can beautify any modern venue and complement the bride and her maids’ attire by adding a touch of romance or whimsy. For most couples getting married, choosing a skilled florist to create the bouquets, floral arrangements, boutonnières and corsages is usually high on their list of priorities. I know from my own failed experiments with grocery store blooms that it is no easy task pairing the right foliage for a creative display and then making it last for more than a few days. I love flowers, but I’m no green thumb. Award-winning florist, Krista Vivian from Flowers More Often is the exact opposite!

I met Krista several years ago when I visited her newly opened florist shop in Ayr, Ontario. I was going to the local shops to see if someone would allow me to take interior photos for a class project. Even though Krista was obviously busy, she took the time to pose and allowed for a few photos. Fast forward to 2017, I visited Krista’s florist shop, once again, to ask if she would like to create a bouquet for my first styled wedding shoot. My only request was that she incorporate bright pink to match the bride’s attire, and the rest would be left to her creativity. Krista agreed, and made the most beautiful bride’s bouquet and the groom’s boutonnière for my models. I then had the honour to photograph Krista again for a maternity and anniversary session a few years later.

I’m pleased to introduce my second Vendor Feature: Florist, Krista Vivian in her own words. (The photographs provided are from the styled wedding shoot and maternity session, both featuring Krista’s work.)

The Interview

1. What compelled you to become a florist?

I've always been a creative person and especially drawn to temporary art. Just knowing that so much time and effort had been put into something that won't last forever means it really needs to be enjoyed in the moment. Growing up, my parents and grandparents had beautiful flowers and gardens, and also grew vegetables. I’ve always been around plants and learned to love flowers through their eyes. I enjoy being creative and helping others, and really admire the beauty and complexity of flowers in general, so it seemed like a natural choice for me to make a living as a florist.

2. What knowledge do you need in order to be a successful florist and owner of a small business?

Tough question, indeed! I feel like I have no idea what I am doing really, but I am always walking around like a sponge absorbing new information, ideas and ways of doing things. A strong background in customer service is key — I learned this working at Disney and at previous customer service jobs. The most important thing is getting that right. Really, in any business there is always a customer. I’ve never been a pushy sales person, but I can get people excited about what I’m excited about. It’s not always easy, though. You need to know your limits and strengths, and be self-aware. Always look at the big picture.

Whatever business that you choose to go into, its important to have friends and mentors who are in the same business. Hearing tips and tricks of the trade from those who have “been there” is priceless. Don’t ever be a know-it-all! There is a lot to know, but I do come from a big art background and I am knowledgeable about the types of flowers —its more than making pretty arrangements. Be prepared for lots of dirty buckets and long nights, and well, anything that can come your way. Again, I can't stress enough that I'm just winging it.

3. What credentials do you require to be a florist in Ontario?

None! Believe it or not. However, many florists do have a college diploma or certificate in floral design. With the industry and style constantly evolving, a good florist continues their education through various workshops, webinars and networks with other florists. I do strongly recommend working as an apprentice and obtaining some sort of certification in floral design before going solo. Florists can pursue voluntary certification and earn a certificate or associate's degree.

4. Flowers and floral arrangements are often an important feature in a wedding. List the 3 most important tips you can give couples when they are choosing their bouquets/floral arrangements.

Choose in-season blooms or be flexible with your flower choices. if you love spring flowers go with a spring wedding. Sunflowers are your jam?—go late summer. Couples can end up spending way too much for unimpressive, out-of-season flowers.
Be open minded, and trust your florist. Beautiful things happen when the creative juices can freely flow. Relax, flowers are pretty no matter what!
Have a budget and a rough idea of what you would like to order when you book your appointment. This allows the florist to gather samples and have them ready for your meeting. This will help keep you on track and avoid adding things you may not need.

5. What are the new trends this year for bridal bouquets and wedding floral arrangements?

Many brides of 2020 are just happy to be able to tie the knot under the current circumstances. When it comes to flowers, “local” and “sustainable” are often mentioned, even more than the types of flowers, which is awesome. We love Ontario farmers and are pumped that it is finally a thing that comes up in consultations.

Personalization is also a big continuing trend. Incorporating a family heirloom broach into a bouquet, or making an entire bouquet of broaches, using flowers that have sentimental or personal meaning, or choosing unusual blooms are just a few examples.

Over the past few wedding seasons there has been a strong focus on greenery. This trend continues, giving floral arrangements a more laid back and earthy feel. The recent use of dry natural elements like grasses, seed pods and dry flowers are being added to complement the natural, woodsy look.

6. What are the top 3 questions couples ask you when they are choosing flowers or floral arrangements for their wedding day?

A couple will often have a photo of an arrangement or bouquet and will ask, “how much does it cost?”
Some couples will ask about my experience.
Oddly enough I’m often asked about my age. Maybe more so when I started, but that is a common question.

7. In general, how far in advance of the wedding date should a couple choose their floral arrangements?

Contact your florist of choice as soon as you have your date and an idea of what you want. Typically, at our shop, we meet 6-8 months with the couple before the wedding date and go over everything in-person to firm up the details. A final order is made a few weeks after this meeting.

8. Is there a particular style of bouquet or floral arrangement that you enjoy creating the most?

The bride’s bouquet. Obviously, it really doesn't get much better than that. When the flowers come in I set aside the flowers of choice for the bouquet and dote on them until they have reached their perfect state of bloom. When that moment finally arrives, I put them all together. That's the best!

Insider secret: I have taken a selfie in the mirror with every single bridal bouquet I have ever made. I always save this moment after the store is closed, and with no interruptions, I toss on some music and let it happen. I really love making all bridal bouquets.

9. Is there any advice you can give to wedding photographers when photographing the bouquets and floral arrangements?

Take all your close up images of flowers the moment you see the opportunity and don’t forget a close up shot of the boutonnière before it has that “ran-out-of-water” look.

I always tell the bouquet holders to point the blooms at the camera instead of holding them upright so you see more flowers and less stems in the pictures.

If you see ugly flowers in your shot, just toss it out. Sometimes that crazy aunt can set her purse on the tulips and those photographs would just be better without them.

Make sure you take plenty of images celebrating their decor, theme and flowers. The couple will spend lots of money and time going for a certain look so its important to capture that, too.

10. Can you share a funny or touching moment that has happened in relation to your career as a florist?

I've had many touching moments and shared many happy tears with brides, so I'm going to go with a funny/embarrassing first wedding season story.

It was my first wedding season (10 years ago) and I had a big booking —and I mean BIG. Maybe they didn't know how new I was, but whatever. The flowers were SO on point— I really outdid myself. Feeling pumped on my way to the golf course for the set up, I knew I was on the right road per my GPS. I looked over to the right and there was the golf course with the wedding area all set up. Perfect, I thought. So, I mosey on over and start setting up. Being early and in no big rush, I took lots of photos for my Facebook page, fluffing every bow. During this time, I noticed the officiant doing his checks and speaking with the DJ. For some reason they kept calling the couple by the wrong name. “Pffft, they don't even know their names”, I thought. Unbelievably, they ask me if I was almost done as they were late getting people seated. Just then, the wedding planner showed up on a golf cart and asked, “who are you?” I'm like wow, the wedding doesn't start for 2 hours yet and…wait. OH. NO. I was at the WRONG GOLF COURSE! To top it off, I was delaying some strangers wedding. In a flurry, I cut down the garlands, gathered the arrangements and jumped on the golf cart as fast as I could to get out of there. The correct golf course was 10 more minutes down the road. With all my excitement I jumped the gun and stopped at the first one I passed. I ended up being late for the real venue and had no time for photos or bow fluffing. At least those flowers were on point.

11. Are there any special instructions you give your couples with regard to the care of the bouquets and floral arrangements once they have been delivered?

I always deliver stress-free wedding flowers so they come hydrated in vases and packed perfectly. Everything is labeled and packaged to look perfect for the moment you need them. I just say keep them in a cool and quiet part of the house.

12. Is there any other information that you would like to share about being a florist or about the floral industry?

It is a wonderful vibrant industry filled with very hard working people who are driven by passion. So, really take the time to enjoy flowers, more often.

Thank you, Krista for providing such a personal and informative account about the floral industry, and sharing an awesome story! Lori-Anne Crewe

Krista Vivian
Flowers More Often
58 Northumberland Street, Unit B, Ayr, Ontario
www.flowersmoreoften.ca
krista@flowersmoreoften.ca
519-632-7691