Flowers. A Timeless Event Addition or Are They Overdone?
I decided to change things up this afternoon and do something a little lighter. Going from sponsorship work to talking about whether flowers are a timeless event addition or are they overdone. A typical day in the life of a planner.
With a few industry magazines lying around the office, I thought I would take some time to read. A career that requires me to read and look at pictures of cool industry ideas and concepts has got to be the best career out there. Am I right?
The first magazine I picked up, Bizbash, got me distracted at page 10. Their article on "Which Music Festival Trend Has Worn Out Its Welcome" drew me in. Although I am far from a festival expert I figured I was pretty up on festival trends. I attend quite a few festivals (food festivals, not music festivals,maybe that's the problem). I was part of planning a festival over about 4 years. And we even try to attend them when we are traveling in other countries if we come across them. Clearly not even close! There are trends here that I didn't even know were a thing.
Flowers As An Event Trend
I had no idea florals were a festival trend. Rita Tabet, C.O.O and co-founder, Pop Up Mob, New York, says it is so I believe her. I have never been a big flower person and honestly florals are likely the last thing I would think to use as an installation. But when I search "floral installations at festivals" in the trusty old Google machine I see some extraordinary images of florals. I attended a floral display here in Ottawa as part of the Canada 150 event. Mosaiiculture was cool but I didn't ooo and aaahhh as some perhaps did. Are flowers a timeless event addition or are they overdone?
"Beautiful flowers are timeless" - Michelle
What Some Local Experts Think
I reached out to my fav florist, Michelle VandenBosch, Rebel Petal Floral Design Studio, who does amazing floral installation here in our area, to see what she thinks about florals being a trend that needs to take the sideline.
What Some Local Experts Think
I reached out to my fav florist, Michelle VandenBosch, Rebel Petal Floral Design Studio, who does amazing floral installation here in our area, to see what she thinks about florals being a trend that needs to take the sideline.
"Flowers are a luxury item and not something people treat themselves to. I have many clients who tell me that when they win the lottery, they want fresh flowers everyday in there homes.
There is a romance and decadence to fresh flowers. Simple event rooms are transformed with beautiful flowers, creating a magic to the event.
Wearing flowers in my hair makes me feel feminine, fancy and happy. Who doesn't want more of that! Serotonin is released in our bodies when we are given or look at flowers. It is undeniable that giving someone flowers makes the recipient feel cared for and special.
"Flowers in my hair makes me feel feminine"
I am completely biased as I have worked in the floral industry for 33 years. I guess I know the power of flowers by hearing the gasps of guests as they enter a room we have transformed. Having flowers dancing over your head with petals on the table while you enjoy a meal only make the evening more enjoyable. Walking into a space and smelling the light perfume of flowers in the air always stops people to breath deeply and take it all in.
I do not follow trends and so do not subscribe to the thought that flowers "have been overused to the point of exhaustion". Beautiful flowers are timeless and excellent as a classic choice for decor for all of the special events in our lives. I say give me more and more flowers!"
I also took some time to talk to Angie about her thoughts on flower trends because she is a planner who loves flowers. Here is what she had to say.
"Flowers overdone? Never! I can't imagine any type of event without flowers included in some element of the design and planning. The natural versatility of florals to create colour, texture, aroma and even taste just fits so perfectly with creating an experience for attendees. As an event planner I am always striving to include elements that hit all 5 senses.
"Even if it is just an accent on the platter passed by the wait staff"
This natural, living breathing element can't be replaced by anything else I can possibly think of. From simple single stems in vases, to lush hanging focal points in a space, complete floral or greenery walls and backdrops, blossoms added into a salad, and how about that hibiscus cocktail?
Yes I love flowers, in my home I subscribe to a weekly floral subscription from a local farm. It is such a great economical way to enjoy flowers all season. And in my gardens, I love the aroma and texture and colour it adds to our outdoor living spaces. They are calming, mindful reflections of natures beauty that remind me to slow down and breathe.
Flowers are here to stay! Even if it is just an accent on the platter passed by the wait staff."
I can't really say, but my instinct is, even as a non flower person, that I don't think that it will ever go away, flowers seem to be a classic theme that will always have a market. We would love to hear what you think! Share your thoughts in the comments below.
