We taught our second intensive Weddings 101 class in Sydney last month. 12 amazing women came from all over Australia and New Zealand to participate. We did a lot of talking and a lot of making...
In this class we really try to identify the troubles people are coming up against in their businesses. Sometimes students struggle with how to build bouquets, or headcrowns -- often it's how to charge appropriately for their hard work, or how to manage a flower order for a big event. I like to think all the conversations Nicolette and I have had over the years on these tricky topics get put to good use in these classes.
Navigating pricing is something we spend serious time on. I think every floral designer who strikes out on their own goes through different phases of how to charge for their work, and that's natural. In the beginning you give it away...I did! You're just so excited to be working that you undercharge and overbuy.
In some ways I miss those days. But I would certainly have profited more with fewer of them, and that's why we spend time talking students through our budgeting and buying process.
Another common request is how to make bridal bouquets that appear loose and flowing. One thing that really helps is to keep the hand that holds the flowers very loose as you build the bouquet (avoiding the grip of death!) and remember to cross your stems at a near 45 degree angle. Like most technical work it's just a matter of practice. Look at all these beautiful bouquets!!!
We love these intensive classes - the two full days allows us to get to know our students better. It's also so lovely to watch the comraderie form between students who will hopefully stay in touch and continue to foster each others creativity and constitutions.
When it's over and everyone is hurrying to exchange instagram handles, we feel like we've gained 12 new flower-loving friends. Please take minute to click through all of their beautiful work!!
