S10E11: Create that Wow Factor with Your Wedding Florals
Your flowers create a wow factor at your wedding.
Today, we're dishing about what to keep in mind as you choose your florals, where and how to use flowers, and so much more!
Plus, if you're a DC couple, Gerry shares some info about incorporating cherry blossoms into your wedding day!
Guest: Gerry Rodgers, Petal’s Edge Floral and Event Design
This week, we’re dishing about…
Who doesn’t love a good floral installation (I know I do!)? How do you plan to make the most out of your investment in your flowers and what are some things couples should anticipate?
What are some tips you have for couples who want to create a truly captivating and memorable wedding experience?
How do you know who to trust with your vision? What are some things couples should look out for?
... and more!
Meet Petals Edge Floral and Event Design!
Petal’s Edge Floral Design is the premier event and wedding florist in Alexandria and the greater Washington, D.C. area.
Since 2004, we’ve been creating floral magic at weddings throughout the D.C. area. You may have seen our work in BRIDES magazine, or our name on the Washingtonian Weddings’ Best Wedding Vendors list, but we wouldn’t be surprised if you didn’t recognize our designs. No two Petal’s Edge arrangements are alike — beyond maintaining our standard of sophisticated design, sustainable practices, and impeccable service, of course. Our speciality is creating custom floral designs that represent our clients and their style, regardless of their aesthetic or their reason for gathering. Petal’s Edge Floral Design expanded even further in 2018 when we debuted our e-commerce shop with artful floral designs for local delivery and intimate weddings.
Gerry, the owner, founder and lead floral designer, has a background in art from Duke University, where she triple majored in art history, medieval and Renaissance studies, and women’s studies at Duke University. This led to a 10-year career in art museums prior to starting Petal's Edge, including work at such institutions as The National Gallery of Art, The Smithsonian Institution, and the Des Moines Art Center. While working in her prior career, Gerry earned a graduate degree in education and pursued a doctorate in organizational leadership from the University of Virginia, and spent years conducting sophisticated cognitive studies and empirical analysis of how people interpret and experience spaces. Combined, her innate talent and professional experience in the arts has led Gerry and Petal’s Edge to earn a reputation for creating emotive, sophisticated florals that represent her clients’ personalities on their most special days.
It's hard for many couples to think about wedding flowers. I mean, how often have most couples even planned a wedding before? With 20 years of experience, we can offer solid advice on how to manage the wedding planning process, how to make the most of your investment, understanding what makes an impact, and who to trust when designing the flowers. - Gerry, Petal’s Edge
Business Info
What areas do you serve? Greater Washington DC area
How long have you been in business? 20 years
Why did you decide to start your own business?
Because I didn't want to write my dissertation Ha ha ha ha ha
What's the coolest thing about owning your own business?
Autonomy and lack of bureaucracy
What challenges have you had to overcome?
Um... the pandemic?
Do you have a favorite story to share?
I have many stories to share. Give me a topic!
What advice could you offer to someone starting a business like yours?
Write a business plan. Creative industries are tricky because often, people are fueled by the love of a craft. And that's great! But hobbies and businesses are not the same thing. Having a solid understanding of what you are selling, who you are selling it to, how and why are big ones.
What's the most memorable thing you've seen happen at a wedding or celebration?
I'll never forget the client who had connections with the Kennedy Center orchestra, which provided the music for the ceremony. The music that accompanied the flower girl sounded like musical footsteps.
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