Oh, Pinterest – how we love you! Sometimes, a little too much!

Not only does the internet provide us endless inspiration on how we can design a wedding, bar mitzvah, corporate party, etc., but planning an event in Orlando means that most of those ideas (yes, even those with snow!) can actually come to fruition.

Central Florida is home to some of the most creative and talented design professionals I have ever worked with (and we plan events all over the world). Ideas start out small and grow into never before seen amazement that still awe me to this day.

So if you have questions on just how to go about or decide your event design scheme, these questions and answers may help provide guidance on how to do just that!

Design Question #1: There’s too much to pick from! My Pinterest Board has 3 different color schemes I’m in love with, but I don’t know which one is right. I feel like a hot mess!

Michele: I understand! So many different colors and designs can speak to us that inspirations can lack clear direction. Here are some questions to give thought to…

– Are there any trends you are seeing? For example, do you notice a type of element such as wood, greens, or metallics as a thread between all of your color preferences? Sometimes it’s these little details that we miss, but are actually what is catching our attention!

– Is there a certain design aesthetic that is popping out in the color schemes versus the colors themselves? For example – does the design theme of “vintage” keep showcasing pinks, but you are really drawn to the vintage table scape versus the color pink? This may help provide clarity.

– Consider your environment. Are you getting married outdoors? What’s the color scheme of your venue? Complementing your surroundings or selecting a deliberate stark contrast can help you narrow down your color choices.

– Take note of your season. If your inspirational pictures are screaming pink peonies, but you’re getting married in November, this can be a difficult (and expensive) design element to pull off. Be mindful that flowers are seasonal throughout the year and if you want naturally occurring floral colors or are open to fake ones.

Design Question #2: We’ve looked at many floral/event designers online, but I’m not seeing one that is exactly our style. What do we do?

Michele: This is a great question and one that our floral comrades understand. My answer? Meet with a variety of florists/event designers, ask specific questions, and make note of their ideas and their reviews.

It can be difficult to find a florist that is just one style – why? Because they can typically design for MANY styles!

For example…are you having a hard time finding mid-century modern creative styles on a florist’s website – don’t close out that website too fast! Many florists showcase their creative work on their websites, but if they haven’t worked with a client that prefers a certain style (let’s say that mid-century modern style) or if the photographer of the event didn’t take the best pictures, that florist may not have his or her ideas online to see.

Does that mean you shouldn’t talk with them? No! A phone conversation before meeting one on one can provide you the opportunity to explain your preferences and see the interest the florist has in designing for those preferences.

You never know…you just might be the ideal design style they’ve been waiting for!

Design Question #3: I am in love with one style, but my fiancé (or mother, etc.) doesn’t feel the same way. I feel discouraged that everything I have always dreamed isn’t what others want.

Michele: This is actually common and can end up hurting people if not dealt with mindfully.

We recommend a few things…

– talk with your fiancé and write down what his or her design vision is.
– discuss with your mother, parents, or anyone else who has a say in the event what their expectations are and take notes of any ideas they have. You do not have to say yes, just listen and write ideas down.
– write down your own dreams and design ideas.

THEN…

– take all of your notes to your wedding planner and floral/event designer. Explain the situation and allow them to creatively consider everyone’s thoughts.
– ask for a detailed proposal that outlines options and associated costs of all the ideas.
– discuss with your fiancé which ideas can be blended together to make the day meaningful for you both.
– thank additional family members, etc. for their ideas and politely discuss what you both have decided on.

We find that allowing everyone a voice to express their thoughts and ideas can help people feel included and appreciated. Even though not all ideas may be the right fit, at least they have been part of the process.

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Are you planning a wedding, bar or bat mitzvah, or corporate event in the Orlando area and have additional design questions?

Don’t hesitate to contact me at michele@michelebutlerevents.com so you can ask your questions and received our recommendations on how to make the best decisions. We also are familiar with so many different floral and event design companies in Central Florida that we can many times guide you in the right direction based on your needs and preferences.

Happy designing!