by Tori Lawless, Event Coordinator
There are so many things to think about when trying to put together your wedding. If you don’t already have a
florist in mind, how do you know where to start? I interviewed one of the
Estates’ Preferred Florists,
JH Designs, to get some insight on what you should know before choosing a
wedding florist.
Who is JH Designs?
We are a wedding specialty shop with floral services, rental equipment, reception décor and accessories, party favors and invitations. JH Designs is a family run business owned by Helen Singleton, a graduate of the South Florida School of Floral Design. All Fort Myers natives, Helen’s daughter, Reba, and sister, Jean, work in the shop as well. Helen owned and operated a successful full service flower shop for ten years prior to opening JH Designs in 1991. The shop was recognized in The Knot’s Best of Weddings for 2007/2008, and 2008/2009.
What are some creative touches you are seeing with bridal bouquets?
We use beads, pearls, rhinestones, and crystals in our bouquets (depending on the bride’s preference). We also incorporate specialty ribbons for wrapping stems. On occasion, the bride may have a family heirloom to include in the bouquet such as a bible, rosary beads, photos, jewelry, initials, or handkerchiefs. These added touches make for a unique bouquet that has sentimental value to the bride.
What are the most common bouquet styles?
Hand-tied Bouquet: This is our most popular request. Flowers are gathered in a “loose arrangement” and wrapped with ribbon with a few stems exposed or completely wrapped depending on preference.
- Cascading Bouquet: The cascade is a more traditional bouquet where the flowers are formed to hang downward in a long or short tail. The length and size of the bouquet are typically proportionate to the size of the bride.
Arm/Presentation Bouquet: This type is a bouquet of long-stem flowers that is carried in the crook of the arm rather than in both hands.
What types of flowers do you suggest for outdoor weddings in Florida?
It depends on the season. In the fall, winter, and spring, just about any flower that is in season will survive the outdoor elements for the ceremony. The summer months can be a challenge. The most popular choices are roses, calla lilies, and orchids.
Photo by Images Wedding Photography
Why should a bride hire a florist rather than buy and arrange her own flowers?
Planning a wedding can be a tremendous task. The perceived cost savings of arranging your own flowers does not factor in the time and frustration it takes to try to duplicate the designer look. It is not always less expensive or as easy as it may seem. For many brides, hiring a trusted professional for your wedding is a true savings of money and stress in the long run.
Photo by Images Wedding Photography
What qualities should a bride look for when deciding on a florist?
Experience, quality of flowers, recommendations from other brides and vendors, and value for price should all be considered. It is important to us at JH Designs that the bride feels at ease and that we understand and produce the look that they desire for their wedding. That element of trust between the bride and her florist is very important. We are extremely proud of the fact that many of our brides become dear friends throughout the wedding planning process.
JH Designs / 7181 College Parkway, Suite 28 Fort Myers, FL 33907 / (239) 277-0544 / www.jhdesigns.invitations.com / jhdesigns@embarqmail.com
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Weddings & Private Events at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates 
