As prices climb and some budgets shrink, flowers are often one of the first things to be scaled back, or cut completely. Here are designers who planners say get more bloom for the buck.
Tara de Nicolas, director of marketing and communications for the Washington Humane Society, recommends Volanni. “No matter your budget, if you are able to convey the scope, mood, and character of your event to owner Michael Lanni, he will create floral masterpieces that set your event apart from others,” says de Nicolas. For a less expensive alternative at this year’s Fashion for Paws event, Volanni created tall screens of then-seasonal cherry blossoms that cost $500 each. “We had a very limited budget, so instead of us spending money on lots and lots of small arrangements, we realized it was more effective for us to spend less money and only do four large screens of flowers, which in the end was most memorable and beautiful.”
Jennifer Haber, Washingtonian’s director of marketing and special events, prefers Carmela Coniate at Arrangements Company. Haber worked with Coniate on the magazine’s Power Party in September and Top Doctors event in April. “In both cases I really tried to do a lot with tiny budgets and she was creative about vessels to make flowers more lush than they were,” says Haber. “For both events she did very organic arrangements with a combination of architectural branches and blossoms. She really makes every flower count by using candles beautifully and working them into the food stations as well.” Coniate also offered steep discounts in exchange for discreet signage, bringing the total cost under $2,500.
“Cathy Sachs at Bell Flowers is able to translate elaborate and unique designs into affordable arrangements,” says Tiffany Graham-Golden, marketing, membership, and events manager for AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center in Silver Spring. Graham-Golden worked with the florist on events such as the European Union Film Showcase opening night reception this past November. For the event, Sachs used monstera leaves, red anthurium, and bronze and white calla lilies for three-foot-tall, fall-themed arrangements, which range from $150 to $200. Graham-Golden says, “She’s great at taking a concept or theme of your event, and providing options that will work with whatever budget you’re confined to.”
