Cheeky French Garden-Inspired Wedding Tablescape at Solage Calistoga

There’s something super special about a wedding tablescape that feels both bold and inviting — like stepping into a highly curated home full of color, texture, and unexpected details. That was exactly the vision behind this editorial shoot at Solage in Calistoga, in collaboration with a team of creative Bay Area vendors. Our goal with this design was to inspire couples and planners dreaming of a wedding that’s anything but ordinary.

We set out to create a maximalist summer tablescape that blends the romantic charm of an al fresco meal in Provence with cheeky, modern, layered design elements. The result was a bold and playful look that feels as comfortable as it does elevated — perfect for weddings in Napa Valley, Calistoga, or anywhere in the Bay Area where design matters.

The Inspiration

“The world needs more colour right now, doesn’t it?” — The Liberty Book

This sentiment guided the entire creative direction. Everybody loves the relaxed vibe of a garden dinner in Provence, but what if we put a spin on it and pushed it toward something bolder — more modern, more vibrant, and a little cheeky.

My first non-negotiable design detail: stripes. They set the foundation for our pattern play. From there, I centered the design around the handcrafted, hand-painted vessels from Vaiselle, a contemporary homeware label infused with French heritage and Mediterranean flare.

To make the design feel like a highly curated, well-appointed home set within the garden, we envisioned layers:

• Soft, inviting seating via cushions and pillows

• Detailed bespoke linens with unexpected textures

• Functional but playful lighting via portable tabletop lamps

The result was immersive, welcoming, and full of personality.

The Floral Design

Instead of starting with the flowers, I finalized the color palette and tabletop design first, then turned to the floral design. I knew I’d be sourcing hyper-seasonal ingredients from local farms at the peak of Spring, so I trusted that the right blooms would be available to bring it all to life.

Once I had the vessels selected, I built out color-blocked floral moments to complement their patterns without competing with them. Because the tabletop was already maximalist, I leaned into delicate, traditional blooms to balance the look and keep it rooted in the romantic garden setting we were trying to evoke. Every floral moment was intentional, yet simple. All vessels contained one ingredient. Standout blooms included:

• The most charming dusty lavender and blue delphinium

• Fresh-cut bearded irises from my own garden

• A mixed collection of Poppies, garden roses, sweet peas, and hydrangea from local growers

Tabletop Styling

Styling the tabletop was all about mixing, matching, and harmonizing. I wanted the table to feel like a layered, curated interior filled with personal, beautiful, and unexpected choices.

Some of my favorite design highlights:

• Linens: Custom embroidered napkins (the hand-stitched tulips, gah!) in alternating tones with contrast rolled hems made from European linen by Vada Goods, alongside the bold Drayton Stripe Oxford table linen from BBJ La Tavola acted as our foundation for pattern play.

• Glassware and Dinnerware: We kept the tableware traditional but complementary to our color blocked moments, pulling from Catalog Atelier’s beautiful collection of stoneware plates, colored glassware, and horne flatware.

• Candles and holders: One of my favorite details! Bold wax taper candles in blue-on-blue stripes, with beautifully textured holders. These small details made a big impact.

• Placemats: Vada Goods’ bespoke round ruffled placemats with contrast stitching were a FUN visual moment, so we kept the plates simple to let these really shine.

• Playful Effortless Paper Goods: Studio Lameraner added the ‘perfectly imperfect’ vibe we were looking for with a layered wavy edge soft scallop menu card with white ink calligraphy — the kind of handmade, one-of-a-kind detail that wows guests.

• Seating: Cushions on every chair brought in another opportunity for texture and stripes, while maintaining that inviting vibe. The Paris chair from Theoni Collection was the perfect fit.

From Moodboard to Reality

Maximalism presents a real design challenge to balance and harmonize all of the elements in a way that feels intentional, not chaotic. This was a game of trusting my eye, making thoughtful choices, and editing as we went. Lots of trial and error!

As a wedding florist, I always create a digital rendering in Canva to map out a design. This was my north star throughout the sourcing and planning process for this project to make sure we were properly balancing patterns, textures, and tones leading up to shoot day.

Seeing this rendering come to life made the whole creative process feel that much more rewarding.

The Team Behind the Vision

This shoot came together because of a dream team of creatives who all brought their A-game. Solage was such a wonderful host with such beautiful, welcoming grounds. Adriana Klas has such a positive, collaborative approach to everything she does (along with an amazing eye for detail), and was crucial in bringing this to life from inception. Alyssa of All The Deets coordinated all of the moving parts beautifully and seamlessly, with such a warm attitude. Maddy of Vada Goods and Karina of Studio Lameraner were both DREAMS to work with — down for anything, and bringing such fun ideas to the table. ⁠

This was a true passion project — a chance to play, to experiment, and to create something we were all genuinely excited about. We all walked away feeling creatively fulfilled and proud of what we made.

Who This Design Is For

We get it! A maximalist tablescape isn’t for everyone — and that’s the point. This vision was designed with the following in mind:

• Brides and planners who want to push the envelope

• Clients who value curated, artful, memorable designs

• Clients who want to surprise and delight their guests

• Planners who aren’t afraid to have fun and go bold

If you’re looking for something that feels personal, elevated, and unforgettable, this kind of design can help your wedding stand out — for all the right reasons.

Ready to Create Something Unexpected and Unforgettable?

If you’re planning a luxury wedding or event in the San Francisco Bay Area and seeking a floral designer to bring bold, artful designs to life, let’s chat! We’d love to hear more about your goals, and collaborate together via our high-touch floral design experience to create something extraordinary together. 

Inquire here to get the conversation started! 

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR VENDOR TEAM

Florals & Design | @anastasiaandenmatten⁠

Venue |  @solageauberge⁠

Photo |  @adrianaklas⁠

Planner |  @allthedeets_⁠

Video |  @koryfilms⁠

Content Creator |  @thecandidbride_⁠

Hair & Makeup |  @bridalbyjasminek⁠

Bespoke Linens |  @vadagoods 

Rentals |  @theonicollection @catalogatelier⁠

Linens |  @bbjlatavola⁠

Stationery |  @studio_lameraner⁠

Dress |  @eleanorsbridal⁠

Ask a Wedding Florist: Frequently Asked Questions Vol. 2

Welcome back to my Ask a Wedding Florist series, where I answer the most common questions about what it’s really like to be a floral designer for weddings and events in the San Francisco Bay Area.

We know that life’s biggest celebrations aren’t about playing it safe. So for couples who want to surprise and delight their guests, we offer a full-service floral experience that goes beyond expectations.

In collaboration with your planner and vendor team, we craft a one-of-a-kind floral vision that feels intentional, personal, and beyond imagination. From artful bouquets and personal florals to detailed tablescapes and dramatic large-scale installations, we thoughtfully design every detail. Our goal is that our clients’ wedding florals are more than just beautiful; they’re unforgettable.

Here’s a bit of a behind the scenes peek at what goes into our design process.

THE DESIGN PROCESS

1 - Do you work with event planners and designers?

Yes! Every wedding, event, and corporate client I work with has a planner or designer who leads the overall design aesthetic, then brings in vendors who align with that vision. We’ll collaborate closely to create a floral design that feels cohesive and intentional. Here are some of my favorite planners in the San Francisco Bay Area/Northern California to partner with time and time again:

• Harlene Events

• Meag Breanne Events

• Jacinda Weddings & Events

• Small Blue Planet

• Stafford Creative & Co

• Lorelle Events

• Olivia Grace Events

• Riley Loves Lulu

2 - What does the design process look like from inquiry to event day?

The process kicks off with a consultation meeting where I’ll ask questions like:

• What mood would you like the flowers to evoke?

• Is there anything specific you want to avoid?

• What’s your personal style?

• What inspires you/your event?

• What will you be wearing?

• What are your biggest fears when it comes to your floral designs?

• What sort of experience do you want for your guests?

Most clients have a Pinterest board or design deck as a starting point. I don’t like to copy and paste so I’ll evolve that vision, apply color theory, gather inspiration, and let ideas marinate before presenting a custom floral design concept. From there, we refine it together — ingredient selection, vessels, candles, rentals — until it’s time to bring it all to life.

3 - Do you sketch or mock up designs before creating them?

Often! A lot of my ideas don’t exist on Pinterest, so a sketch or rendering is a really helpful tool for communicating my vision to my clients and my team.

For some events we’ll do what is called a ‘mockup’ (a curated preview of the event’s florals, usually a tablescape) to refine details like palette, textures, size, and overall vibe. It’s a great way to ensure everyone is aligned before event day.

Here’s a digital rendering I created for a wedding tablescape with Meag Breanne Events.

And here’s how it turned out IRL:

Photography: Chelsea Gee Photography | Planning: Meag Breanne Events

4 - How do you choose which flowers to use in a design?

The season and palette always determine my starting point. I’ll use a mix of tools (like this book and the color wheel), chat with my suppliers, and browse the market in person to get inspired. I’ll go back to the client’s goals and objectives and focus on choosing blooms that match that. I am specifically looking for:

• The star of the show — one super special bloom to set the tone for the palette

• Two-toned blooms — a flower with two colors from the palette for harmonious color blending

• An added ‘pop’ — usually a complementary color or unexpected texture for contrast

• Non-floral elements — think plants, fruits/vegetables, rocks, moss, and textiles, for an artful look

That’s all for today! Up Next: The Logistics Behind Wedding & Event Florals — including a look at what it’s like transporting thousands of dollars of fresh florals on a hot summer day, what happens to flowers after an event, and more. Got a burning question? Send me a DM or share it in the comments here, and I’ll be sure to answer in a future post!

Let’s Bring Your Floral Vision to Life!

With us, every design is an original work of art. And every event gets our undivided attention. Whether it’s a showstopping ceremony installation or a nuanced tablescape moment, we design experiences that will have your guests talking long after the event ends and have you focusing on the moments, not the details.

Inquire here to schedule a consultation, and we can start a journey together that will elevate your vision beyond the imaginable.

Ask a Wedding Florist: Frequently Asked Questions Vol. 1

If you’ve ever wondered what a wedding florist REALLY does (besides playing with beautiful flowers all day — because spoiler, there’s more), this series is for you!

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be answering the most common (and surprising) questions I get about my work as a floral designer for weddings and events in the San Francisco Bay Area. From pricing to logistics to design process, I’m pulling back the curtain on the sometimes-illusive career of floral design.

I’m kicking things off with the basics. If you have any burning questions, drop them in the comments and I will answer them in an upcoming post!

1. What does a wedding florist actually do?

A wedding florist conceptualizes, sources, designs, delivers, and installs all floral elements for weddings. This includes everything from bouquets and centerpieces to larger-scale installations like a ceremony arch. While a lot of the hands-on work happens the week of the wedding, 6-12 months of pre-planning involves proposals, design decks, supplier orders, budgeting, logistics and timelines, sourcing other rental items like vases and candles, and staffing.

2. How much do wedding flowers cost?

It varies! A common guideline is to allocate 10-15% of the total wedding budget to florals. My clients typically spend between $20-45K on florals. And if you’re curious what goes into the expense of wedding flowers, check out this blogpost I wrote here.

3. Where do you get your flowers?

I source my flowers from the San Francisco Flower Market (one of the largest wholesale flower markets in the US!), as well as a few local Bay Area flower farms. I prioritize small growers and collectives when possible to source the freshest, most unique seasonal blooms while supporting sustainable floristry.

4. What’s the hardest part about wedding floristry?

I’d say the physical demands (early morning market runs, long hours on your feet, lifting heavy buckets, climbing ladders for installations) paired with the unpredictability of the business (perishable product, time constraints, sourcing surprises, tricky weather). Lots of coffee, flexibility, and problem solving!

5. What’s the best part of wedding floristry?

Of course, being surrounded by beautiful flowers is a dream—but what truly makes it rewarding for me is the ability to take a vision, refine and elevate it, and use color theory and design to transform a space in ways my clients never imagined. I also thrive on the teamwork and collaboration with planners and other vendors, the energy of a fast-paced event day, and delivering a seamless, thoughtful client experience. That’s at the heart of my business and where I shine the most!

6. What are your favorite flowers to work with?

I cannot possibly pick one but here are some favorites by season. All photos via GC Collective.

WINTER & SPRING

Icelandic Poppy

Sweet Pea

Bearded Iris

Tulip

SUMMER

Martagon Lily

Allium

Cosmos

Tomato Vine

FALL

Nut Grass (Sedge)

Dahlia

Gomphrena

Zinnia

If you have any specific questions, drop them here as a comment :) I will answer in an upcoming post!

Let’s Bring Your Floral Vision to Life!

Wedding flowers aren’t just a line item; they’re a work of art that powerfully sets the tone – transforming your venue and creating lasting impressions for your guests. 

Inquire here to schedule a consultation, and we can start a journey together that will elevate your vision beyond the imaginable.

Wedding Floral Pricing Explained – And How to Make the Most of Your Floral Budget

Photography: Kristine Herman | Planning: Harlene Events

Planning a wedding or event in the San Francisco Bay Area means endless possibilities — stunning venues, diverse styles, and an amazing group of talented vendors to bring your vision to life. Flowers in particular are a big part of setting the tone for your day. But REAL floral artistry? It holds a special power – to tell a story of your personal style, to transform your venue space, and to create unforgettable memories for you and your guests that will last a lifetime in your memories and photos.

When it comes to wedding flowers, many couples experience sticker shock or simply don’t realize what goes into the cost. So let’s break down what’s behind the pricing and—most importantly—how to make the most of your floral budget.

What Goes Into the Cost of Wedding Flowers?

1. The Cost of Flowers Themselves

Fresh, premium flowers are a luxury item — and like any luxury, they come with a cost. Here’s why:

• Sourcing: locally grown, sustainable blooms often have higher labor costs, while rare, out-of-season imported flowers come with high shipping fees

• A long journey to wedding day: Flowers pass through many hands before they even reach your florist (growers, wholesalers, shippers, and market distributors)

• Rising costs & tariffs: Global supply chain issues and tariffs on imported flowers continue to drive up pricing

2. Time, Labor & Custom Craftsmanship

Unlike a grocery store bouquet, wedding florals are fully custom and require high-touch artistry. Your floral designer and team aren’t just picking out flowers, they’re:

• Crafting a unique design that aligns with your wedding style, color palette, and venue

• Collaborating with your planner and vendor team to ensure a cohesive look and feel

• Handling planning & logistics (floral recipes, ordering, site visits, mockups, and sourcing)

• Staffing dozens of team members to prep, design, arrange, pack, setup, and breakdown just one single wedding (even more for larger installations)

3. Logistics & Transportation

Getting flowers from point A to point B (in perfect condition) is not as simple as tossing them in the back of a car. Your florist is factoring in:

• Refrigerated vans & trucks to keep flowers fresh

• Careful packaging & transport systems to prevent damage

• Drive time, gas, and mileage

4. Waste & Overages

Florists intentionally buy extra flowers to ensure the best quality and account for natural loss – bruised petals, wilty or broken stems. Nobody wants wilty flowers on their wedding day! 

5. Beyond Just Flowers: The Extras that Make a Difference 

Florists often provide much more than just flowers, like:

• Unique vessels and vases that elevate the vision 

• Candles and candle accessories to complete the tablescape

• Heavy duty rental structures for arches and installations

Photography: Catherine Marie Taylor | Planning: Lorelle Events

How to Make the Most of Your Floral Budget

• Work with a planner: A good planner will help you prioritize your floral budget strategically and work collaboratively with your florist 

• Be flexible: Trust your florist! Flexibility on flower types, colors, and rentals allow them to create something really special while staying within budget.

• Repurpose Arrangements: Ask your florist about repurposing florals from the ceremony to the reception (when done thoughtfully, this is a great cost-saver).

• Focus on impact areas: Instead of spreading your budget too thin, invest in high-impact designs (like the ceremony backdrop or an epic reception installation) where flowers will have the most wow factor.

Photography: Stephanie Lynn | Planning: Olivia Grace Events

Let’s Bring Your Floral Vision to Life!

Wedding flowers aren’t just a line item; they’re a work of art that powerfully sets the tone – transforming your venue and creating lasting impressions for your guests. 

Inquire here to schedule a consultation, and we can start a journey together that will elevate your vision beyond the imaginable.

A Moody & Elegant November Wedding at Flood Mansion in San Francisco

This moody November wedding at James Leary Flood Mansion was all about creating a vibey, conversation-starting dinner party with florals at the heart of the design.

Bride Hannah of Hannah Aubrey Hair had a strong vision: no two arrangements or tablescapes should feel the same. She wanted bold florals, unexpected details, and an atmosphere that immersed guests in beauty and intrigue. Working alongside Meag Breanne Events, we eagerly embraced the challenge!

Luxury Tablescapes with Monochromatic Florals & Textural Details

For the reception, we curated distinct tablescapes so that each felt like a one-of-a-kind moment, designed to keep guests engaged, spark conversations, and of course provide an Instagrammable moment :)

Tablescapes were designed with an array of both traditional and modern flower varieties, including red roses, carnations, orchids, peonies, hydrangea, hypericum berry, calla lilies, and butterfly ranunculus. 

Some key elements of the tables included:

• Mismatched vessels sourced and thrifted from all over the Bay Area

• Monochromatic floral arrangements as statement pieces

• Miniature mono-bloom arrangements in tiny and delicate vessels 

• Overflowing fruitscapes for rich color and texture

• Scattered rose petals for added romance

• Silk and velvet ribbons for texture

• Plentiful candlelight for a romantic glow

A Romantic Ceremony with Statement Floral Urns

We wanted to embrace Flood Mansion’s timeless elegance and complement the venue’s architecture. We filled the venue’s gorgeous urns with lush overflowing greenery and deep red blooms including red roses and peonies. The ceremony setting felt dramatic and high-impact, a striking combination of traditional yet modern.

The Process Behind This Bespoke Floral Design

From hand-selecting every vessel across local Bay Area shops over the course of months, to spending a full day curating the perfect fruits, every detail was intentionally designed. We even applied individual bows and pearls into designs for an added layer of depth — loved that detail so much! Giving my talented design team carte blanche to push the envelope made this project that much more rewarding.

Florals that Create Unforgettable Moments

What made this wedding truly special was how each table felt like its own world, full of unexpected elements that delighted guests at every turn. It was more than just floral design—it was about creating an experience that felt intimate, elevated, and unforgettable.

If you’re planning a luxury wedding or event in the San Francisco Bay Area and seeking a floral designer to bring bold, artful designs to life, let’s chat! We’d love to hear more about your goals, and collaborate together via our high-touch floral design experience to create something extraordinary together. 

Inquire here to get the conversation started! 

VENDOR TEAM

Planning & Design: Meag Breanne Events

Photographer: Chelsea Gee Photography

Floral Design: Anastasia Andenmatten

Catering: Foxtail Catering

Makeup Artist: Olivia Garvin Makeup

Hair Stylist: Meg Michel Hair

Music: Dart Collective

Content Creator: Cupid Content Co.

Cake: Cake Coquette

Rentals Theoni Collection & Abbey Party Rents

Linens: BBJ La Tavola

Venue: Flood Mansion

An On-Stage Wedding at San Francisco's Great American Music Hall

THE COUPLE

Eliza and Ryland met while performing together. With a shared love for music and the arts, does it get any more fitting and perfect than San Francisco’s historic Great American Music Hall as the venue to celebrate their love!? 

THE FLOWERS

From day one of planning, Eliza and Ryland set out to create a memorable experience for their guests. And they wanted their floral design to play a leading role. 

They planned to exchange their vows on-stage under #allofthelights. And that was the only cue needed: the stage was the perfect spot to focus their investment on a focal floral installation designed around their chuppah. Grapevine and smilax vine grew organically up and around the structure, while clusters of vibrant fall flowers including dahlias popped in the limelight.

Eliza’s art deco-inspired bridal look was complimented by a bouquet of rich, moody, jewel-toned autumn blooms and foliage. Ryland looked extra dapper in his navy suit, with a boutonniere featuring a calla lily -- Eliza’s favorite flower. 

GRATITUDE

Eliza and Ryland, you are so clearly and dearly loved by so many. Thank you for having me play a part in your day, and for placing your full trust in me — all the way from Brooklyn, NY no less!

Floral Design: Anastasia Andenmatten |  Photography: Michaela Joy Photography Venue: Great American Music Hall | Wedding Dress: BHLDN  | Hair/Makeup: FaceWest Studio | DJ: Dart Collective

7 Ways We'll Work Together | Weddings

Photography by Hillary Jeanne

When I was planning my own wedding, I had a lot of questions floating around in my head about the process of working with a floral designer. What if I change my color palette? (I did.) What if I up my total bridesmaids count from 2 to 20?! (I most definitely did not.) How will we communicate? When will I hear from you next? Will we do a venue visit together to help me visualize everything? I have so. many. freaking. questions. Help.

Below I outline the ways in which I typically work with my wedding clients. This is a literal copy and paste from the introductory welcome packet I share with my couples. BUT it’s designed to be a general framework to help you understand what the planning process will look like. I hope you find it helpful! 

1 - CONGRATS 

First thing’s first…CONGRATS! Your wedding will be beautiful and original, I can feel it. I’d love to guide you there in a fun, organized, and approachable way. Feel at ease sharing and discussing your ideas with me from day one. I am with you every step of the way.

2 - LET'S CHAT  

A brief online questionnaire allows me to understand the basics of your special day. From there, we'll schedule a 30-45 minute phone consultation to discuss your vision, your expectations, and my services. Most importantly, we'll get to know each other and determine if we’ll be a great fit. Generally, it’s good to start these conversations between 9-12 months out from your wedding day.

3 - IT'S OFFICIAL 

Following our initial consultation, I will send you a proposal outlining my suggestions for your day. This proposal is designed to be a transparent and starting price quote. Throughout our planning process, you’ll have the opportunity to make revisions as plans evolve. An abbreviated vision board will be included, which will be further expanded midway thru planning. With a signed service agreement and deposit, you are officially on my calendar. Take a break! Another big decision checked off.

4 - KEEP IN TOUCH 

Let your ideas and visions evolve. All of our shared details and communications will live in Honeybook for you to reference throughout the planning process. I'm available via email and scheduled phone calls and dedicate my weekends to making dream events a reality for my clients.

5 - DESIGN CONSULTATION 

2-3 months out, we will meet to fine-tune the details of your designs. This includes color palette, flower ingredients, vases, ribbons, and more. Plans evolve and change, so I'll take this time to revise your proposal until it’s perfect. Now it's time for you to enjoy your final countdown while I give your designs full focus.

6 - LOGISTICS CHECK-IN

30 days out, I’ll gather logistics from you or your planner, such as timeline, locations, vendors, and the oh-so-important Instagram handles :) These details help me ensure your big day is the best ever. This is also an opportunity for final tweaks to your flower order. One more month!

7 - THE BIG DAY 

I book a limited number of weddings per season to allow me to truly focus on your day. My team manages the installation and cleanup of all floral arrangements in coordination with other vendors so that you can focus on your celebration. Thanks to all the advance planning, it will be the best day ever.

LET’S CHAT!

I am currently filling remaining slots for 2020, and booking into 2021. Click here to schedule a consultation. E: hello@anastasiaandenmatten.com | IG: @anastasia_andenmatten

Anastasia Andenmatten is a private design studio based in San Francisco, CA with a modern approach to customizing florals for weddings, businesses, and events. Featured in Style Me Pretty & Green Wedding Shoes. Named a 2020 WeddingWire Couples' Choice® in the San Francisco Bay Area.

9 Tips For Finding Your Wedding Florist

Photo by Nathalie Cheng

Planning a wedding is often times one big learning process, and finding your florist can seem so daunting. Having just planned my own wedding a year ago, I recall the overwhelming sense of indecision and what seemed like never-ending vendor searches. I’ve enjoyed coaching my couples through their wedding flower planning, so I figured I’d share some tips on information to think through as you navigate your own search for your wedding florist. 

1 - RUN THE NUMBERS

This part is no fun, but it’s important and worth getting it over with so you can move onto the exciting stuff. On average, florals account for 10% of the overall wedding budget. Big cost factors can include number of guests, location, date, size of bridal party, and quantity and types of arrangements. I give my prospective couples a checkbox-style list of arrangements to select from as a starting point. Determine at a high-level the types of arrangements you’ll be needing for your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception and rank them in order of importance. Be realistic and know what you’re comfortable spending. 

2 - KNOW YOUR PRIORITIES AND LEAN IN 

Envision your day and the parts of it that are most important and exciting to you. While it would be nice to have ALL THE THINGS, know where you’d like to save v. splurge. My #1 recommendation is always to go for impact, whether that be a killer ceremony setup or a suspended installation over the dance floor or a photo opp moment at cocktail hour. These are the things people notice, and is a great way to focus a budget. I love working creatively with my couples to make the most of their budget, and this is where you can have some fun with your floral designer.  Tip: Don’t be afraid to go with your gut and be vocal about your priorities. This is your day and it should be unique to you.  

3 - DETERMINE YOUR LIKES & DISLIKES 

This seems counterintuitive, but when you’re unsure of where to begin, knowing what you DON’T like can be a great starting point. Think about colors, textures, shapes, styles, vibes. For example, someone who isn’t into rustic bohemian may be more drawn to modern minimalism. Maybe you can’t stand the scent of lillies, but jasmine takes you right back to that vacation where you got engaged. Ruling things out will bring you closer to figuring out what it is you DO like. 

4 - GO BEYOND PINTEREST

It’s really easy to go down a Pinterest rabbit hole, influenced by trends and what everyone else’s wedding looks like. But there’s no reason to limit it to what you see on Pinterest. Go beyond the typical wedding planning sites to find inspiration around you, whether that be nature, architecture, food/drink, travels, fashion, art, or music. Come up with a vision board of a limited number of images that truly speak to you. Keeping it simple will prevent you from overwhelming yourself and your floral designer!

5 - FEEL THE FEELS 

Meditate on your wedding vision for 5 minutes. What are you dreaming of? What do you want your guests to feel as they enter your ceremony? When they sit down to dinner? What do you want to see in photographs on your 5, 10, 20th wedding anniversary?⁣ Come up with a few words that best explain the feelings you want to elicit. Flowers have the power to create an experience for you and your guests. 

6 - GO BACK TO THE BASICS 

If the tips above still make the process feel overwhelming, consider the most basic details of your day that you’ve already locked in, like venue, date, and attire. These are great starting points for inspiration and your floral designer can help create a vision. For example, one of my 2019 brides had no idea what she wanted her floral design to look like, but she knew her ceremony was taking place on a dramatically lit stage at an epic, historic San Francisco music hall. Together we decided the stage would be our focal point for the entire design and focused the designs around one large installation there.

7 - CONSIDER THE SEASON

Seasonality plays a role in availability and pricing of flowers and is worth keeping in mind. For instance, peonies can be quite pricey and hard to find outside of spring while dahlias grow in abundance locally throughout the fall. This isn’t something you need to study up on; the right floral designer will guide you through this. When sticking to seasonal flowers, you are often more likely to save money and also have the freshest stems for your day. That being said, your floral designer should be open to accommodating any specific requests if and when possible. 

8 - DO YOUR HOMEWORK

During initial consultation calls, I urge all of my couples to evaluate other designers. There is no shortage of talent in the San Francisco Bay Area and each designer has a unique set of offerings. Ask for referrals from your venue, planner, and friends. Look at designers’ work and read their reviews. Know what’s important to you in the evaluation process, whether it be aesthetic, testimonials, or communication style. Create a short list of your favorites and aim to schedule consultations about 9-11 months out from your wedding day. By choosing a designer that you feel most aligned with, the process of working together and the end result will be that much more rewarding. Tip: Be gracious, communicative, and kind as you shop around. If you decide to go in another direction, be sure to notify your prospects of your decision.

9 - TRUST THE PROCESS

Choosing a designer that works for YOU is the most important decision. The small details will be sorted out much later in the process, so for now, you can sit back and enjoy having checked off another decision. By creating a team of vendors that you feel truly aligned with and giving them your full trust, you can rest assured your dream wedding will come to life. 

I’m curious, what other questions that have come up for you throughout your wedding flower planning?  Ask me in the comment section below! My hope is that these tips will help guide your conversations easily throughout the planning process. Interested in learning more? Read what my customers are saying here and 7 ways we can work together here. 

LET’S CHAT!

I am currently filling remaining slots for 2020, and booking into 2021. Schedule a complimentary consultation here. I’d love to hear your story.

Anastasia Andenmatten is a private design studio based in San Francisco, CA with a modern approach to customizing florals for weddings, businesses, and events. Featured in Style Me Pretty & Green Wedding Shoes. Named a 2020 WeddingWire Couples' Choice® in the San Francisco Bay Area.

5 Steps I Took to Start My Own Business

Photography by Hillary Jeanne

In celebration of National Entrepreneurship month, I’m sharing a bit more about my small business journey. My hope is that by being transparent about my story, I can help inspire someone else to take a small step in the direction of their dreams. 

At times, starting my own floral design business in San Francisco has felt like one giant leap. But really, it’s been a bunch of baby steps. Once I established the core of my business (my ‘why’, my service, my market, and my target client) I made a plan-of-attack to make it happen. Hint: it wasn’t a business plan. Curious about the baby steps I mentioned above? Read on!

Disclaimer: I’m still in my first year of business, so by no means consider myself an expert. I am figuring things out as I go, constantly reevaluating and making small tweaks. This is what worked for me personally, but my journey likely looks very different than others’. 

1. I BOOKED MY FIRST FEW CLIENTS 

Following my first-ever job at a local flower shop back in Pennsylvania, I spent the past few years practicing floral design on friends and family and freelancing for other professionals here in San Francisco. When opportunities to work with colleagues and friends of friends started coming up, I knew it was time to take the leap and get legit. 

When I wrapped a successful wedding for my first real-deal client, I asked them to leave me a review and refer me to their friends. And it worked! It’s crazy how one small ask can build momentum. From that point forward, I focused on building relationships. If I felt like a vendor or venue was a good fit for me and my clients, I asked for their business. It was for sure uncomfortable at times, but asking never hurt. 

2. I QUIT MY 9-5 JOB 

At that same time I was employed full-time in tech and traveling to meet with my tech clients up to 3 times a month, both in the states and abroad. I was constantly on the road. When I WAS in the office, I was preparing for my next work trip. I was of course prioritizing my 9-5 instead of my passion work. But I’d grown comfortable with the people -- my team and my clients -- and the perks (airline miles, unlimited PTO, the bonuses. And free snacks duh.) 

The kicker was this: I felt no real connection to, or passion for, my work at the time. I can so vividly remember the feeling I’d get. It always struck late at night or early morning when I couldn’t sleep. I felt this sinking feeling that I was wasting my time (actually my life; dramatic I know) doing work I didn’t truly care about. Nothing about the work brought me or those around me real joy. This was the real indicator that it was time to walk away from it, even if it meant leaving the comfort of a steady salary and extra perks.

I’m the kind of person that can’t be happy with myself if I half-a$$ something (hi, enneagram type 1). I knew that if I took a few years to side-hustle this business while trying to juggle my 9-5 job, I’d end up giving both roles 50%. And I’d feel guilty about that. SO, I took a moment to reflect on this chapter of my career, gave thanks for everything I took away from it, then put in my notice. I pivoted to the launch of my flower business, which would be my new source of income. I had to give it my all. Hello survival mode.

3. I SHOWCASED MY WORK THEN SHAMELESSLY PROMOTED IT 

Without a portfolio, I’d have nothing to show to help me book work. So I setup a basic website with Squarespace featuring a (small) gallery of professionally-photographed work. I booked a brand shoot with Hillary Jeanne Photography to create content for a soft launch. I created a business account on Instagram separate from my personal account and somewhat forced all my friends and family to follow me so that I could look super legit with 100 followers (lolll). A WeddingWire page gave me a place to collect client reviews of my services. 

Hillary, also a good friend, reminded me many times that done is better than perfect. By just getting my work out there and not letting perfectionism hold me back, I was able to move to the next step. 

4. I DID SOME ACCOUNTING AND LEGAL STUFF 

My goal was to run a legitimate and profitable business, so I had to take care of the not-so-fun stuff first. Financially speaking, I gave myself a runway, setting aside my budgeted household and personal expenses for the year. This allowed me to stay focused on growing my business instead of affording next month’s grocery bills. Here’s what else I did (this list is in no particular order):

• Consulted with a local tax professional 

• Opened business banking accounts and kept everything personal separate

• Logged every income and expense

• Registered my business with the city of San Francisco 

• Acquired necessary permits and licenses and paid the associated fees

• Setup a business email account 

• Invested in a client management software to manage bookings and communication

• Covered myself with liability insurance

• Created a legally binding contract to act as a service agreement between me and my clients

• Made sure to charge sales tax

This all sounds super fun right? No, but combined, these little housekeeping items made me feel ready to officially launch. Note: every city and state has a different set of requirements for businesses. Talk to local professionals and study up on what applies to you!

5. I MADE CONNECTIONS AND ASKED FOR HELP 

I couldn’t have done any of this without good ole fashioned real life connections. As I was starting out, I reached out to other local business owners and floral designers and met them over coffee. I joined the local SF Rising Tide Society chapter which meets monthly. With no shortage of talent in the Bay Area, I was amazed how everyone embraced the concept of “community over competition.” Over time, these connections have become my mentors and part of my community. Note: this isn’t to discredit online (Instagram) connections, which have truly been a game changer for me and allowed me to tap into a vast community of vendors.

I also ate some humble pie and asked for help. A friend created a logo for me. Another friend helped me with deliveries. My sister reviewed my website. My husband proofread proposals. My girlfriends emailed all their girlfriends to let them know about my launch. Setting aside pride and fear allowed me to be vulnerable and get the help I needed to grow my business. 

IN SUMMARY

I wish there was one single cheat-sheet fast track plan to starting a business. But the reality is, it’s so personal and unique and needs to come from some passion within. While these steps helped me get organized and ready to launch, it’s the relationships I’ve built with my clients and the pure joy I find in THEIR pure joy, that has moved the needle for my business. Everything above is just the inevitable but necessary housekeeping.

I hope you found this helpful! Are you interested in learning more about how to get started in floral design specifically? Reach out to me with your questions at hello@anastasiaandenmatten.com. I’ll share more in a following blogpost!

Follow me on Instagram, where I love to show behind-the-scenes of my day to day as a small business owner.