Our favorite florists in Milwaukee & South-East Wisconsin

While we’re all still in this together hunkered down at home. We’re going to keep bringing the vendors to you!

Want to get to know some of your favorite florists in the Milwaukee and South-East Wisconsin area?

READ ON!

Bank of Flowers

Meet Melissa!!

What made you want to start your own flower shop?
I have grown up with a love for flowers my whole life and working in flower shops every chance I got. When I heard that my hometown flower shop was going for sale, I put every single penny into it. I was 24 at the time. A year and a half later I started a second location. I just celebrated 16 years of owning the first shop in March.

What do you love about creating floral arrangements?
Each floral stem is so unique and different, no one flower is ever a like. The flowers have their own personalities; some are straight, the blossom might be closed or open, colors can vary, even their lengths are so different…they “tell” me where they need to go in arrangement in order where they will shine the most!

What specific element for the wedding is your favorite to create?
Hands down the bridal bouquet! It is the theme that sets the tone for the whole wedding.

What is a tip you have for couples who are starting the process of planning the flowers for their wedding?
Budget at least 10-15% of your wedding budget on flowers.

What are some new trends for 2020 or ones you see coming for 2021?
Textural greens like the eucalyptus and pops of soft whites, creams and ivory. For 2021 we are seeing a more larger, organic bouquet for the bride.

Other than the typical bouquets, boutonnieres, table arrangements, etc. What are some other parts of the wedding you can add flowers to that you might not think of right away?
So many floral touches can bring the wedding together. Picking something to highlight at the venue like fireplace or a grand staircase can create a focal for the whole wedding plus be a perfect Insta photo opp for your guests.

And last but not least, we’ve got to know….what is your favorite flower?
Peony! I plant a new variety in my garden every year. I have also mastered the way to harvest them correctly so we can use them in our daily arrangements at our shops. I have over 16 varieties in my home garden and 8 more at a local farm. We will harvest about 250 stems in a three-week span.

Alfa Flower & Wedding Shop

Meet Katie!!

What made you want to start your own flower shop?
My parents bought Alfa Flowershop in 1974. I grew up the industry and decided to continue on with the family business. We are like family as most of our employees have been with us for 10 plus years….some even around the 30 year mark!

What do you love about creating floral arrangements?
I love all the different possibilities there are today with floral. There are so many different ways to push the envelope no matter what flowers or vessel you use. There’s always something new in the floral industry whether it be a style, a structure or even new varieties of flowers. It’s always changing and there’s always something new. When we are able to present that to our customers and make their day it also makes ours.

What specific element for the wedding is your favorite to create?
Probably bridal bouquets. During our consultation, we start with the bridal bouquet and work our way out from there. Believe it or not, a bridal bouquet can really showcase a bride’s personality and is the most personal floral arrangement of the day. Not only is it going to be in most of the photos, it’s also going to be with the bride for the majority of the day.

What is a tip you have for couples who are starting the process of planning the flowers for their wedding?
Coming up with a budget right away is always going to be helpful for both you and your florist. By having a rough idea of what your budget is for flowers, we can help make the right suggestions that will not only be beautiful, but affordable as well. Also don’t be afraid to trust us with color suggestions!! Being open to throwing a pop of color against your bridesmaids dresses can be an unexpected and pleasant surprise!

What are some new trends for 2020 or ones you see coming for 2021?
Although not very new, we are still seeing couples opt for lots and lots of greenery. We are also excited to see trendy colors being mixed like rusts and browns with mauve’s and mustard’s! We’ve also been doing more and more hoops with elaborate floral installations.

Other than the typical bouquets, boutonnieres, table arrangements, etc. What are some other parts of the wedding you can add flowers too that you might not think of right away?
Often times couples never think of are a few extra loose flowers so their photographer can use them for their detail shots. If you have your photographer take pics of things like your shoes, jewelry, rings and stationery it’s always going to look better with a few loose flowers!

And last but not least, we’ve got to know….what is your favorite flower?
Green Cymbidium Orchid!

Creative Floral Designs

Meet Jennifer!!

What made you want to start your own flower shop?
My mom and I actually acquired an existing floral/rental shop. It was nice that we didn’t have to completely start from scratch, but neither of us had any experience in this industry, so the first couple years were a steep learning curve for me. Luckily, we had a couple amazing florists on board with us right away to train us. J My degree is a BS in Business Admin and Marketing, so owning my own business was kind of a personal goal. I’ve always loved being creative and have dabbled in almost every artistic medium; clay, pencil, charcoal, oils and now flowers! It’s definitely a lot more work that I thought it’d be going into it, with some super late nights/mornings. Having the brides gushing over their bouquets & décor and sending me some amazing pictures though really is the best reward!

What do you love about creating floral arrangements?
Designing with flowers certainly is its own art form! I love taking pieces and fitting them together to create how I want my masterpiece to look. Flowers are also a very tactile medium. Each flower has its own unique feel, qualities and uses. I love the rush of enjoying a piece I put together and seeing the customer’s face and how much they love it too! <3

What specific element for the wedding is your favorite to create?
Personally, I love designing tablescapes. We have SO MANY rental items that can be used and modified for different centerpiece designs. Add vases, flowers, candles, linens, runners, gems, etc. into the mix and you can have endless combinations! I love seeing what my brides’ ideas are, what they already have to work with and what I can incorporate from my inventory to help create something unique for them. You don’t have to overload on flowers at the table to make it all tie together. Or you can, if you want! This is where a bride’s tastes and personality can really shine. J

What is a tip you have for couples who are starting the process of planning the flowers for their wedding?
Oh boy, just one? Pick your colors first! Go to the paint section of your hardware store and grab paint chips. Look at them outside in daylight and narrow down your color palate. Get extra color samples to bring to your floral consultations. All florists definitely appreciate that along with any budget numbers you may have. It really doesn’t do you any good to keep your budget a secret in hopes that one florist will be lower. Each florist is unique and will design things slightly differently depending on what you discuss at your consultation. We’ll probably all be pretty close in price and we can always tweak up or down to get closer to the total you want. Basically, pick a florist you connect with and whose design style you love. Okay, so that was two tips, close enough, lol! J

What are some new trends for 2020 or ones you see coming for 2021?
The eucalyptus/sage and muted color palates are definitely still trending. I’m seeing less of the succulent trend carry over from last year. A lot of more traditional cascade bouquets are coming our way. I love cascades! So many ways to change up the designs with them. Looking into the future, I feel a lot of my 2021 brides are getting more daring with inserting their unique styles and hobbies. I’m so excited next year to design bouquets to be attached to real swords! How cool is that?! I also talked to a bride who is doing a gothic renaissance style wedding on Halloween with a trick or treat candy station for her party favors. Seriously loving all the different ideas and ways brides are incorporating their personalities as well.

Other than the typical bouquets, boutonnieres, table arrangements, etc. What are some other parts of the wedding you can add flowers too that you might not think of right away?
The cake is a big one. I’ve done full on cake toppers, pieces in between platforms if the cake is elevated, and large floral cascades down the side. You don’t have to go that over the top though, even just a couple heads on the side can have a very romantic effect!
My personal favorite, that I wish more people did, is a memory vase or some type of memorial flowers. Just some way to remember those important people who are no longer with them. Commonly it’s a vase of flowers where each bloom represents someone; there can be pictures on the table, a candle, or the vase can be engraved. A really cool idea that I did last summer is where I actually did extra corsages/bouts and laid them next to their picture in the pew they would have occupied. Very touching and memorable for everyone there!

And last but not least, we’ve got to know….what is your favorite flower?
Haha, it’d be easier to count which ones I don’t like. J I really love the vibrant color palates and a mix of different textures. My wedding flower was the Blue Bombay Dendrobium Orchid. It’s a dyed orchid that has a vibrant teal center blending out to a deep purple outer petal. It works so well with a huge variety of color palates and is very versatile! Perfect for cascades, handhelds, and submerging under floating candles on the table! Definitely one I always jump to recommend if it works into a bride’s scheme. 😉

Belle Fiori

Meet Emily!!

What made you want to start your own flower shop?
Long story short, I found the industry as a high school art student that needed an after-school job. I loved the industry and just never left.

What do you love about creating floral arrangements?
How every one is different, the colors or the seasons, the occasions and the locations that they are delivered to. It’s always something new.

What specific element for the wedding is your favorite to create?
The Bride’s bouquet, and handing it off to her the day of her wedding. I thrive on the squeals of joy. I literally get goosebumps every time.

What is a tip you have for couples who are starting the process of planning the flowers for their wedding?
Be honest and don’t be afraid to share your budget with the florist right away. We can prioritize the funds to the most important things first and work from there. But remember this is the element that will bring your personality and your theme to the space. Without decor it is just an other Saturday mass at the cathedral or an other trip to the art museum- the flowers give the space life.

What are some new trends for 2020 or ones you see coming for 2021?
see above.

Other than the typical bouquets, boutonnieres, table arrangements, etc. What are some other parts of the wedding you can add flowers too that you might not think of right away?
Start the day with fresh flowers at the salon or in the suite where the ladies are having hair and make up done. That will create a memory, every time you smell those flowers you will think of your wedding morning. Welcome signs and escort card tables are a great place to decorate, guests will all walk past these coming from the ceremony or cocktail hour and a unified flower palette will show them they are in the right place. The little details add the ooh-la-la factor, a bud vase in the ladies room or fresh flowers on the trays of passed hors d’oeuvres are always classy.

And last but not least, we’ve got to know….what is your favorite flower?
White Oriental Lilies… have you seen our logo 😉

Fantasy Flowers

Meet Nancy!!

What made you want to start your own flower shop?
I had been working as a floral designer for 45 years. My passion for flowers and my entrepreneurial focus. I love creating from nothing and with hard work and focus I created a happy place.

What do you love about creating floral arrangements?
That flowers are pretty, they are fragrant and I just love everything flowers.

What specific element for the wedding is your favorite to create?
That’s hard because I believe that weddings are cohesive, and I love all the components when they come together. But if I have to pick one element I would say it is the brides bouquet. I feel the perfect bouquet reveals the brides soul and speaks to the overall wedding style.

What is a tip you have for couples who are starting the process of planning the flowers for their wedding?
Be prepared with a budget. Have a budget range. Florist can make floral suggestion that will help you style and become budget friendly.

What are some new trends for 2020 or ones you see coming for 2021?
A more refined vintage. Smaller more elegant weddings are trending.

Other than the typical bouquets, boutonnieres, table arrangements, etc. What are some other parts of the wedding you can add flowers too that you might not think of right away?
At my wedding I decorated and added flowers to the bathroom. I also provided small vases of flowers for each out of town guest.

And last but not least, we’ve got to know….what is your favorite flower?
Just one? Lavender roses! My wedding bouquet flower.

Ambrosia Events Floral

Meet Oscar!!

What made you want to start your own flower shop?
As a wedding planner and designer I love using flowers to transform spaces and create a mood.  I am always thrilled to see the couple’s reactions when they enter their venue. The flowers excite all of their senses with beautiful colors and aromas, enhancing the experience and taking it to a new level.

What do you love about creating floral arrangements?
I love the freedom of imagining and creating shapes, colors and textures with floral and using these elements to reflect the couple’s vision.

What specific element for the wedding is your favorite to create?
My favorite element is to create a big statement or a WOW factor.  A ceiling installation or a big piece at the entrance that is inspired by the bouquets or other event details can really showcase the couple’s style.

What is a tip you have for couples who are starting the process of planning the flowers for their wedding?

I actually have two. The first is decided first what will be your style and color then everything else develops from there and be very conscious about the budget for their florals. Florals and lighting are elements that help you to elevate your event and create a very unique experience for your guests.
Oh so many tips but here are a couple; first decide your style and colors as things will develop from here.  Be conscious about your floral budget, we can work together to customize what will best fit your vision and budget.  Using floral and lighting elements will help you to elevate the event and create a unique experience for you and your guests.

What are some new trends for 2020 or ones you see coming for 2021?
Personal and customized looks!  Weddings are incorporating the couples hobbies, styles and personality into the design.  Big clusters of texture using flowers and greens are also on trend.

Other than the typical bouquets, boutonnieres, table arrangements, etc. What are some other parts of the wedding you can add flowers too that you might not think of right away? 

Oh boy, pretty much everywhere. Anything can be personalized with flowers; it could be from the ceiling, backdrops, even flowers added to the back of the chairs.

And last but not least, we’ve got to know….what is your favorite flower?
I love white Calla Lilies, they are elegant and versatile and timeless.