Vendor Spotlight-Branching Out

As all brides know, flowers are a key element to setting the atmosphere and tone of your wedding. If you're looking for a florist who has the experience and is up front about what she thinks, then Vickie of Branching Out is just the person you need to see. Here is what Vickie had to say about her business:

How did you get into floral design?

My mother was an award winning floral designer and caterer for 36 years here in Nashville. I grew up helping with weddings, but chose to become a classroom teacher. A friend asked me to design her child’s wedding flowers, as she knew my mother had been a designer. I designed that wedding, then came the referrals. I left the classroom and was “Branching Out” to pursue a floral business. That was 12 years ago..almost 13 years now.

What is your process of working with a bride?

My brides meet here in my design workshop, where we start her process of defining her style and preferences. Since I have such a large inventory of all types of containers and décor, the bride may see and touch the elements we will be working with. Then I begin the pricing of her vision, along with some suggestions..and send this via email. I give a detailed description of each bouquet, centerpiece,etc. I never want to see another proposal from another florist that a bride has received, although many have come to me with a proposal in hand, as I feel that is very unprofessional.

What is your favorite flower?

I would say hydrangea is my favorite, although I love so many types.

What makes you different from other florist?

I’m not sure how I am different, as I really have no idea how other florists work with their brides. I do know that when a bride hires Branching Out, she is hiring a staff that has 90+ years of combined experience. My designers and I make a great creative team. We have the inventory to handle large events without having to purchaes or rent containers and props..and pass that savings to the brides. We also have the staff and vehicles to handle more than one wedding in a day, and do them well. I always “underpromise”, but always “overproduce”!