Zoë Gallina, AAF, of the Tampa-based Botanica International Design & Decor Studio, was quoted in The Knot’s article saying that florists have the experience to anticipate and work around last-minute challenges.
Supply chain bottlenecks, the impact of climate change on crops and inflation are all reasons why couples should work closely with florists.
That was the among the advice offered by the popular wedding website, The Knot, in an article published this week about how climate change is impacting the wedding floral industry.
The article explores the ways in which climate change is affecting crops, as well as how the COVID-19 pandemic led to production and supply chain issues — and how hiring a florist early can help alleviate problems.
The Society of American Florists provided the writer, Sarah Hanlon, with U.S. trade data that shows flower availability is improving. Flower imports in September were up 2.27 percent compared to the same month last year, according to the data.
“Major indicators — such as the time it takes to move product through the supply chain from grower to wholesaler to retailer, the volume of product flow, and inventory levels have all been trending in a positive direction since early 2022,” SAF CEO Kate Penn says in the article. She also emphasized to the writer that florists work closely with wholesalers and growers, positioning them to source the best product at the best price to create custom looks.
Hanlon writes that the best way to handle flower sourcing and supply issues is to work with a florist. “While DIYing your wedding flowers could seem like a smart way to minimize your wedding budget, the connections and skills offered by a pro are invaluable,” she writes. “Not only are they experts at navigating the current floral sourcing challenges, they can also provide alternative solutions to achieve your design goal.”
Zoë Gallina, AAF, of the Tampa-based Botanica International Design & Decor Studio who was elected this year to SAF’s Retail Council, says in the article that florists have the experience to anticipate and work around last-minute challenges.
“We try our hardest to anticipate challenges and best prepare ourselves for anything that might happen the day of and the week leading up to the event,” Gallina says in the article. “Our teams have the experience to maneuver through many situations.”
The article also encourages couples to hire a florist early — at least a year in advance. “Doing so will allow you to begin planning early and create alternative solutions if the global flower shortage proves to be an obstacle for your specific vision,” Hanlon writes.
Read the full article here.
Amanda Jedlinsky is the managing editor of SAF NOW.
