Milk, Eggs, Bridal Bouquet

So, I sent out a feeler on what topic to start with for the “Bitchin” Series on my blog. The clear winner was … wedding flowers from a grocery store … WOOO! HOOO!

So here is the deal: many people are under the impression that they can save a huge amount of money by purchasing their wedding flowers from a grocery store and get the same service and quality as you can from a proven professional.  In theory, this sounds like it would make sense, and in some rare cases, it does. However, there are a few facts and personal notes I would like to put out there. After all this is my Blog and I can say whatever I want.

“PATTY”  Who is she?  PATTY went into a grocery store and filled out an application. She got hired  because she needed a job. If you meet with PATTY a year in advance of your wedding, will she be there when its time to unload your cart of bouquets at the checkout counter? Will PATTY still work there? If she does, will PATTY bag it? Is PATTY going to deliver and set it up, or just help you to your car? Will PATTY make sure every detail is perfect or will PATTY just want to get it done so she can punch out?

” PATTY’S PRICE “  PATTY is going to chop a ton of money off your flower bill! Or is she? Go to the grocery store for your wedding flowers. Do it, but go to a real florist too. Give them the same information and see where you end up. I have had several people come into my shop who compared the two quotes, and guess what? Renaissance Floral Design is doing the weddings. We provide more flowers, more service and more piece of mind than PATTY does. We will also work with any budget, as will most shops.

“APPLES AND ORANGES”  We did a price comparison last year with a secret shopper and found the following: the same style Personal Flowers from PATTY were more expensive than ours. PATTY’S Centerpieces for guest tables under $60.00 each? We provided more blooms, fresher product, less greens, better containers, not to mention better style. PATTY’S Service also took a hit. Most of PATTY’S work is dropped off by a driver not set up, not fine tuned, just dropped. So If you really want to CHOP the costs on your wedding, don’t just assume your saving money. Get comparisons.

“PATTY’S PRODUCT” I’m not even going there. I can’t. All I can say is,” For your wedding day you want FRESH, FRAGRANT, BEAUTIFUL! And most of all, you want what you ordered.”

“POOR PATTY” It seems like she would love to shut every small business down that there is.  Now, I feel bad for PATTY because PATTY wants this sooooooo bad! Problem with PATTY is, she does not deliver. Why would I say that? Not because PATTY has forced many small flower shops to close. I’m angry because PATTY shut down all the small Bakeries.  I used to love the bakeries in Albany, and Schenectady. Nobody could speak English, but the pastry, cakes, pies, and breads were little slices of super deliciousness. PATTY CAKES SUCK!!

I don’t shop at PATTY, but I did have to stop to pick up Carr’s water crackers for a friends party. I went in, looked where the Carr’s water crackers used to be, and there in their place I saw a box that looked like Carr’s, was shaped like Carr’s, and priced like Carr’s, but the funny thing is … Not Carr’s! Did not even taste like Carr’s. It was PATTY BRAND … Did not say PATTY like all the cheap stuff but PATTY BRAND.  I noticed all of my specialty items I would spend a little more on for special occasions were slowly being replaced by PATTY BRAND. That PATTY can’t be trusted!  Look around and you will see what I mean.

THE BOTTOM LINE ON PATTY …

PATTY has done some beautiful work in our area, but she has also sent out some not so beautiful work! Why is it even OK for that to happen? There are so many talented florists in our area who will bend over backwards for you. They will make sure your event is perfect regardless of your budget because it’s their job, their only job.

If you always dreamed of having mediocre flowers, a dress from TJ Marshal’s and the best five dollar foot long you can get delivered on your wedding day,  go for it. Just do yourself a favor and check out the people who take tremendous pride in what they do, too.

It’s hard to make money today, so spend it well. Compare pricing and compare your venders by how comfortable you feel with them. Think about where your money is going and who it is going to.

ONE MORE THING …  When your sitting with any of the vendors I have listed on my site, and they suggest giving PATTY a call … just do one little thing for me, reach across the table, raise your right hand like you’re going to swear to GOD,  (unless you’re left handed because you’re going to need a little power behind this) and “Slap them like they owe you money!” Feel free to send me a note so I can see if they belong in a group of proud individual business owners who care about giving you the very best.

Sorry for the type-os and bad grammar.  If it was perfect, you would know I did not write it!

DMS