Come to Tiger Lily prepared. Bring in pages from a wedding magazine or a tablet with your Pinterest board ready and waiting and Manny and Clara Gonzales will go from there to help you design your floral arrangements and bouquets.
As Manny explains, picking out flowers shouldn’t be complicated. He thinks couples shouldn’t worry too much about what’s in season or how much something may cost. “Our job as professionals is getting [what you want] to meet up with your budget and the season,” he says. “That’s the holy trinity right there. Your look. Your budget. And the season. That’s where we really like to shine.”
They’ll also need to know the date and location of the wedding and how many people may be in the wedding party. The style of a dress can dictate a lot about the bouquet too, and Tiger Lily will create arrangements that reflect the personalities of each bride. Grooms have it easier; they just need some boutonnieres.
Gonzales has worked with a few same-sex weddings in the past, including one couple who traveled to Hawaii for their ceremony. “We actually got the look together, bought all the flowers, and shipped them directly to the hotel they had in Maui,” he says. “They had some talented folks who were part of the bridal party, and they made a little activity out of it. I’m sure they had a little bit of wine and they all got together and actually made their own bouquets and centerpieces.”
Most importantly, the couple needs to remember that this big day is about them. “Don’t be swayed by friends or family or magazines or movies or anything,” Gonzales says. “It’s your wedding. Hopefully it’s your only one. Let it be an expression of your personality.”
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