Ask a Wedding Florist: Frequently Asked Questions Vol. 2
Part 2 of our Ask a Wedding Florist series dives into the most common questions about the design process of a weddings and events florist in the San Francisco Bay Area. From the initial inquiry process, to the sketches, moodboards, and renderings, to how we go about choosing flowers, and more!
Welcome back to my Ask a Wedding Florist series, where I answer the most common questions about what it’s really like to be a floral designer for weddings and events in the San Francisco Bay Area.
We know that life’s biggest celebrations aren’t about playing it safe. So for couples who want to surprise and delight their guests, we offer a full-service floral experience that goes beyond expectations.
In collaboration with your planner and vendor team, we craft a one-of-a-kind floral vision that feels intentional, personal, and beyond imagination. From artful bouquets and personal florals to detailed tablescapes and dramatic large-scale installations, we thoughtfully design every detail. Our goal is that our clients’ wedding florals are more than just beautiful; they’re unforgettable.
Here’s a bit of a behind the scenes peek at what goes into our design process.
THE DESIGN PROCESS
1 - Do you work with event planners and designers?
Yes! Every wedding, event, and corporate client I work with has a planner or designer who leads the overall design aesthetic, then brings in vendors who align with that vision. We’ll collaborate closely to create a floral design that feels cohesive and intentional. Here are some of my favorite planners in the San Francisco Bay Area/Northern California to partner with time and time again:
2 - What does the design process look like from inquiry to event day?
The process kicks off with a consultation meeting where I’ll ask questions like:
What mood would you like the flowers to evoke?
Is there anything specific you want to avoid?
What’s your personal style?
What inspires you/your event?
What will you be wearing?
What are your biggest fears when it comes to your floral designs?
What sort of experience do you want for your guests?
Most clients have a Pinterest board or design deck as a starting point. I don’t like to copy and paste so I’ll evolve that vision, apply color theory, gather inspiration, and let ideas marinate before presenting a custom floral design concept. From there, we refine it together — ingredient selection, vessels, candles, rentals — until it’s time to bring it all to life.
3 - Do you sketch or mock up designs before creating them?
Often! A lot of my ideas don’t exist on Pinterest, so a sketch or rendering is a really helpful tool for communicating my vision to my clients and my team.
For some events we’ll do what is called a ‘mockup’ (a curated preview of the event’s florals, usually a tablescape) to refine details like palette, textures, size, and overall vibe. It’s a great way to ensure everyone is aligned before event day.
Here’s a digital rendering I created for a wedding tablescape with Meag Breanne Events.
And here’s how it turned out IRL:
Photography: Chelsea Gee Photography | Planning: Meag Breanne Events
4 - How do you choose which flowers to use in a design?
The season and palette always determine my starting point. I’ll use a mix of tools (like this book and the color wheel), chat with my suppliers, and browse the market in person to get inspired. I’ll go back to the client’s goals and objectives and focus on choosing blooms that match that. I am specifically looking for:
The star of the show — one super special bloom to set the tone for the palette
Two-toned blooms — a flower with two colors from the palette for harmonious color blending
An added ‘pop’ — usually a complementary color or unexpected texture for contrast
Non-floral elements — think plants, fruits/vegetables, rocks, moss, and textiles, for an artful look
That’s all for today! Up Next: The Logistics Behind Wedding & Event Florals — including a look at what it’s like transporting thousands of dollars of fresh florals on a hot summer day, what happens to flowers after an event, and more. Got a burning question? Send me a DM or share it in the comments here, and I’ll be sure to answer in a future post!
Let’s Bring Your Floral Vision to Life!
With us, every design is an original work of art. And every event gets our undivided attention. Whether it’s a showstopping ceremony installation or a nuanced tablescape moment, we design experiences that will have your guests talking long after the event ends and have you focusing on the moments, not the details.
Inquire here to schedule a consultation, and we can start a journey together that will elevate your vision beyond the imaginable.
Ask a Wedding Florist: Frequently Asked Questions Vol. 1
I'm pulling back the curtain! If you’ve ever wondered what a wedding and event florist REALLY does besides playing with beautiful flowers, this series is for you! This post covers questions like "What does a wedding florist actually do?" to “How much do wedding flowers cost?” to “Where do you get your flowers?” and more.
If you’ve ever wondered what a wedding florist REALLY does (besides playing with beautiful flowers all day — because spoiler, there’s more), this series is for you!
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be answering the most common (and surprising) questions I get about my work as a floral designer for weddings and events in the San Francisco Bay Area. From pricing to logistics to design process, I’m pulling back the curtain on the sometimes-illusive career of floral design.
I’m kicking things off with the basics. If you have any burning questions, drop them in the comments and I will answer them in an upcoming post!
1. What does a wedding florist actually do?
A wedding florist conceptualizes, sources, designs, delivers, and installs all floral elements for weddings. This includes everything from bouquets and centerpieces to larger-scale installations like a ceremony arch. While a lot of the hands-on work happens the week of the wedding, 6-12 months of pre-planning involves proposals, design decks, supplier orders, budgeting, logistics and timelines, sourcing other rental items like vases and candles, and staffing.
2. How much do wedding flowers cost?
It varies! A common guideline is to allocate 10-15% of the total wedding budget to florals. My clients typically spend between $20-45K on florals. And if you’re curious what goes into the expense of wedding flowers, check out this blogpost I wrote here.
3. Where do you get your flowers?
I source my flowers from the San Francisco Flower Market (one of the largest wholesale flower markets in the US!), as well as a few local Bay Area flower farms. I prioritize small growers and collectives when possible to source the freshest, most unique seasonal blooms while supporting sustainable floristry.
4. What’s the hardest part about wedding floristry?
I’d say the physical demands (early morning market runs, long hours on your feet, lifting heavy buckets, climbing ladders for installations) paired with the unpredictability of the business (perishable product, time constraints, sourcing surprises, tricky weather). Lots of coffee, flexibility, and problem solving!
5. What’s the best part of wedding floristry?
Of course, being surrounded by beautiful flowers is a dream—but what truly makes it rewarding for me is the ability to take a vision, refine and elevate it, and use color theory and design to transform a space in ways my clients never imagined. I also thrive on the teamwork and collaboration with planners and other vendors, the energy of a fast-paced event day, and delivering a seamless, thoughtful client experience. That’s at the heart of my business and where I shine the most!
6. What are your favorite flowers to work with?
I cannot possibly pick one but here are some favorites by season. All photos via GC Collective.
WINTER & SPRING
SUMMER
FALL
If you have any specific questions, drop them here as a comment :) I will answer in an upcoming post!
Let’s Bring Your Floral Vision to Life!
Wedding flowers aren’t just a line item; they’re a work of art that powerfully sets the tone – transforming your venue and creating lasting impressions for your guests.
Inquire here to schedule a consultation, and we can start a journey together that will elevate your vision beyond the imaginable.
Wedding Floral Pricing Explained – And How to Make the Most of Your Floral Budget
What really goes into the cost of wedding flowers? For couples planning a wedding in the San Francisco Bay Area, this articles breaks down why wedding flowers are an investment, what’s behind the pricing, and most importantly, how to make the most of your floral budget.
Photography: Kristine Herman | Planning: Harlene Events
Planning a wedding or event in the San Francisco Bay Area means endless possibilities — stunning venues, diverse styles, and an amazing group of talented vendors to bring your vision to life. Flowers in particular are a big part of setting the tone for your day. But REAL floral artistry? It holds a special power – to tell a story of your personal style, to transform your venue space, and to create unforgettable memories for you and your guests that will last a lifetime in your memories and photos.
When it comes to wedding flowers, many couples experience sticker shock or simply don’t realize what goes into the cost. So let’s break down what’s behind the pricing and—most importantly—how to make the most of your floral budget.
What Goes Into the Cost of Wedding Flowers?
1. The Cost of Flowers Themselves
Fresh, premium flowers are a luxury item — and like any luxury, they come with a cost. Here’s why:
Sourcing: locally grown, sustainable blooms often have higher labor costs, while rare, out-of-season imported flowers come with high shipping fees
A long journey to wedding day: Flowers pass through many hands before they even reach your florist (growers, wholesalers, shippers, and market distributors)
Rising costs & tariffs: Global supply chain issues and tariffs on imported flowers continue to drive up pricing
2. Time, Labor & Custom Craftsmanship
Unlike a grocery store bouquet, wedding florals are fully custom and require high-touch artistry. Your floral designer and team aren’t just picking out flowers, they’re:
Crafting a unique design that aligns with your wedding style, color palette, and venue
Collaborating with your planner and vendor team to ensure a cohesive look and feel
Handling planning & logistics (floral recipes, ordering, site visits, mockups, and sourcing)
Staffing dozens of team members to prep, design, arrange, pack, setup, and breakdown just one single wedding (even more for larger installations)
3. Logistics & Transportation
Getting flowers from point A to point B (in perfect condition) is not as simple as tossing them in the back of a car. Your florist is factoring in:
Refrigerated vans & trucks to keep flowers fresh
Careful packaging & transport systems to prevent damage
Drive time, gas, and mileage
4. Waste & Overages
Florists intentionally buy extra flowers to ensure the best quality and account for natural loss – bruised petals, wilty or broken stems. Nobody wants wilty flowers on their wedding day!
5. Beyond Just Flowers: The Extras that Make a Difference
Florists often provide much more than just flowers, like:
Unique vessels and vases that elevate the vision
Candles and candle accessories to complete the tablescape
Heavy duty rental structures for arches and installations
Photography: Catherine Marie Taylor | Planning: Lorelle Events
How to Make the Most of Your Floral Budget
Work with a planner: A good planner will help you prioritize your floral budget strategically and work collaboratively with your florist
Be flexible: Trust your florist! Flexibility on flower types, colors, and rentals allow them to create something really special while staying within budget.
Repurpose Arrangements: Ask your florist about repurposing florals from the ceremony to the reception (when done thoughtfully, this is a great cost-saver).
Focus on impact areas: Instead of spreading your budget too thin, invest in high-impact designs (like the ceremony backdrop or an epic reception installation) where flowers will have the most wow factor.
Photography: Stephanie Lynn | Planning: Olivia Grace Events
Let’s Bring Your Floral Vision to Life!
Wedding flowers aren’t just a line item; they’re a work of art that powerfully sets the tone – transforming your venue and creating lasting impressions for your guests.
Inquire here to schedule a consultation, and we can start a journey together that will elevate your vision beyond the imaginable.
A Moody & Elegant November Wedding at Flood Mansion in San Francisco
This moody November wedding at James Leary Flood Mansion was all about creating a vibey, conversation-starting dinner party with florals at the heart of the design.
This moody November wedding at James Leary Flood Mansion was all about creating a vibey, conversation-starting dinner party with florals at the heart of the design.
Bride Hannah of Hannah Aubrey Hair had a strong vision: no two arrangements or tablescapes should feel the same. She wanted bold florals, unexpected details, and an atmosphere that immersed guests in beauty and intrigue. Working alongside Meag Breanne Events, we eagerly embraced the challenge!
Luxury Tablescapes with Monochromatic Florals & Textural Details
For the reception, we curated distinct tablescapes so that each felt like a one-of-a-kind moment, designed to keep guests engaged, spark conversations, and of course provide an Instagrammable moment :)
Tablescapes were designed with an array of both traditional and modern flower varieties, including red roses, carnations, orchids, peonies, hydrangea, hypericum berry, calla lilies, and butterfly ranunculus.
Some key elements of the tables included:
Mismatched vessels sourced and thrifted from all over the Bay Area
Monochromatic floral arrangements as statement pieces
Miniature mono-bloom arrangements in tiny and delicate vessels
Overflowing fruitscapes for rich color and texture
Scattered rose petals for added romance
Silk and velvet ribbons for texture
Plentiful candlelight for a romantic glow
A Romantic Ceremony with Statement Floral Urns
We wanted to embrace Flood Mansion’s timeless elegance and complement the venue’s architecture. We filled the venue’s gorgeous urns with lush overflowing greenery and deep red blooms including red roses and peonies. The ceremony setting felt dramatic and high-impact, a striking combination of traditional yet modern.
The Process Behind This Bespoke Floral Design
From hand-selecting every vessel across local Bay Area shops over the course of months, to spending a full day curating the perfect fruits, every detail was intentionally designed. We even applied individual bows and pearls into designs for an added layer of depth — loved that detail so much! Giving my talented design team carte blanche to push the envelope made this project that much more rewarding.
Florals that Create Unforgettable Moments
What made this wedding truly special was how each table felt like its own world, full of unexpected elements that delighted guests at every turn. It was more than just floral design—it was about creating an experience that felt intimate, elevated, and unforgettable.
If you’re planning a luxury wedding or event in the San Francisco Bay Area and seeking a floral designer to bring bold, artful designs to life, let’s chat! We’d love to hear more about your goals, and collaborate together via our high-touch floral design experience to create something extraordinary together.
Inquire here to get the conversation started!
VENDOR TEAM
Planning & Design: Meag Breanne Events
Photographer: Chelsea Gee Photography
Floral Design: Anastasia Andenmatten
Catering: Foxtail Catering
Makeup Artist: Olivia Garvin Makeup
Hair Stylist: Meg Michel Hair
Music: Dart Collective
Content Creator: Cupid Content Co.
Cake: Cake Coquette
Rentals Theoni Collection & Abbey Party Rents
Linens: BBJ La Tavola
Venue: Flood Mansion
My Journey into the World of Flowers + How I'm Evolving my Craft
The details of where exactly my journey into the world of flowers began, and how I've committed to evolving my craft over the last 19 (!!!) years.
I hardly ever share the full details of where exactly my journey into the world of flowers began, and how I've approached honing my craft over the last 19 (!!!) years. But today I’m sharing it all!
Below are the three main avenues of flowers I've explored along the way, including how I commit myself to continually evolving my craft.
1 - The Flower Shop
My first-ever job was as a salesperson at my local flower shop back in Pennsylvania. I worked there through high school and college, taking phone orders, memorizing flower names, sweeping floors, and breaking down flower boxes. Eventually I graduated to designing handheld bouquets, refining their website, and taking simple wedding orders. The hands-on experience was invaluable. It gave me an ego-free launch into the elusive and seemingly glamorous world of flowers. Don’t be fooled! I relate running a flower shop to running a restaurant — It’s exhausting. It’s dirty work. There are kind customers, then not-so-kind customers. But at the end of each day, the profuse scent of fresh flowers would follow me to my car and back home and I’d think to myself — how lucky am I to be able to work with my hands (and flowers) each day.
2 - Freelancing Part-Time
After I moved to San Francisco from Philadelphia for a career in tech, I rediscovered the world of flowers via freelancing and booked jobs with other wedding and event florists on weekends. Freelancing taught me so much about different techniques, styles, and Bay Area wedding venues, all while expanding a very supportive network in the floral community that I still rely on! I always recommend freelancing to anyone getting started, as it gives you a real life behind-the-scenes experience of what it means to be a wedding and event florist without the commitment of running your own business with your own clients. Ultimately I knew I always wanted to run my own business (both of my parents were small business owners and I grew up appreciating what comes with that lifestyle) — so once I had a few of my own bookings under my belt I launched my business (more on that story another time!).
3 - Investment in education
A mix of 1:1 workshops, semesters with a local community college, online flower courses, and ongoing business coaching/mentorship have evolved my designs, techniques, and business processes. I make it a goal to invest in a few of these each year so that I constantly learn and evolve, and never get stuck or stagnant in set ways. Additionally, every single client and planner collaboration allows me to expand and stretch my imagination — and I feel so grateful to have the opportunity to share my art with each.
May we never stop learning and evolving!
Moodboard: Mocha Mousse
A peak into my design process and inspiration behind an event design inspired by the Pantone Color of the Year: Mocha Mousse.
My first event of the year is inspired by the 2025 Pantone Color of the Year Mocha Mousse. It’s such a versatile color, ranging from relaxed and mellow to indulgent and rich.
For this event — hosted at The Charter Oak in St. Helena — we’re leaning into sensorial sophistication. Think: vibey lighting, rich velvet upholstery, silky draping and tassels, funky candles. I’ll be pairing this with classic blooms like tulips, callas, and anemones in mono-floral arrangements.
Often for event and wedding floral designs, the planner shares a design deck with the general idea of the floral vibe already determined, to which I’ll then add my spin. But for this event, Harlene Events and I have been collaborating closely from the beginning which has given me a lot of opportunity to get really creative. We’re really leaning into the theme — and nothing can stop a good florist-planner duo! I always recommend working with a planner, because they’ll really take the design to the next level in collaboration with key vendors (not to mention keeping the event smooth, on-track, and most importantly — super fun and relaxed for their clients.
I can’t wait to share more from this event, but for now wanted to share a bit more behind the design process. I want to hear from you though — any questions about my design process or things you’d like to see more of?
xo
Anastasia
Japanese Wedding Inspiration in California Wine Country
The beauty of Japanese gardens in springtime was the inspiration for this wedding design at Carneros Resort and Spa in Napa Valley, California — one of my favorite Bay Area venues! From the Ikebana-inspired tablescape to the interactive escort display designed to take guests on a walk through a Japanese garden, each moment transports us to another place.
Sharing our latest publication feature in Wedding Sparrow.
“The beauty of Japanese gardens in springtime is the inspiration for this organic wedding editorial at Carneros Resort and Spa in Napa Valley, California. Designed by Northern California wedding planner, Jacinda Weddings & Events, natural Japanese-inspired elements were woven throughout every detail, from the Ikebana floral art to the interactive escort display.
The floral design by Anastasia Andenmatten highlighted spring elements and blooming branches, such as dogwood, Japanese sweet pea, Pieris japonica, and hellebores, arranged in modern stoneware vessels," explains Jacinda. The textured linens and floral plates mirrored the shape of the dogwood blooms in the centerpieces.
Japanese garden elements were woven throughout many details, including the rippling water in the Ikebana dining table arrangements, and the escort display. The escort table featured individual escort cards artfully set atop black stones and natural moss with beautiful floral elements. Stepping away from the ubiquitous escort wall concept, we designed a dynamic and interactive escort table where guests would embark on a little hunt to find their name in this unique Japanese garden display.
The invitation suite by Elsa Madeline featured original artwork was inspired by Japanese calligraphy brushstrokes and x-ray florals. This artwork was mirrored in the ethereal painted rice paper appliqué on the contemporary square wedding cake by Pretty Please Bakeshop.
VENDOR TEAM
Photographer: Olivia Marshall | Film Lab: PhotoVision | Planning and design: Jacinda Weddings & Events | Florals: Anastasia Andenmatten | Rentals: Theoni Collection and The Ark | Venue: Carneros Resort and Spa | Cake: Pretty Please Bakeshop | Paper and signage: Elsa Madeline | Cake table linen: Napa Valley Linens | Pale blue cocktail table linens: BBJ-La Tavola | Calligraphy: Blanca Lewis Calligraphy | Gifting: Bestowe Gifting
A Cozy Winter Wreath Workshop at Eye for Pretty at Home in Danville, California
This December I was joined by a lovely group for an intimate evening of winter wreath making at Eye for Pretty in downtown Danville. Attendees made one-of-a-kind creations in the coziest setting, kicking off the holiday season with friends.
This past December I was joined by a lovely group for an intimate evening of winter wreath making. As a mom and businessowner, I know how hectic the holiday season can feel. This event was designed to create a special space for the community that would allow you to work hands-on with nature, create something for yourself, and kickoff the holiday season with friends.
Nicole of Eye for Pretty graciously opened the doors of her beautiful shop in downtown Danville, Eye for Pretty at Home, as our workshop venue host. The store was a twinkling winter wonderland of candlelight and seasonal decor – the coziest and most inspirational setting for the evening.
Guests were greeted by glasses of wine and champagne, festive tunes, and the scent of evergreen from a foliage bar full of winter textures like various pines and cypresses, local foliages, berries, and preserved flowers. Each individual’s station was set with a wreath building kit – including the wreath form, clippers, wire, silk ribbon, and bells – plus a personal snack box of charcuterie and nibbles by Danville Cheese and chocolates by Danville Chocolates.
We took time to meet and mingle before getting started. I guided the group through an initial demo, sharing my foundational design techniques, composition notes, and care tips. Then it was time to turn it over to our attendees to create their own one-of-a-kind creations. Everyone was able to get one-on-one instruction from me throughout the evening as they perfected their wreaths, chatting and laughing away with their friends. It was truly meditative!
At the end of the evening, no two wreaths looked the same. Each wreath was a unique reflection of each attendee’s personal style. The group photo captured by The Poffs says it all – everyone was so proud and excited to take their creations home.
I look forward to hosting more of these community events in the future! If you’re interested in hosting a private floral or wreath workshop (perfect for a birthday party, bridal shower, girls’ night out, or corporate event) – I’d love to chat details with you! The options are endless, and all skill levels welcome. Please send me an email at hello@anastasiaandenmatten.com or inquire at the link below.
EVENT PARTNERS
Floral Design: Anastasia Andenmatten
Venue: Eye for Pretty at Home
Charcuterie: Danville Cheese
Sweets: Danville Chocolates
Photography: The Poffs
Anastasia Andenmatten is a floral designer based in the San Francisco Bay Area (Danville, California) with a modern approach to thoughtful florals for events, weddings, homes, and businesses.
Classic, Lush Wedding at Harvest Inn Napa
A last-minute change of plans turned into a dream come true elopement at Harvest Inn in Napa. Sweeping vineyard views, stately redwood trees, and a romantic string-lit patio made for a classic-meets-glam-meets-modern 10 person wedding.
Working with these two to bring a last-minute change of plans elopement to life was a dream. Harvest Inn in Napa was an ideal spot for this 10 person wedding -- the sweeping vineyard views, lush garden roses, stately redwood trees, and the romantic string-lit patio made for a beautiful setting. Napa wine country is *not* the worst place to kick off your nuptials, let me tell you.
I call Jesenia’s wedding day vibes classic-meets-glam-meets-modern. I mean, is that dress for real!? So stunning. Her gown inspired my designs for the day. I used a mix of more traditional luxe blooms, like anemone and ranunculus, then added a contemporary-glam twist with sleek anthuriums -- all in a neutral palette.
The icing on the cake was having Anna Elizabeth Photography capture their day so beautifully. Congrats to you two, Jesenia and Matt!
VENDORS
Floral Design: Anastasia Andenmatten
Photography: Anna Elizabeth Photography
Venue: Harvest Inn
Bridal: Maggie Sottero
Anastasia Andenmatten is a floral design studio based in the San Francisco Bay Area with a modern approach to customizing florals for weddings, businesses, and events.
Tuscan-Inspired Backyard Wedding
When this couple's destination wedding in Tuscany was derailed, they pivoted to an intimate backyard wedding inspired by...you guessed it, Tuscany! A lush color palette complemented this autumnal wedding perfectly.
Justine & Zach originally planned to have a destination wedding in Tuscany. When they had to alter their plans, they landed on an intimate backyard wedding in Justine’s parents’ San Mateo backyard. The design was inspired by...Tuscany, of course!
For their floral designs, I drew inspiration from autumn in the Tuscan wine country, but wanted to put a contemporary spin on that often-rustic vibe. I leaned on a color palette of deep purples, burgundies, and greens, but incorporated vibrant highlights of whites and periwinkles. Premium blooms like velvety anemones and ranunculus helped to elevate the backyard setting, while berries and golden lace hydrangea added texture.
One of my favorite parts about Justine and Zach’s day was the stunning setting -- their parents’ backyard was not only beautifully lush, but it made for such a special and intimate ‘close to home’ setting for their celebration. And as we know in the Bay Area, autumn in California is such a stunning time of year to dine outdoors!
Adriana Klas Photography captured Justine & Zach’s day beautifully. Below are some of my favorite photos!
VENDORS
Floral Design: Anastasia Andenmatten
Photography: Adriana Klas
Catering: Heirloom Catering Co.
Calligraphy: Double Dipped Calligraphy
Bridal: Louvienne, Lovely Bride
Groom: Hugo Boss
Cake: Little Bow Cakes
Rentals: Bright Event Rentals
Anastasia Andenmatten is a floral design studio based in the San Francisco Bay Area with a modern approach to customizing florals for weddings, businesses, and events.
Colorful and Modern San Francisco Doorstep Elopement
A contemporary take on autumn for Jordyn + Nik’s San Francisco doorstep elopement.
If we’ve gained anything from this pandemic, it’s been creative ways to celebrate life’s biggest moments. We’ve seen virtual engagement parties, drive-by bridal showers, zoom weddings, you name it. But I particularly love the concept of doorstep celebrations -- from the safety of your home, you can get super creative and unique to your style, and invite friends, family, neighbors, and all sorts of passersby in on the action. You may have seen this Brooklyn stoop wedding (and those flowers!?), which is what really got me thinking.
Courtney of Photoflood Studio and I got to brainstorming, and set out to transform a classic San Francisco doorstep for Jordyn and Nik’s elopement portrait session. Since Jordyn and Nik were so flexible and open to ideas, we had extra fun with this one and decided to use it as a way to serve up inspiration for anyone looking to host drive-by celebrations -- whether it be a baby shower, birthday party, bridal shower, elopement, etc.
When I envision city doorsteps in the fall season, my mind goes straight to clusters of pumpkins, hay bails, and mum plants. But for this I aimed for a contemporary twist on the traditional autumnal setting.
I incorporated vibrant hues via a color blocking technique, in shades of orange, yellow, pink, and gold. To keep *some* tradition, I included the mums, but then layered in bright orange marigolds, pink anthuriums, fluffy celosia, bubblegum pink orchids, and tall golden lace hydrangea to add some unexpected ingredients and textures.
My goal was to create this entire installation foam-free, using sustainable mechanics only. All mums were left in their original pots and repurposed afterward, and the rest of the installation was designed using kenzan pins in shallow dishes to maintain a water source.
For Jordyn’s bouquet, I challenged myself to use one ingredient, and one ingredient alone -- lace hydrangea. There’s a short window where these are in season, and as they start to turn, their soft delicate petals turn crisp and golden and dry permanently that way. By far one of my favorite ingredients to work with!
So what are your thoughts -- would you host a doorstep event!?
VENDORS
Photography: Photoflood Studio
Floral Design: Anastasia Andenmatten
Anastasia Andenmatten is a floral design studio based in the San Francisco Bay Area with a modern approach to customizing florals for weddings, businesses, and events.
Romantic Berkeley Hills Backyard Wedding
A foggy fall day in October served as the perfect setting for this backyard wedding in the Berkeley Hills. Read on for how the bride’s grandmother’s gardens inspired a ground-up floral installation.
Look no further than the bride’s grandmother’s Berkeley Hills backyard for an intimate wedding! Celeste and Mark exchanged their wedding vows on a foggy fall day in October, with their closest friends and family gathered by their sides.
For their floral design, I drew inspiration from the beautiful on-site gardens meticulously looked after by the bride’s grandmother. Their garden-side ceremony centered around a focal ground-up installation of antique hydrangea, roses, and autumnal foliage. Dainty centerpieces, bud vases, potted herbs, and plentiful candlelight lined one long family-style dinner that sat beneath market lights. I still can’t get over that powder blue linen table runner from La Tavola.
Apollo Fotografie captured their day so well. Here are some of my favorites.
VENDORS
Photography: Apollo Fotografie
Planner: KLDC Events
Floral Design: Anastasia Andenmatten
Rentals: La Tavola Linen
HMU: Marisa Perel
Catering: Anaviv Catering
Anastasia Andenmatten is a floral design studio based in the San Francisco Bay Area with a modern approach to customizing florals for weddings, businesses, and events.
Intimate Summer Elopement at Lands End
A few selects from Taryn & Jeff’s elopement. One of the more adventurous setups for me and my crew -- we hiked the ceremony floral installation, piece by piece, down the hills of Sutro Baths in some crazy winds! So worth it.
When Taryn and Jeff were forced to postpone their original wedding plans, they were bummed, of course. But then they got the idea to elope at their favorite beach not too far from their home and have their best friend officiate. They felt a lil rebellious and were excited for their day all over again!
The couple chose a cove tucked into the cliffside for their ceremony spot. Here I drew inspiration from the blooming hillsides to create a grounding element. A low floral installation of rudbeckia, geranium leaves, queen anne's lace, honeysuckle, yarrow, and bunnytail grasses framed them in a semicircle shape, and danced in the ocean breeze as they exchanged their vows. The installation was entirely foam-free and designed with blooms locally sourced from Bluma Farm. This was one of the more adventurous setups for me and my crew -- we hiked the ceremony floral installation, piece by piece, down the hills of Sutro Baths in some crazy winds! So worth it.
For Taryn’s bouquet, I used bright and airy ingredients to keep the bouquet light and delicate. Buttery butterfly ranunculus, cheery queen lime orange zinnias, dancey white cosmos -- plus yarrow and hydrangea for dynamic texture. One of my favorite bouquets of 2020!
Nat & Co Events put together the sweetest picnic for the two tucked into a eucalyptus grove at Lands End, complete with champagne, a charcuterie board, and a cake by Blooms End. For their tablescape, I created an ikebana-style arrangement of rudbekia accented by a fruitscape of blackberries, apricots, and citrus fruits.
One of my favorite parts about Taryn & Jeff’s elopement was that they invited friends to join them beachside that evening for a bonfire party, where they repurposed their ceremony installation florals for added decor. I love how sustainable design gives in so many ways!
Ellie Koleen Photography captured Taryn & Jeff’s day beautifully. Here are some of my favorites!
VENDORS
Photography: Ellie Koleen Photography
Planner: Nat & Co Events
Floral Design: Anastasia Andenmatten
Cake: Blooms End
We’re currently booking 2022 weddings and events! Inquire here.
A Wintry Wedding at Cavallo Point
An intimate elopement, breathtaking views, and soft, wintry blooms at one of my favorite Bay Area venues — Cavallo Point Lodge in Sausalito.
Cavallo Point Lodge in Sausalito is easily one of my favorite venues in the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California overall. Breathtaking views of the Golden Gate bridge, the bay, the San Francisco skyline, AND the Marin hills -- all from one spot. The setting is historic, and accommodations are pure luxury (I love that couples and their guests can spend the night here, so convenient). All of this to say, this was a super sweet spot for Maria and Matt’s intimate elopement celebration.
For Maria’s bridal bouquet I started with panda anemones (her favorite!) as a focal flower, then incorporated softer wintry tones. I used autumn eucalyptus as an ode to the many eucalyptus trees found around the Cavallo Point property, brown lisianthus, white sweetpeas, scabiosa, and a pop of berry-like elements for texture. Light and airy bud vases and centerpieces in warm metallic pedestal vases added the perfect amount of warmth to their al fresco candlelight dinner.
California elopement photographer Natalie N captured their day so well. Scroll tot see some of my favorites!
VENDORS
Photography: Natalie N
Floral Design: Anastasia Andenmatten
Venue: Cavallo Point Lodge
Anastasia Andenmatten is a floral design studio based in the San Francisco Bay Area with a modern approach to customizing florals for weddings, businesses, and events.
A Dreamy Summer Elopement on Mt. Tam
Britney and Tyler’s intimate elopement celebration takes ‘picnic’ to the next level. Read on for some of my favorite moments!
When Britney and Tyler made the decision to postpone their wedding reception to 2021, they looked to their vendor team to help them pull together an intimate elopement celebration that takes ‘picnic’ to the next level.
They chose a spot on Mt. Tam in Marin County, California that overlooked the Pacific, and invited their immediate families to stand beside them. After they exchanged their vows and popped champagne, they sat down for a picnic overlooking the ocean and the most beautiful sunset. What a sweet, sweet way to say I Do!
For Britney’s bouquet, I drew inspiration from the hills of Marin and the ethereal texture of her gown. I incorporated soft silky blooms like butterfly ranunculus, neutral dried textures that matched the golden hillsides, and pops of creamy blush.
For their picnic tablescape I played with composition and mixed and matched different floral elements like ceramic bud vases, a light and airy centerpiece, and cake flower accents to create a lush setting for their intimate dinner.
Fine art film photographer Shannon Yen Photography perfectly captured their day.
VENDORS
Photography: Shannon Yen Photography
Event Design: Nat and Co.
Floral Design: Anastasia Andenmatten
Anastasia Andenmatten is a floral design studio based in the San Francisco Bay Area with a modern approach to customizing florals for weddings, businesses, and events.
My Favorite Vases for the Home
8 types of vases to have on-hand in your own home, types of flowers and foliages to use for each, the best places to display them, and my favorite places to source them. Enjoy!
One of the keys to living beautifully is bringing nature inside your home.
I love having vases on-hand for clippings from the yard or whenever I treat myself to blooms at the market.
But I’ve found that a lot of the vases we all wind up collecting over the years from flower deliveries or hostess gifts are stock-type vases that have no sentimental meaning, and honestly aren’t the best shape or fit for most arrangement types.
So here are 8 types of vases to have on-hand in your own home, types of flowers and foliages to use for each, the best places to display them, and my favorite places to source them. I hope you enjoy and find this helpful!
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1 - THE BUD VASE
First thing’s first! Whenever you find yourself with a bouquet of fresh cut flowers, grab 1-3 of your favorite blooms from the bunch and showcase them in bud vases around the house. Bud vases are ideal for smaller nooks and crannies, as they typically fit anywhere from 1-5 stems and are anywhere from 2-6” in height.
Ingredients: shorter or more delicate blooms, like daffodil, grape hyacinth, sweet pea blooms, or dried flowers
Placement: your bedside table, bathroom vanity, or any little nook or vignette that’s special to you
2 - THE FROGGER VASE
A shallow ikebana-style vessel with fool-proof designated holes or pins that are perfect for a few select blooms or vines. I love how these let the flowers speak for themselves.
Ingredients: the really really special stuff -- like a honeysuckle vine or a hellebores clipping
Placement: kitchen counter, bathroom vanity, dresser, or bookshelf
3 - THE STATEMENT VASE
You know those big, bold arrangements you see in interior design mags, hotels, and restaurants? A hefty, tall vase starting at 14” in height is the foundation for those. Make sure the vase you pick is extra heavy, durable, watertight and won’t topple over!
Ingredients: big blooming branches found in your yard like camellia, cherry blossom, or quince, and arrangements with large sweeping movements
Placement: entryway table, kitchen island, or coffee table
4 - THE CLASSIC BOUQUET VASE
The bouquet vase is a one-stop-drop when little arranging is required, and a good ole glass vase is classic for this. Go for a vase that’s around 8-12”h. Bonus points for anything that is sourced vintage or from Grandma’s house, and has character, like etched or ribbed glass.
Ingredients: an all-sided farmer’s market bouquet or incoming hostess gift
Placement: coffee table, dining room table, or kitchen island
5 - THE PITCHER VASE
This is the best ‘starter’ vase, as you likely already have a pitcher on-hand in your kitchen! This is the closest thing to a one-size-fits-all in my opinion. You can truly plop anything into a pitcher.
Ingredients: tulips, poppies, daisies, dahlias, ranunculus, the list goes on …
Placement: coffee table, dinner table, or kitchen island
6 - THE URN VASE
Anything that’s fluted in shape with a pedestal foot is a classic. While urns can feel more traditional in style, there are a ton of fun and modern ones on the market these days.
Ingredients: big bouquets of hydrangeas, or arrangements with sweeping movement and drapey or viney elements that dance down toward the foot
Placement: dining room table, fireplace mantle, or kitchen island
7 - THE EARTHENWARE JUG
V Studio McGee if that’s your vibe. These are generally heavy and sturdy, stone or ceramic, have a more distressed look, and may come with handles on the sides. Ideally 10-12”+h, but with these it’s more about the width and roundness (10-12”+w).
Ingredients: an oversized bunch of olive, tall berry branches, or tree clippings from the yard -- all of which can last weeks in a vase depending on hardiness
Placement: kitchen island, entry way console table, or coffee table
8 - THE FLOOR VASE
A floor vase is a great way to dress up a corner of a room or add some flare to an unused fireplace. Generally these are at least 24”h. Make sure the vase you pick is extra heavy, durable, watertight and won’t topple over!
Ingredients: larger branches or tall dried grasses like pampas -- both last a long time and can become a semi-permanent decor element
Placement: a corner of a living room or beside a (non-lit) fireplace
SOME MORE OF MY FAVORITES …
Where and when possible, I always recommend first trying your local ceramicist, flea market (cannot wait to get back to Alameda Flea), antique shops, Etsy, or Facebook marketplace to source locally and sustainably. Some of my favorite ceramic shops are D:Ceramics, Sarah Kersten Studio, and Earthen Shop.
In addition to these, here are a few easy online places to source vessels:
A Parisian-Inspired Autumn Wedding at Filoli Gardens
Paris meets California for this autumn wedding at the iconic Filoli Gardens.
Filoli Gardens in Woodside, California is hands down one of the most magical and iconic wedding venues in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. With perfectly manicured grounds, vivid gardens, old world architecture, and winding brick pathways, a wedding day here has guests traveling gracefully from ceremony, to cocktail hour, to dinner and dancing.
When I was tapped by luxury wedding planner Erica Estrada Design to create florals for an intimate autumn wedding there, I couldn’t wait to get started. For the day’s design we aimed to bring Parisian influence to the California garden setting. The bride’s custom Vera Wang gown very much added to that inspiration, and Erica curated a stellar team of luxury wedding vendors to bring the rest of the vision to life.
For the bride’s bouquet, I chose a monochromatic palette of creamy white blooms to complement the bride’s luxe gown and limited the number of ingredients to add a contemporary twist. The bride and groom chose to celebrate with their guests over an intimate meal in the lush ‘Yew Alley’, which is beautifully lined with Irish Yews, apple and peach trees. So for the tablescape, I incorporated rich copper tones as a nod to California’s autumn season and to bring warmth to the vivid greenery of the grounds. The old world-inspired stationary suite by Casa de Perrin juxtaposed with new world tabletop items brought an unexpected element to the design. Parisian-inspired furniture from The Copper Rose was the prettiest final touch to bring everything together.
Fine art film photographer Sean Thomas Photography perfectly captured the day. Below I’m sharing some of my favorite moments. See the full feature on Style Me Pretty here.
VENDORS
Wedding Venue: Filoli Gardens
Photography: Sean Thomas Weddings
Cinematography: Hugo Film Co
Event Design: Erica Estrada Design
Floral Design: Anastasia Andenmatten
Wedding Dress: Vera Wang
Cake: What's More Cake
Invitations: Epoch Designs
Wedding Bands: Cartier
Hair: Bridal Buns
Groom's Attire: Suit Supply
Rentals: The Copper Rose
How to Plan a Modern Micro Wedding During COVID-19, featured on Martha Stewart Weddings
If you find yourself reworking your wedding vision due to COVID-19, I’m here to say that regardless of your Plan B or C, you can *still* accomplish a killer sense of style for your reinvented wedding day. In this post I share ideas for how to do this — from setting the tone early on, to experiential floral designs, to a memorable tablescape for you and your guests. Plus, a link to the full feature in Martha Stewart Weddings for more inspiration and planning tips.
I’ve watched and worked alongside so many couples who have been forced to rework their wedding plans due to COVID-19, whether that be postponing entirely, downsizing their headcount, or hosting their wedding in a loved one’s backyard. I feel for them and the tough decisions they have to make, especially as they grapple with what elements are most important to them.
If you find yourself in a similar situation, I’m here to say that regardless of your Plan B or C, you can *still* accomplish a killer sense of style for your reinvented wedding day. One way to look at this scenario is to acknowledge that there’s potential for more opportunity to invest in the small, super intentional details that can make a big impact for you and your guests.
Scroll on to see some examples of ways to do this, including:
setting the tone for your design from day one
nontraditional floral installations that create experiences for your guests
how to warmly welcome (cough, spoil) your VIP guests
bold moves when it comes to attire and personal flowers
smaller but bolder tablescapes to ensure the most memorable celebration meal
In collaboration with a phenomenal vendor team, I am so excited to share this inspirational editorial feature with you, recently featured in Martha Stewart Weddings. Read the article How to Plan a Chic, Modern Micro Wedding During COVID-19 here for more design tips and inspiration.
Thank you to the amazing Sarah Eichstedt Photography for capturing these beautiful images.
SET THE TONE EARLY ON
I love when couples choose an intentional paper suite because it truly kicks off the overall design vibe for their day while getting guests so excited for what’s to come. This clean, modern, and unfussy paper suite from Bourne Paper Co. truly set the tone for this day.
CONSIDER PETITE PERSONAL FLOWERS
For an intentional and cohesive wedding day design, keep your color palette simple. For this petite bridal bouquet, I honed in on the palette and the ingredient mix. The anthuriums were bold, but softly contrasted by grasses and yarrow to give this bride an intentional look. The perfect pairing for her more laid back bridal jumpsuit from Amsale.
A petite arrangement of caramel phlox, smokebush, and grasses dress up the groom's sleek suit and modern turtleneck.
SKIP TRADITION
There’s no wedding rule that says you *must* stick with traditional florals. With this install, Lea Stafford Events and I wanted to work with unexpected plant materials instead of florals to create a natural feeling for an intimate ceremony. The contrast of the soft grassy elements against the concrete pillars made for an impactful moment for guests and grounded the ceremony.
It was really important for me to create something entirely sustainable and foam-free. This was primarily designed using potted grasses and moss, so the install was able to be repurposed (and re-potted!) afterwards.
PUT IT ALL ON THE TABLE
A smaller table setting does not mean you need to skimp on style!
For this table setting, I wanted to lean into the contract of these black modern wishbone chairs from Theoni Collection against the soft linens and candlelight. So I added textured flower arrangements in modern shallow black vessels, paired with simple ikebana and bud vase arrangements. The table was the perfect spot to bring the different style elements of the day together for one cohesive design, and floral pieces of different shapes and sizes ensured every guest had something beautiful to sit down to.
SPOIL YOUR GUESTS
Favor boxes like these from Bestowe Gifting make the perfect VIP perk to spoil your guests, and are a great way to showcase your unique personality and style.
LET THEM EAT THREE CAKES
If dessert is important to you, this is an area you could invest more in with a smaller guest count. These miniature multi-tier cakes from Revelry Cakes made for quite the dessert experience. Accents of peach sweet peas, mauve lisianthus, and grasses added one last touch of micro detail.
For more design tips and inspiration, read the full article How to Plan a Chic, Modern Micro Wedding During COVID-19 on Martha Stewart Weddings here.
Featured on Martha Stewart Weddings
Floral Design | Anastasia Andenmatten
Photography | Sarah Eichstedt Photography
Planning + Design | Lea Stafford Events
Invitation Suite | Bourne Paper Co.
Rentals | Theoni Collection
Cake | Revelry Cakes
Bespoke Gifts | Bestowe Gifting
Jewelry | Shop Esqueleto
Bridal Jumpsuit | Amsale
Flower Guide: Winter Wedding Flowers
A roundup of my favorite unexpected and overlooked wedding flowers for the winter season.
A roundup of my favorite unexpected and overlooked wedding flowers for the winter season.
Fritillaria
The snake’s head variety, in particular. This checkered bell-shaped lily is super delicate and whimsical. Ideal for petite arrangements, like in a shallow ikebana dish in a tablescape, or a bridal bouquet. Fritillaria kind of marks the entrance to Spring from Winter, and there’s truly no other flower like it.
Heather
We tend to see Heather pop up around Valentine’s Day as it comes in shades of pink, lavender, and white. While commercially it tends to be used as filler, its soft, organic, sweeping texture makes it the perfect fit for a large-scale floral installation, all on its own. Heather has my heart.
Hellebore
These are easy to come by locally in the San Francisco Bay Area, and there’s a window of time in the winter that we find the most beautiful shades — from muted pinks and ivories, to deep moody purples and blacks. These soft focal blooms are delicate yet hearty, and make a beautiful addition to a bridal bouquet.
Sweet Pea
The varieties we see in the winter months are imported from Japan and Holland, versus the shorter, viney varieties found in the San Francisco Bay Area come summer. But they are the most beautiful out there. They come in a range of hues, from muted blush to cool lavender to bright coral. Soft, delicate, and with a sweet scent, these are the perfect fit for the romantic bride. Sweet Pea is a go-to ‘line’ flower in my designs.
Kumquat
Adding any fruit to an arrangement instantly makes it more dynamic, and citrus is especially appropriate for winter. I love using Kumquats for their bright and cheery color, typically placing them low in an arrangement and hanging off the lip of the vase. Ideal for a colorful wedding design!
Amaryllis
Commonly known as a Christmas flower bulb, but with so much more potential. These show-stoppers are bold and long-lasting. Amaryllis stems are upwards of 2’, so they can really shine in tall arrangements or large-scale installations, especially when all on their own. They come in the prettiest winter hues -- creams, pinks, corals, deep burgundies, and mixed varietals.
Lily
I’m cheating a bit with these because they’re generally available year-round, but lilies are long-lasting, come in many varieties, and have a memorable scent. They’re a great option for a large-scale floral installation (like this one by Color Theory Design Co.) used all on their own or with minimal other ingredients, and a perfect fit for an adventurous bride looking to make a statement.
Carnation
Easily one of the most under-appreciated flowers. But let me sell you on these! Carnations are hearty and long-lasting, which is why you often see them used in commercial arrangements (and why they get a bad rap). But they can be found in an endless variety of colors, my favorite being the more muted tones. I love using carnations in a monochromatic palette for added texture.
LET’S CHAT
For more wedding tips, head back to my blog for posts like 7 tips for creating your wedding moodboard. I am currently accepting wedding inquiries for 2022. Schedule a complimentary floral consultation here. I’d love to hear more about your day!
Anastasia Andenmatten is a floral design studio based in the San Francisco Bay Area with a modern approach to customizing florals for weddings, businesses, and events.
7 Tips for Creating Your Wedding Moodboard
Newly engaged or planning a wedding!? A moodboard is the #1 tool for drawing inspiration and clearly communicating your wedding style to vendors. This in turn allows your vendors to collaborate to bring your wedding day vision to life! Here are 7 quick tips that will help you create a curated moodboard for your wedding and get you closer to that vision.
Newly engaged or planning a wedding!? You likely fall into one of three camps:
Your wedding Pinterest board has been done for approximately five years
You’re officially engaged so technically speaking, you can now start your wedding moodboard
Even the thought of the above gives you anxiety. You have no idea where to start!
Regardless of which camp you fall into, you may wonder why is a moodboard important? In this blogpost about vision boarding, I bring up the Law of Attraction which is the ability to attract into our lives whatever we are focusing on. Images can be used as tools to send messages to the universe about your hopes and dreams. Sounds a little woo-woo, so let me bring this back to wedding planning. Photos are powerful. When it comes to planning a wedding, a moodboard is the #1 tool for drawing inspiration and clearly communicating your wedding style to vendors. This in turn allows your vendors to collaborate to bring your wedding day vision to life!
Here are 7 quick tips that will help you create a curated moodboard for your wedding and get you closer to that vision.
1 - KNOW WHERE TO START WITH WEDDING INSPIRATION
As a platform, Pinterest can be overwhelming. Simply start saving images that are beautiful to you. Be consistent and only pin the stuff you truly love, and look for their ‘More Ideas’ feature. Over time, Pinterest will get to know you better through their algorithm, and suggest better and better content to you.
Once you know more specifics of what you’re looking for, avoid vague search terms such as ‘wedding flowers’ and opt for keywords that match the exact thing you have in mind, e.g. ‘minimalistic and contemporary wedding table flowers.’
If browsing Pinterest doesn’t work for you, that’s okay too! Add the 'Pin It' button to your browser (instructions here), which will allow you to quickly and easily pin images from other websites as you find inspiration along the way. Here are a few other inspiration sites I love:
2 - DUMP PINTEREST FOR INSTAGRAM
While it can be argued we don’t need *more* reasons to scroll IG, your feed is likely already curated with images relevant to you, your style, and your aesthetic. Instagram’s Save feature comes in handy if you stumble upon imagery you love. Save everything you love in one spot or separate folders -- e.g. wedding flowers, wedding bands, wedding dresses.
3 - GO BEYOND SOCIAL MEDIA FOR INSPIRATION
The opposite of everything I’ve said above, right!? But it’s really easy to go down a rabbit hole and be influenced by what everyone else’s wedding looks like. Don’t limit yourself to what you see on social media. Look to the architecture around you, scenic views, music, books, magazines, and photos from your travels.
4 - SIMPLIFY, SIMPLIFY, SIMPLIFY YOUR VISION
This might sound counterintuitive, but by limiting the number of images to the select few that *truly* speak to you, you’ll prevent yourself from feeling overwhelmed and leave more space for imagination. I find it helpful to create one overarching ‘Our Wedding’ board that’s limited to 10-20 images max of your *overall vision*, making sure they’re both aspirational but also realistic for your day and budget. Try 1-2 images for each of these elements:
Venue vibe (e.g. the indoor or outdoor spaces you’re using or envisioning/whatever elements made you fall in love with that venue, images there that speak to the season — fall, winter, spring, summer)
Florals (e.g. either the floral palette, or a few images you’re drawn to for table flowers, a focal flower installation, your bouquet, etc.)
Table settings (e.g. flower-full or candle heavy, tablecloths or bare wood, modern flatware or traditional)
Furniture (e.g. tables, chairs, lounge furniture)
Lighting (e.g. market lights, candlelight, pendants)
Fashion (e.g. your dream dress or tux)
Hair/makeup (e.g. an overall look you’re digging)
Paper suite (e.g. an invite, menu, or escort cards)
Photography (e.g. an image that evokes the style you’re drawn to, and a moment you’d love to experience on your day)
Something unique to you (e.g. that icecream truck you’d love to have, or dream signature cocktail)
These images should be less about specific details you’re aiming for, but images that evoke how you want your day to *feel* overall.
Once you’ve locked that in, you can always create sub-boards (aka a ‘Section’ within a board if you’re using Pinterest) for each element, following the same practice of limiting each to 10-20 images.
5 - TIDY IT UP
Once you’ve really honed in your initial vision and start making decisions, delete anything off your board that no longer speaks to you or fits with your day. Ask yourself:
Do I love this image?
Why did I pin this in the first place?
Are there other images on my board that are super similar?
If you were to share your board with others, they should be able to pick up on your vibe and style immediately. By keeping your boards as curated as possible, you avoid confusing yourself and vendors about the intended design direction.
6 - SHARE YOUR MOODBOARD WITH WEDDING VENDORS
Share your moodboard with all of your design-centric vendors (e.g. planner, rental company, florist, cake, hair/makeup). Explain specific things you like *and don’t like* about certain images. Then leave it to the pros to take it from there! Your wedding day should be uniquely you, meaning the moodboard should only act as initial guidance as your vendor team seeks to up-level it way beyond that.
7 - JUST WALK AWAY FROM ALL WEDDING INSPIRATION
My *biggest* piece of advice if you want it? If you’re prone to indecision or feeling overwhelmed, walk away once you’ve reached this step. Shut it down -- no more Pinterest browsing, no more Instagram scrolling. Delete the apps if you need to! I did this myself when planning my own wedding and it was the best way to bring about peace of mind. Stay confident in your decisions and don’t second guess yourself. You have so much more to focus on looking forward to, like marrying the love of your life!
LET’S CHAT
For more planning tips, head back to my blog for posts like tips for finding your perfect wedding florist. I am currently accepting wedding inquiries for 2022. Schedule a complimentary floral consultation here. I’d love to hear more about your day!
Anastasia Andenmatten is a floral design studio based in the San Francisco Bay Area with a modern approach to customizing florals for weddings, businesses, and events.