In order for the bride and groom to fully enjoy the big day, what happens behind-the-scenes requires everyone to be in sync. From your wedding planner, photographer, videographer, DJ, to the décor.
In part two of our special series, "Kii-I Do!" we met with an area florist and cake artist who have made a living out of using their talents to bring an explosion of color, beauty and flavor to weddings.
The Florist
When you think about it, there are few vendors that can help families prepare for practically every major life chapter - from baby showers to funerals - like a florist can.
"Baby showers, quinceañeras, weddings, anniversaries, you name it -we do it. Pretty much every passage of life, we're right there to offer all of our flower services."
Adrian Michael Franco has seen it all, and then brought the flowers to match!
The Sinton native is the owner of the Petal Express across three locations (Sinton, Cuero and Victoria) with work that has been featured in businesses and homes across South Texas, and even the White House!
STORY: From Sinton, Texas to the White House: local man invited to take his talents to Washington D.C.
His calendar stays booked pretty much year-round, with many couples looking to schedule him quickly for all things floral.
"We ask that a bride and groom book us at least a year out in advance. Our calendar tends to fill up really fast, so we want to make sure the availability in our calendar is available for them," Adrian explained.
"We also request that the bride and groom book us in advance because we want to make sure the flowers will be available for them in the time that they are going to have their special event."
If there's a certain type of flower you've always imagined incorporating into your wedding day, be mindful of the seasons and know your colors.
"We ask the bride to do her research and if the flower is going to be in season the time she is planning to have her wedding," he said.
"During the winter, take the weather into consideration, so she knows which flowers are going to last long for her guests and be fresh."
Florist Pro-Tips:
- If you have a Pinterest or inspiration board of some sort, share it with your florist!
- Communicate your budget with your florist early on, as flowers can get pricey quickly
- Have an idea of what style(s) of florals you'll want before meeting with the florist
The Wedding Cake
Tucked into the Gulfway Shopping Center off Airline Road, you'll find Cakes 2 Dy 4.
For owner, Carmen Dy, it's more than just creating a beautiful dessert - it's about sharing a love story.
"A lot of times, I ask them you know bring 5 or 6 pictures of something that they love, and then we'll take a little piece of each picture and make it about themselves, something that they like," Carmen explained.
"I had a bride that had a champagne-colored beautiful dress with rhinestone embroidery on top of it, kind of like boho embroidery look, so I incorporated that into the top tier of the cake. The actual pattern of her dress went into the top tier of her cake."
The wedding cake, depending on desired design, flavor, and where you get one, can get pricey as well. She too advises brides be very conscience of their budget going in, so that they're not overwhelmed (as you will likely still need to factor in delivery costs).
"I recommend if you are having 200 guests, sometimes go ahead and go into a smaller cake. A smaller two-tier cake that you are able to have someone pick up, instead of us delivering it. You avoid a delivery cost, stand-cost, things like that that are all added costs."
Cake Pro-Tips:
- Book a consultation to taste the different flavors. Carmen suggests the bride and groom come in, and perhaps the bride's parents.
- For loved ones who may have food allergies (gluten-free, dairy, nuts...etc.), consider ordering a smaller scale cake to set aside for those guests.
- A groom's cake has become a fun, treasured tradition, especially in Texas! But if you're looking to save, it's not a must-have.
- Styrofoam tiers can help make your cake look taller
- Be sure to ask the price per slice of the cake. According to TheKnot.com, the average wedding cake cost roughly varies from $2 to $12 per slice
Part 2 of Kii-"I do!" will air Wednesday night at 10 p.m., and stay tuned for Part 3 airing Thursday night, where our team says 'yes' to the dress and the glam!