Well that was nuts... LOL
The 2 Open House wedding shows that we had been prepping for took place this past weekend. Days of planning, preparation and organizing were necessary in order to schedule setting up and being at both booths during overlapping times and then tearing down, and it was not an easy feat hahaha.
On Friday with the help of my trusty assistant (also known as my husband), I loaded up my van and set off to Collingwood with a crazy good country playlist. When I arrived, I unloaded at both venues, got my tables ready, and got to meet the sweetest vendors from neighbouring booths, this is also where I got my cardio in for the weekend! 
Then 2 of my girlfriends/employees met me at the Beautiful Living Waters Hotel and we had some good old fashioned girl time with loads of marketing work mixed in...and a little bit of wine...until 2am.
Saturday Morning the hotel room looked just as you'd imagine it would and everybody still had their hair to do but we didn't have to leave until 10:30 so that was definitely our saving grace.
Stationed 2 to a booth, one of my fantastic florists joined us and we got to mingle and meet brides and grooms all day while reppin our new Thistle and Birch shirts- and it was a blast. We gave out flowers and bath bombs and got to talk about everything floral related while also tasting all the yummy appetizers that were going around #jobperk.
Needless to say by 6pm we were spent and ready to kick our shoes off but we felt so fulfilled and just grateful for this wonderful opportunity.
There ain't no life like the #florallife.
​Until next week... <3 

You've got the ring, you've set a date and you've picked a venue...now it's time to book your vendors!

Florists, DJ's, Photographers, Caterers and so much more- There are a lot of decisions to be made and a lot of meetings to be had.
​
With each vendor, your research and prep will look very different. Here are a few tips to get you ready to meet your florist and to have your floral consultation...
​

• Theme and color scheme- Florists are very visual creatures and we love to not only design with our hands but with our minds as well. The better picture you can paint for us for your Wedding day the better we can envision and plan for it.
• Pictures- Bring Pictures of Bouquets and Arrangements that you Love! Whether it be from a magazine or from Pinterest. Try to narrow down the style of floral arranging that you like before showing up so your florist will know what you're really looking for. 
• Know your Numbers- Although your final numbers for guests and tables might not be confirmed yet you should have a rough idea of how much of each piece you will need.
• Flowers- All flowers are created differently and have different attributes and lifespans. If you have specific flowers that you really want to include on your wedding day make sure to check with your florist for availability, color selection and durability.
• Budget- As florists we don't need an exact number to get started with your quote but we at least need an idea of where you stand. An average bridal bouquet alone can run anywhere from $85-$300+ so its important that you know what the max is that you're willing to spend.
• Pickup or Delivery- Will you need your flowers delivered on the day-of or do you have a friend or family member who can pick up for you? Also, will you have a day-of co-ordinator or will you need help setting up your arrangements?

Lastly, ensure to meet with and choose your florist at least 6 months before your wedding day. Many Florists don't want to over extend themselves and will only take on a certain number of weddings per weekend, so make sure to pay your deposit, sign your contract and save your spot!

Happy Planning!! XOXO
Thistle & Birch

Alright, I think it's time to do something a little different...

Thistle and Birch has been operating in Barrie for over 3 years and I am so happy to say that in that time we have experienced great growth and have made this beautiful city our home.

With so many new clients and students, we have decided to start this blog so you can all get to know us a little better and we can give you weekly updates and great little floral tips that you can use at home.

Make sure to subscribe at the top of this page. We are SO excited to begin this new journey in our business with all of you.

Cheers!

Kayla Lopez