Bakersfield Events Archives

Beyond the Centerpiece: Unique Reception Decor Ideas

February 7, 2021

Tables aren’t the only place that could use a little bit of floral and decor love! Think beyond the centerpiece and add unique and unexpected details to elevate your event. From beautiful bars to chic lounge areas to divine dessert tables, we can make your floral dreams come true to take your celebration to the next level.

Stock the Bar

Photography by April & Co. and InMotion Pro

We are big fans of a bar for any event! Let yours stand out with arrangements and decor that will have your guests not only excited about what you are serving, but where. We love suspended florals, lush garlands, and flower-decked candelabras to make a big statement.

Pool Party

Especially with backyard bashes, you want to make sure you think about the decor of your entire space. That includes your pool! From wild floral arrangements to colorful balloons, there are tons of fun ways to accessorize your pool with whimsical floating decorations. This extra attention to detail is sure to wow your guests!

The best events are those that really focus on a great guest experience. Trying out these more unique reception decor ideas is sure to make your next event a flourishing success!

Flourishing Art in the News – Wedding Budget Checklists

September 19, 2020

Budgets can be hard to begin and stick to, and when it comes to weddings and events, that couldn’t be more true. Oleta spoke with Wallet Joy this month on a few tips regarding your floral budget as you plan your wedding.

As you figure out how to save money on wedding flowers, start by researching the varieties that will be in season on your wedding date, according to Oleta Collins, you’ll save a pretty penny by choosing blooms that don’t have to be imported. And, of course, reusing your flowers is always a smart idea.

“Floral walls, circular arches, and arbors are not only an excellent ceremony backdrop; they are also beautiful behind a sweetheart or bar table,” Collins says. “This is best used in a venue where you have everything in one place, and transportation to and from another site would be difficult.”

For decor, she recommends asking your venue about what it already has on hand and the cost to rent. Renting directly from your venue could be less expensive than buying new decorations or using a separate rental company. Also, make sure to focus on what guests will actually see rather than nitpicking every detail.

“You don’t need everything, so focus on the more essential items that will make a big difference in the look and comfort of your guests,” Collins says.

You can find out more budget tips by checking out the entire article here.

What tips do you have when it comes to budgeting for your wedding?

Our New Team Member

April 14, 2020

In the last few months, we were lucky enough to expand our team to include a new member, Daniel Beer. We are not only fortunate to have him on our team; we were also able to work side by side while planning his wedding with his partner Mark!

With dual degrees in music and cosmetology, Daniel is a jack of all trades with an eye for detail. He started his career as a hairdresser and, in quick fashion, worked his way up the chain to become the National Technical Director of Anasazi, a professional hair treatment line where he managed a team of over 40 educators. He was also a manager of the salon and spa at Saks Fifth Avenue. After a 32-year career that took him from Houston to Chicago to the heart of Manhattan, Daniel decided to move to Bakersfield to pursue a role in the world of events.

In particular, weddings hold a special place in his heart — especially for someone who recently celebrated his own NYC-themed nuptials (complete with a Studio 54-inspired reception!). His creative approach to design helps him to visualize a couple’s dream wedding to new heights, in an effort to create a day that is memorable and impactful for both the couple and their guests.

Although he no longer lives in The Big Apple, the city still draws him in with its Broadway musicals and exquisite culinary scene (not to mention the shopping). At home, Daniel is the host with the most as he brings his event planning chops to his living room. He loves to entertain friends and family, whether it’s a small dinner party or an outdoor bash. As long as there is great food, music, and people, Daniel is in his element.

Daniel, we are so thrilled to have you on board!

Feature on KGET – TV 17

April 1, 2020

It’s an understatement to say that the past few weeks have been difficult for our beloved event industry. During these unprecedented times, many of our beloved colleagues and friends are feeling the impact- from engaged couples moving dates to our creative partners feeling the pangs of canceled corporate gatherings.

It’s admittedly easy to get down if you let yourself, so this past week, we tried to bring a little bit of sunshine back into everyone’s lives.

You see, we found ourselves with flowers from several postponed events and decided to reach out to our community through social media, and offer free arrangements for hospitals, nursing homes and those in need. It was simple- you tell us who needed their spirits lifted, and we would waive our flower and design fees, and just ask for assistance with the delivery.

We had no idea that it would catch the attention of our local news but we were thrilled to have them tag along as well dropped off 150 arrangements throughout Bakersfield. You can see the full clip below. 🙂

We hope everyone enjoyed their arrangements.

Workshop Schedule 2020

March 30, 2020

We just love hosting workshops at our shop! For this year we have a full class schedule and we hope that you join us to learn something new and enjoy some wine and snacks. If you would like to sign up for any of our workshops you can call us at 661-861-8600 or you can sign up on our website here!

Easter – April 9, 2020
Thursday at 6:30pm

Are you prepping to host Easter this weekend? Join us for our centerpiece workshop- you can then check one less thing off of your hostess list!

High Tea – May 9, 2020
Saturday at 11:00am

What’s better than a High Tea celebration for Mother’s Day? How about High Tea paired with our DIY workshop so you can create your own hand-tied garden bouquet? Join us for a bit of fun in honor of Mother’s Day!

Succulents – June 18, 2020
Thursday at 6:30pm

Father’s Day Succulents with Father Craig, special guest. After all, Father’s Day is right around the corner, and we’re here to get you ready!

Armature, July 23, 2020
Thursday at 6:30pm

Wrap your arms around an armature.

Tropical Summer, August 20, 2020

Embrace summer vibes with our Tropical Flower arrangement workshop! Get ready also for a lesson on voided space.

Fall Wreaths, September 18, 2020
Friday at 12pm

Time to grab your Pumpkin Spice Latte- it’s our much-loved Fall wreath workshop. We hope you’ll join us to start the season off on the right foot!

Pumpkin Centerpiece, October 23, 2020
Friday at 12pm

Halloween is just around the corner! Join us for an event of spooky fun with our Pumpkin arrangement workshop!

Thanksgiving Centerpiece – November 24, 2020
Tuesday at 12pm

Are you prepping to host Thanksgiving? Join us for our centerpiece workshop- you can then check one less thing off of your hostess list!

Advent Wreath – December 2, 2020
Wednesday at 12pm

Get into the holiday spirit with our Advent Wreath workshop!

A New Chapter for Flourishing Art Design Studio

March 16, 2020

We are thrilled to announce that we are now the owners of Stage Right, a home staging company based in Bakersfield. We will continue to run Flourishing Art Design Studio and Stage Right will be a division of our offerings. The addition of this company will allow for our furniture and décor rental options for events to be easier for our clients as we will not have to source from other areas like LA.

“We are cataloging, inventorying, and have moved all of our new product to our new warehouse,” shares Collins. “We have homes designed now that we collaborated in December. We are learning all of the items we have acquired and, with our design and Fran’s knowledge and design, we are ready now.”

The previous owner Fran Gunner is an author, painter, and jewelry designer. Her creativity and artistry appealed to Collins, who looks forward to using Gunner’s education and design skills to continue staging homes, offices, and other interior spaces.

“Fran brings so much to the table,” states Collins. “We are so excited for this union. She is an established artist in everything she does; this was a natural move for Flourishing Art Design Studio.”

Oleta will continue heading up Flourishing Art while Stage Right’s Gunner and Daniel Beer will lead the implementation and execution of their designs.

Sextant Winery Inspiration Shoot

February 11, 2020

We were thrilled to be part of this styled shoot at Sextant Winery. Our inspiration came from the location itself. From the lush greens to the vintage charm, everything turned out perfectly! Check out some of our favorite details below:

A big thank you to everyone that participated, and April & Co. Photography for all of these wonderful photos!

2020 International Wedding Trend Report

February 5, 2020

We couldn’t be more thrilled to announce that we’ve been featured in this year’s International Wedding Trend Report! Each year, The Wedding Academy compiles a beautifully designed report of global trends from industry experts all around the world. Flourishing Art has been named as a contributor in the floral category, and we wanted to share some of our included picks below.

Go Bold or Go Home

Couples are returning to the ‘wow’ factor this year by including a wealth of vibrant shades into their wedding blooms. We’re seeing a lot of bright green, oranges, bold reds, rich blues and purples.

As of late, we’ve been working with a lot of wine and burgundy hues, but we’re excited to see classic red making a comeback. The combination of these colors together makes for a marbled, exquisite pairing that piles on the drama.

Elegant Textures

Following the dramatic route, we’ll expect to see more utilization of modern metals in couples’ floral designs, whether they be glittering accents or muted matte elements. The bigger, the better here – there’s no longer too much texture to be had! Dried and preserved florals incorporated with fresh blossoms is also the new trending juxtaposition that’s all the rage for 2020.

Cascading Bouquets

Long, daring bridal bouquets are here! Cascades and cressets are emerging, although the free-form style has been in for quite a few years. With this, we’ll see more draping greenery and accent flowers that will elevate what will be showcased during the ceremony.

Flourishing Art in the News: January Press Roundup

January 23, 2020

We are so excited to share some of our recent press features! We’ve got everything from wedding tips to trends and taking your business to the next level. Check it all out below:

SheFinds

We shared our thoughts on what floral trend will be big in 2020 with SheFinds. Spoiler alert! It’s cascading bouquets with an unkempt look.

WIPA

Taking your business to an international level is no small decision. If you’re not sure that it’s the right time, take a look at our article on WIPA to help you make a more informed decision!

SheFinds

We’re on SheFinds with one of the most common regrets we find our clients make when planning their wedding. Not having their planner present when booking the location(s). This is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in the planning process and having someone who knows the right questions to ask and necessary logistics will make a big difference.

Your Floral Timeline

January 10, 2020

Engagement season is upon us! For couples that are just starting to think about planning their wedding, we’ve got the intel on when and how you should start thinking about your florals.

When to Book

Don’t wait on choosing your florist! You’ll want to have them booked early on so that you can be sure you’re choosing a wedding date with flowers that are in season. The last thing you’ll want is to book your wedding for November when you’ve always dreamed of a bridal bouquet full of peonies, which already bloomed in the spring.

Photographer: Cecily Breeding Creative

When to Finalize

Everything should be set in stone by two weeks ahead of the wedding. Remember that centerpieces and other arrangements are simple to add, but you can’t put flowers back in the ground once they’ve been pulled.

Photographer: J. Michelle Photography

What to Bring

When finalizing your florals be sure that you also have the timeline set from your planner and photographer so that the florist can be sure the arrangements and bouquets are in the right place at the right time. Also, be sure you’ve included contact information for your planner and the venue to prevent issues with getting in to the space and getting everything set up.

A good rule of thumb is that it’s never too soon to book! The more time you give yourself and your vendors, the smoother your experience will (hopefully) be!