Flower help in New Orleans!

bedagi

Hi ladies;

I'm an out of town bride getting married in October and I'm currently trying to work out my flower situation.

Question 1: Does anyone know of a market or place I can go a few days before to purchase my own flowers to make my own arrangements? (I may make my own boutineeres, or corsages, maybe even centerpieces).

Question 2: Has anyone worked with or know someone who has worked with Les Deux Soeur, Beth's Flowers, North Custom Floral Designs and Mitch's Flowers? I've given some of these places my budget, most of them say they can probably stay inside it after looking at my reference photos, but one that said they could stay inside it then came back with a quote that was $350 over my budget. From what I understand, the flowers I've seleced are pretty cheap.

I don't mind using a florist and paying them what they're worth, but I also want to make sure I get a good deal, and have someone who will do a good job. Any suggestions?

louisianablue

I think you'd probably have to order from Sam's Club, FiftyFlowers or something like that.  There isn't a flower market in New Orleans like in other cities.

I don't have any experience with those florists, but you may want to check out someone like Christina O'Malley or Erin Steen who work out of their home.  It might be a little cheaper.

saintsgurl

We have a two whole foods in the area. They do arrangements as well as let you purchase flowers by the bulk.

amberjo80

I'm not sure of what your budget is and if they would fit but Bella Blooms does a fantastic job!

AlmostMrsStrong

Not sure of your budget, but I'm going with Artistic Designs Flower Shoppe, and their prices are amazing. They are a little ways out of New Orleans, but I'm pretty sure they will come into the city.

jap5053

Does the Artistic Designs Flower Shoppe have a Facebook or anything showing their work?

ZeroOrchestra

We used Crystal Vase in Metarie. She was very reasonable and delivered into the city no problem.

[Deleted User]

I cosign that whole foods suggestion and you should also consider rouses supermarket. It's locally owned and I've ordered flowers for my mother at the one in downtown. I believe there is a location on tchoupitoulas that a previous bride raved about on this board. I am personally using christina omalley and she is working within my 1500 budget.

Brooke4377

I'm using Christina O'Malley as well, and she will work with any budget.  I could care less about flowers (just me) and my budget will probably be $600 or less.  I am using solely hydrangea, and she gave me quotes of about $50 a piece for bouquets and $15 each for centerpieces (though I think her idea may be smaller than what I have in mind- no way it could be that cheap!) so I will have to clarify that!  I am not doing any church arrangements our bouts for the guys (making our own peacock ones) and I'm only doing flowers on half the tables, candelabras on the other half.  So really just about 6 tables, 5 bouquets and 3 nosegays for the mothers, stepmother.

MarcusandMelissa

We used Christina O'Malley as well and she worked with our budget no problem (which was $1200).  She and I went over specific flowers and colors we liked and she honored all our requests.  We even dropped off 75 milk glass vases at her house in Kenner a few days before the wedding so she could arrange our reception flowers in them.  She brought them to City Park and set them up with her assistant.  Everything was lovely!

bedagi

Thanks so much ladies,

I've heard a few people suggest Christina O'Malley, but I haven't been able to find any of her work online. Does anyone know where I could find some pics?

tigergirl7

I was going with Beth's Fowers but I talked to 2 brides that had problems with them. I personally didn't meet with them so I don't know personally. I ended up going with Christina O'Malley who if you email at christinaomalley@cox.net will send you pictures of her work. She is so nice and easy to work with and shes works with whatever you budget is. Just FYI shes out of town until August 6th.

[Deleted User]

http://jacquelinekay.com/blog/stephanie-scot-a-new-orleans-wedding/

I found this link of someone's wedding to show you christina o'malley's work.

bedagi

Awesome, thanks sooo much! That's great

And good to know about Beths; they were a little bit 'off' it seemed. I told them I was an out of town bride and gave them a date when I'd be in town to schedule a meeting, they scheduled it for the following weekend (when I clearly stated I would not be around). They fixed it, but seemed like already a lack of attention to detail.... />.< I appreciate the help!!