Question:

I don’t live near a large flower market where I can hand pick my flowers from a large selection. Can you recommend a reliable flower source who ships? (submitted by a reader in Texas)

Answers:

“Befriend your closest wholesaler, or 2 or 3 who should be able to send you weekly lists of what they are bringing in. If you work with them overtime, they can get a sense of what kinds of things you are looking for and pick those off the auction for you. Do research online about what flowers you want. For example, my wholesaler doesn’t typically provide astrantia or certain kinds of roses but I’ve been working with them to get it in…sharing photos, colors, etc. It helps if there are other designers who may also want that same product so the wholesaler knows they can move their product.

There are many EXCELLENT wholesalers in California who ship across the country. Do some research into wholesalers in San Francisco or LA,  for example.

Also, get to know any growers in your area. This may take extra time but could be worth it  – sometimes it’s that one special flower, vine, etc. that you can get only from a local grower that is all you need to take a bouquet from beautiful to drop dead stunning.”

– Clare Day (Clare Monica Day)

“I did a wedding in Texas and all of the flowers came from Florabundance and they are based in California. I am also enjoying product from Mayesh. The danger with this type of ordering is the unreliability of Fed Ex. If you can pick the flowers up at the airport it seems to be considerably safer.”

-Holly Chapple (Holly Heider Chapple Flowers)

“I know of at least two flower wholesalers at the SF Market that ship – Brannan St. and Torchio Nursery. Both have a wonderful selection and carry a lot of locally grown product in addition to imports. Whoever you decide to go with I would suggest getting to know them well and establish a harmonious working relationship. And most importantly, let them know that you have really high standards and will not accept bruised or old flowers. Be as specific as you can be. Maybe you
could send pictures of your designs or a link to your website, so they have a sense of who you are.”

-Susan Donley (Florali)

“There are many huge floral wholesalers to pick from, but I recommend finding the closest to you if you’re having goods shipped.  I recently started buying from Mayesh down in LA [they have locations across America!] and they have a great selection and have never let me down.  I’m up in Oregon, and the sun has been shy around here, so our local product just isn’t up to par at times… getting it from my neighbor from the South isn’t too far, and Mayesh does a good job of packing the product and I can have it at my doorstep same day.  Just take shipping time into consideration, because we’re dealing with perishables here, and the last thing you want is dead product!”

Liz Rusnac (Fleur:ology)

“In Europe (I don’t know if you have them in the US) we have the Dutch trucks that drive around to flower shops in cities, towns and villages. The trucks are loaded with flowers – a mini-market that comes to your door step! They can be real savers if you are located far away from a flower market.”

Emelie Ekborg (Svenska Blomsterbloggar)

“I work with Florabundance out of the Santa Barbara region of California. They buy a lot of locally grown field flowers and offer a large variety of flowers -including the amazing dahlia Cafe Au Lait! I also love their garden roses. I’ve also ordered a few times from Mayesh and have been very happy with the product. I hear Brannan Street from SF flower market ships but I’ve never ordered from them. I used to ship them when I lived in San Francisco, gorgeous product.”

-Alicia Schwede (Bella Fiori)

“When looking for a wholesale floral supplier it’s important to not only find a supplier who is sending a high quality product, but also finding a salesperson who will listen to your needs  and understands your style. You need someone you can trust to be your eyes in choosing the right blooms for your event. Mayesh Wholesale Flowers is an excellent source. They use high quality blooms, have a huge variety and excellent customer service. I have had an amazing experience with them. They ship via airlines and FedEx. One important thing to keep in mind is that you must factor in the cost of shipping into your flower expenses when using a supplier who is not local.”

-Elisabeth Zemetis (Blush Floral Design)

Thanks so much Elisabeth, Alicia, Emelie, Liz, Susan, Holly and Clare. We all appreciate your advice!

Miss Session One with the Expert Panel? Click here to read it now.