Q: Are your arrangements all silk?
A: All designs feature a mix of silk and Real Touch flowers. I often hear from my brides that they cannot believe these stunning flowers are actually silk, and I continue to pride my business on this ability to provide my couples with arrangements that offer the versatility and durability of silk flowers combined with the realistic appearance of fresh flowers. (After all, I've never met anyone who doesn't appreciate the beauty of real flowers!)
Q: Why should I choose silk flowers?
A: More brides are choosing silk flowers to achieve the look of fresh flowers without the hassle that often accompanies them. Silk flowers
- will not droop or fade like fresh flowers thanks to their durability that allows for a beautiful keepsake,
- can be created months in advance, minimizing stress on your wedding day and ensuring that your wedding flowers are exactly what you envisioned,
- make a great choice for couples and bridal party members with allergies,
- offer unlimited possibilities since silks are not limited to the seasonal availability of fresh flowers,
- are ideal for destination weddings since they travel/ship well, withstand the heat and humidity of tropical/beach environments, and do not pose problems with customs or policies (if you're getting married outside the U.S.), and
- are preferred by photographers as they can be ready at a moment's notice eliminating the stress associated with having to keep them out of the sun or direct sunlight, common concerns associated with choosing live flowers for your wedding.
Q: Can you create whatever arrangements and flowers I want?
A: Yes, I can incorporate your desired colors, flowers, themes, etc. for floral designs that are uniquely you! I will not, however, directly copy or replicate another florist's design. I believe in innovation, not imitation. Every arrangement is custom-designed specifically for that wedding/event, so no one but you will have your flowers!
Q: Can I get any flower I want in Real Touch?
A: Not all flowers or colors are available in Real Touch. Susan will discuss at your consultation your options for silk versus Real Touch and the variety of flowers available for each. I have found that the combination of quality silk and Real Touch flowers lend the most realistic appearance to your flowers. In fact, using too many Real Touch or all Real Touch can actually have the opposite effect by creating florals that appear too perfect or "plastic-looking."
Q: Do you do rentals of centerpieces, decor items, pedestals, linens, swags, etc.?
A: I do not offer rentals as our couples desire personalized, unique designs, not a "one-size-fits-all," cookie-cutter look. Every arrangement is custom designed for purchase by my couples, from wedding party flowers to ceremony florals to reception decor.
Q: How soon do I need to book my florist?
A: I recommend booking your florist no later than 4-6 months from your wedding date, but welcome you to book as soon as you've set your wedding/event date, ASAP if you're tying the knot during peak season. While All Occasion Silk Creations can accommodate rush orders, you will encounter an additional fee for orders booked four months or sooner from your wedding.
Q: How can I get an idea of the cost of my wedding flowers?
A: Just like my couples, each floral design is different and unique. Since prices can vary depending on arrangement size, type of flowers requested, how many flowers are used, and how ornate the arrangement is, the best way to get an estimate is to review our Investment page and submit a pre-consultation form. Please provide as many details as possible so that I can provide you with the most accurate quote at your complimentary consultation. In general, however, you should expect to invest a minimum of $500 on your wedding flowers when working with All Occasion Silk Creations.
In the greater Pittsburgh area, most couples spend an average of between $700 and $2,500 on a variety of flowers, including bouquets, boutonnieres and corsages, and ceremony and reception decor. During the initial planning stages, you should understand that your wedding flowers typically comprise between 8-10% of your total wedding budget. While this will vary, this is a good starting place to begin allocating money toward your flowers.
Q: How do I ensure I can book my date?
All weddings and events are booked first come, first served. All Occasion Silk Creations WILL NOT hold a date without a signed contract and a non-refundable retainer. Verbal interest in booking does NOT constitute a reason for All Occasion Silk Creations to hold a date. Quoted price date provided on your consultation quote does not mean All Occasion Silk Creations will hold your date up until that point, rather that the quoted price is valid until then.
Q: How soon can I expect to receive a response to my inquiry or e-mail?
A: I aim to answer all e-mails and phone calls within 24 hours. If you are expecting an e-mail response, be sure to check your spam/junk folder or Gmail's Promotions or Updates tab. If you do not hear back from me within 24 hours, please reach out to us again directly by emailing susan@all-occasion-silk.com or calling (862) 294-3112.
Q: Do you have a price list?
A: Every event is unique and customized to each clients' needs, but you should expect to invest a minimum of $500 on your All Occasion Silk Creations flowers. Specifics on pricing are covered during your consultation as I cannot accurately discuss cost without first meeting or speaking with you.
Q: Are silk flowers really less expensive than live flowers?
A: They certainly are! In general, you can expect to pay about half of what you would pay for live flowers for your wedding. (On average, plan to allocate 8-10% of your total budget for flowers.) As an experienced floral designer, I can offer suggestions for your flowers without sacrificing the look you desire. Cost alone should never be your only deciding factor in choosing your silk florist.
Q: What justifies the cost?
A: With more realistic-looking flowers, you can expect only the best regarding the material and construction of each flower. All Occasion Silk Creations' flowers feature fuller (and more) petals, realistic shapes and touch, and the highest-quality construction and far exceed the quality and craftsmanship of cheaper craft store or dollar store flowers. As the saying goes, "You get what you pay for!"
Q: How do I set up a consultation or book you for my wedding?
A: I ask that all couples submit a pre-consultation form. I will respond to your inquiry (typically within 24 hours) with the next steps.
Your wedding date is considered booked when I receive your non-refundable retainer and signed contract. All quoted prices are guaranteed or "locked in" once I receive these. Prices are subject to change without a signed contract and non-refundable retainer; your date will not be held with just verbal interest and is not reserved without these.
Q: What if I cancel or reschedule my wedding/event? Do I get a refund?
A: No. All Occasion Silk Creations is not responsible for canceled or rescheduled weddings, events, etc. Your flowers are a custom order therefore all payments are been used toward materials and labor. If you wish to resell your flowers on eBay, wedding consignment sales, etc., this may be your best option to recover your money.
Q: Will I get to see my flowers prior to my wedding?
A: Absolutely! I prefer to have all of our couples’ flowers completely finished at least 2-3 weeks prior to their wedding date. This is one of the ways in which I can help minimize stress on my couples’ wedding day. How nice it is to have the security of knowing that your flowers are designed to exceed your expectations well in advance of your walk down the aisle!
Q: Can you provide samples of my bouquet, centerpieces, or flowers?
A: I do not provide samples, including individual flowers that will be used in your designs. I also cannot start work on any floral designs without a signed contract and a non-refundable retainer.
Q: What sets your silk flowers apart from those of Internet-shipping florists and craft store flowers?
A: I deliver on both quality and service, not just price. The attention to detail and the realistic quality of my work are what set All Occasion Silk Creations apart from other silk florists. One of the best compliments I hear is that people cannot believe these flowers are actually silk! That's because I only use flowers that I am proud to put my name on, which include the highest-quality, most realistic-looking artificial flowers. I want you to see for yourself why so many brides say, "Wait--these are silk?!"