Florist - Kimberly Sisti
- Business: SISTI & CO
- Location: San Diego, California CA
- Experience: 8 Years
- Profile: SISTI & CO
- Website: sisti.co
1. Introduction: What's your story?
Ancient history professor hopeful turned wedding planner and florist, my story is influenced by the classical teachings of philosophers, playwrights, authors, and poets of civilizations past. My passion and research in identifying the female narrative from previous centuries have fueled my need to return those goddesses into the fabric of modernity. Whether a product of mythology or once a living human being, I am always on the search for the women that live on in our dreams, ancient tomes, and religious literature. Through their stories, I am able to connect today's females with their ancient predecessors and offer a refined sense of purpose, beauty, originality, and pride in being unabashedly feminine.
I come from a family deeply rooted in storytelling. My Great Uncle Tony was a professor of painting, accomplished boxer, and world traveler with Ernest Hemingway. My father, Michael was a wedding photographer in my hometown of Buffalo, NY. It was impressed upon me at a very early age to find the art in every little moment, no matter how insignificant. And now, as a wedding planner and florist, I get to focus on all of these moments for my Bride's rite of passage into the world of marriage.
2. What's your experience as a wedding florist business? How many weddings are in there in your portfolio?
I originally began in the wedding world as a planner, but it wasn't long after I get entrenched in logistics and planning that I realized the "art", my purpose, my goddess was missing. I decided to go back to school and learn floristry as a way to tell my Bride's stories and contribute to my inner need for all things beautiful. I threw myself right into the fold of offering planning alongside floristry, and that is what I still offer today. My signature look is refined, classic, and simple. Right now I have about 160 weddings in my portfolio, and each one is truly an expression of myself and my clients.
3. How far in advance do couples need to secure your services?
Traditionally, couples needed to decide on a florist at the six to eight month mark. However, with Covid and it's aftermath it has become increasingly apparent that more than a year is ideal. I do enjoy taking on last minute events, and many of these have been incredibly fulfilling. I don't turn couples away if their wedding date is fastly approaching. If I connect with the Bride and Groom and they are inspired by work, then I am inspired to help create their story as well.
4. How do you price your floral arrangements? What are the different packages that you offer and which one is your most popular package?
Many florists have a tendency to underprice themselves for fear of rejection. I was in that boat for many years, and then finally I grew out of it. I was comfortable enough with my skills and who I was as a person and my pricing reflects that. I am certainly not the most expensive florist out there, but I am also not bargainous. My wedding collections have a minimum investment of $7,000. I also offer à la carte services as well, which is priced out depending on the client, their needs, seasonality of flowers, etc.
5. How many meetings will you have with the couple, and how will they be involved?
Traditionally I have two to three in-depth conversations with my clients. The first meeting at the beginning is to establish needs, identify personalities, and see if we work well together. After listening to my client's hopes and dreams (florally speaking) I then take their inspiration pictures and translate them so to speak, into my language of the modern goddess. From here we sketch out the possibilities and pricing. If the client likes what I'm suggesting we move forward to the contract. After signing I give the couple a little time to relax, and then slowly work into designing what we started with from the initial conversation, and refining it. Nearing the big day we finalize with a third conversation to make sure we are all on the same page.
6. Who else is in your team and how many people on your staff will be at the wedding?
I currently have three other members of my team that work with me. The number of people I bring onto my team for a wedding day completely depends on what is being asked of me, I don't have a hard and fast rule about required staffing.
7. How would you describe your design style? (e.g. traditional, modern, rustic, organic)
My style is classic, organic and refined. I choose to use precious flowers and botanicals. Since I also live in San Diego I am very fortunate to have quite a selection of local blooms as well for me to select from.
8. Who will handle setup and delivery? What other services do you offer?
Setup and delivery is always handled by me, the same for cleanup/strike. Because I am also a wedding planner I offer design services that often go beyond the scope of a traditional florist. This means that I'm incorporating linens, signage, flatware, lighting. I'm building out an experience for not only the client but also their guests. Wedding design pricing is commensurate with the desired aesthetic.
9. What happens to the flowers after the wedding?
After the wedding my flowers are usually taken out of their vessels and bundled for the guests to take home and enjoy.
10. What is your cancellation and/or refund policy?
I do not offer refunds, but I do understand that sometimes events must be cancelled. All monies up until the cancellation date are non-refundable. If a client chooses to rebook my services for another event at another time, the retainer they have paid goes directly towards the new project.
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