The Flower Girl Company: 10 Questions with Kate Masiak

Florist - Kate Masiak

Business: The Flower Girl Company
Location: Chicago, Illinois IL
Experience: 5 Years
Profile: The Flower Girl Company
Website: www.theflowergirlcompany.com

1. Introduction: What's your story?

Hi I'm Kate Masiak and I'm the owner and lead floral designer at The Flower Girl Company, which I started in Fall of 2016.

I've always had a love for flowers. I love walking through blooming gardens, gifting flowers to my friends, and bringing flowers arrangements into my own home.
My maternal grandmother also loved flower arranging. I even have some of her tools, like a pin frog, from the 1960's! I'm sure she'd be incredibly proud of me today.

I was working as an account executive at a commercial real estate firm, and I just wasn't sure what I wanted from my life and career. I definitely wasn't fulfilled. It never occurred to me that flowers could be my passion and my career until my spouse brought up the idea to me. Honestly, in that moment the thought of it just "felt right". Everyone I would mention the idea to anyone, they reinforced that is just seemed to fit me.

I was lucky enough to have some friends on the verge of planning weddings who put their faith and trust in me when it came to their floral design. 250 weddings later I cannot believe how far my little business has come.

I love playing with flowers. I love events and working with my clients to make sure the floral details are perfect. I love the chaos of day of set ups and room flips. I love seeing my clients' faces when they see their bouquets, arches, and reception florals. This industry truly brings me joy.

2. What's your experience as a wedding florist business? How many weddings are in there in your portfolio?

I've designed over 250 weddings in the last 5 and a half years. Additionally, I often help out other florists in the area when they are in need of assistance. I have a degree and background in professional theatre, so I have lots of experience with large events, behind the scenes set up and day of logistics.
While the business is primarily located in Chicago, The Flower Girl Company has traveled as well. I've designed weddings in Wisconsin, Iowa, Indiana, North Carolina, and Florida. In Fall 2022 we will be working in Maryland!

3. How far in advance do couples need to secure your services?

Once you have your date and venue secure, you should book your florist as soon as possible. That being said, 12 months out is a comfortable place to be. It's best to come to a florist with an idea of guest count, bridal party size, and a vague design vision. That way they can start a design with a base idea of your needs.

4. How do you price your floral arrangements? What are the different packages that you offer and which one is your most popular package?

We actually don't offer packages! As a small boutique floral design studio, I believe strongly in customized personal design. Every wedding is different, so every proposal is different. I discuss with my couples their needs and wants, the specifics of their venue, etc and put together a totally customized proposal and design. I pride myself on trying to accommodate every couple and budget. Just because a couple chooses to have a small wedding doesn't mean they shouldn't have the flowers of their dreams! Pricing also depends on style, size, and design. This is why it's important to talk to your florist about your initial general vision.

5. How many meetings will you have with the couple, and how will they be involved?

Our process starts with a questionnaire and from there I build a preliminary proposal. This is so the client and I can have a common reference point during our first consultation phone call. During our first call we discuss design vision, details of the day, and I get a general feel for the client and what they are looking for. It's important to get to know people! After that I am able to build out a full proposal and design visual, catered exactly to the client. Once our contract is signed, I'm open to as many or as few meetings as the client prefers. As I said earlier, I know every wedding is different, just like every client is different. Some want in person meetings regularly, some are happy to just email me some photos. I'm happy to accommodate everyone. At the very least we will have a final consultation to go over all the designs and details about 5-6 weeks before the wedding.

6. Who else is in your team and how many people on your staff will be at the wedding?

As a boutique design studio, I'm a one woman show! When needed I hire freelancers to help with design or day of set up. Typically on wedding days it will be me and one other person for load in and setup, room flip (if necessary) and late night pick up.

7. How would you describe your design style? (e.g. traditional, modern, rustic, organic)

My style is lush and romantic with a modern touch. I love nothing more than a fully bloomed English garden sprawling with roses and greenery. I am drawn to designs that are full and whimsical. I believe that floral design should be an organic process. Flowers are living things and often times it's about finding the right flower to fit in the design. All that being said, nothing is more important than designing to fit the client's vision.

8. Who will handle setup and delivery? What other services do you offer?

As I said before, I'm a one woman show! I will be on site delivering your personals (bouquets, boutonnieres, etc) to the suite in the morning and then on site setting up the ceremony and reception later in the day. My favorite part of wedding day is delivering the bridal bouquet. There is always so much excitement, hugging and happy tears. After many months of planning, the bride finally gets her first glimpse of how it all came together.
It's also important to note that I don't just drop centerpieces and leave. The entire tablescape is important to me and I spend time walking the entire space making sure the votives, greenery, centerpieces, table numbers, etc on each table are perfect.

9. What happens to the flowers after the wedding?

Florals are available to the clients and guests after the wedding! I do my best to make sure that florals are easily accessible to take, even if they are in rented items. I go over extensively with my clients what can be taken home, used at a day after brunch, etc. Any florals that are left are property disposed of and composted whenever possible.

10. What is your cancellation and/or refund policy?

Our cancellation policy is listed on our contract, which I always review in detail with the clients before signing. Deposits are always non refundable. Because of the COVID pandemic, we had to add some language in regards to postponements, etc. I strive to always be transparent and make things as easy as possible for the client.