How long have you been in business?

I have been doing flowers and design for as long as I can remember but officially started my own business in 2009. Previously I did several of my friend’s weddings and freelanced at several events companies in their floral department. Prior to flowers I worked as an architect/interior designer for eight years. 

 

What is event design?

Event design is a service to help you develop the overall concept and look of your event. This includes determining the colors, flowers and other decor elements that bring your unique vision to life.  How it works is we have design consultations and presentations throughout the planning process.  Then my staff and I bring it all together for the big day. 

 

Where did you receive your training?

I am self-taught in the world of flowers and have several years experience as an interior designer and architect. 

 

How many other weddings or events will you schedule on the same day?

None, I like to focus one wedding a day to ensure the highest quality of service and design.

 

Will you be doing my arrangements yourself or would it be another floral designer?

Yes, I will be personally designing all your flowers. 

 

What design styles (e.g. ikebana, traditional, modern, trendy, European, Oriental) do you work in?

I do most styles and am always willing to experiment. My personal style gravitates towards modern and European.

 

Do you offer specific packages or is everything customized

I do have a base package and a minimum of $1500 for weddings and other large events. I also have "a la carte" items available for pick up. 

 

Can you provide me with 3–4 recent brides that I can contact for references?

Yes I can.

 

Is there a difference in price if I use one type of flower vs. a mixed arrangement or bouquet?

Price is dependent on several factors. The type of flower is only one factor that goes into the pricing. Your arrangements can be one type of flower but in a very complex structure or a variety of flowers in a very simple arrangement which can have an affect on the price.  Price also accounts for the creative vision I bring to designing your flowers as well as the ability to select the best blooms. 

If I request it, can you provide any organic, pesticide-free or sustainable grown varieties?

This is a cornerstone of my business. I provide organic, veriflora certified and blooms from local farms. My aim is to be sustainable but also to support the local community of growers. Did you know that 80% of flowers are imported? A majority of those flowers are from South America or Africa. 

 

What are the different kinds of wraps (called “collars” in florist-speak) you can do for my bouquet?

I can do many different styles.

 

What about coordinating boutonnières, bridesmaid flowers, and centerpieces? Can you suggest anything special to coordinate with the theme/venue/season of my event?

Of course, we provide design guidance as part of our service. Our service is not only creating beautiful flowers but making sure that they all coordinate with one another and the overall look and feel or your event.

 

What other décor can you provide (aisle runner, candelabra, trees, arches, votive, mirrors, etc.)? How will these items affect the overall cost?

I provide event design services which would include flowers and other decor items that can be bought outright or for a rental fee. In addition this service includes design consultations to help you develop your concept, decor elements and all the details that bring it all together. 

 

If I provide you with a picture of a bouquet and/or arrangement that I like, can you recreate it?

Yes, I can but I prefer to use it more for inspiration and not copy it completely. When you hire Madeline Trait, you are also hiring a highly experienced artist and designer.

 

Do you have photos or live examples of florals designed in the style I want?

I most likely do and if not I will be able to show you something similar.

 

Will you work with my cake designer if I decide to add flowers to my wedding cake? If so, is there an additional setup fee for this?

Yes, I have collaborated with many bakers/cake designers. It is an additional fee that is dependent on the flowers, complexity of the design and set-up.

 

How far in advance of the wedding will you create the bouquets and arrangements, and how are they stored?

I create them two to three days before the event. I then store them in a cool dark place or refrigerator depending on the weather conditions during that time.

 

Can you assist me in the preservation of my bouquet after the wedding? If not, can you recommend someone?

I have a unique service where I dry the flowers from your bouquet or use the same type of flower used at your wedding to create a one of kind art piece to commemorate your special day.

 

Do you charge a delivery fee?

Yes, it is dependent on the location of your event.

 

Do you have an extra charge for the setup and breakdown of the flower décor?

Yes. I prefer to set up the flowers and décor to make sure it is to your specifications.

 

Is there an extra fee if I need you to stay throughout the ceremony to move arrangements to the reception site?

Yes, there is an hourly rate for myself or for one of my assistants to stay on location.

 

How far in advance do I need to secure your services?

The sooner the better but typically it is 9 to 6 months before your event. The sooner I am hired the more effective I can be with the concept and overall design of your event. 

 

Will you provide me with an itemized list of all the elements we’ve discussed, along with prices?

Yes, after an in person consultation I provide a detailed/itemized quote.

 

When can I expect to receive my contract from you?

After an in person consultation, I will send a contract.

 

What is your refund policy if for some reason I need to cancel my order?

It is outlined in my contract and is dependent on your particular situation.