The meetings truly are endless, I get it. I really really do.

Between the cake tasting on Tuesday and the linen selections on Thursday, your brain will eventually come to a place where it squirms anytime someone mentions the idea of another meeting or another obligation to smile and look graceful (southern expectations for sure).

Can I let you in on a secret?

The floral meeting might just be the best one yet. You can wear your favorite yoga pants with the holes in them and if you rock hair that hasn't been washed in two days, I'm rooting for you because more than likely my hair is just the same. Meeting with your designer shouldn't feel like an interview, it should feel like a dream casting time. Before you meet with me (or another designer!), let's chat about my top ways to make that next line in your planner feel a lot more like time well spent.

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#1 Bring a few ideas, but not too many.

You took notes at your cousin's wedding, didn't you? You thought you wanted clean neutrals, but then you saw her blush bouquet and your heart strings were pulled in all directions. Or maybe your boho inspired Pinterest board suddenly morphed into boho-rustic-with a side of classy.

When it comes to design ideas, social media might as well be the all you can eat buffet. But I'm here to speak truth. And the truth is - you don't need a lot to go a long way. Established designers can take a few images and put them together for you. Do not stress your brain to put together a trendy mood board. We want to do that for you!

#2 Bring along one or two important people - but not your crew.

Everyone has different opinions, but the loudest voice designers want to hear in a consult is their bride's. At the end of the day, YOU will be the one carrying the bouquet and falling asleep next to the portrait of you and your man on the nightstand - not your aunt sally. Just like a bridal gown experience, you need trustworthy voices at your design meeting.

More importantly, discuss what you want with your meeting guests before the meeting. If they already have an idea of what you're going for, then they will be on board with what you say during the meeting. Full disclaimer: I love all family members, sistas, and childhood best friends - but speaking from experience, it's easier to map out your details with less voices to crowd your thoughts.

#3 Review their portfolio

Not every designer is the same. I repeat - not every designer is the same. You would never ask a taxi driver to fly a plane. Every designer is creative in their own way. Therefore, it's good to note if your designer tends to gravitate towards certain floral selections and styles. You'll notice in my own portfolio that I'm an organic designer - basically meaning I allow flowers to have their own varied movement. Tight, ball like shapes often put tension on the neck of the flower and take away from the natural movement God intended them to have. You'll also notice that I don't use typical flowers you see on Valentine posters. You won't see an obvious presence of baby's breath and red roses because I believe that a one-of-a-kind bride needs a floral selection that reflects just that. However, never be afraid to ask about something that you don't see! Many designers, myself included, are open to hearing what you love and hate.

#4 Have a number in mind - but be open to what the designer will say.

Ugh, I hate saying this, but it's true! Flowers are so gosh dern expensive and depending what kind of flowers you want and when you want them has a whole lot do with what the final number will look like. It's helpful to have a number in mind to stick to, but be open to your designer discussing the big picture of cost.

Something I'm really adamant with my brides on is necessity. What is something you truly want and what is something that is just southern tradition? More than likely, you are not going to hang a portrait of a roast beef line with a giant centerpiece in the middle of it on your wall. At least, I've never seen one framed and ready for viewing. After reading a quote, take time to prioritize what you really want. Just a small tweak here and there can help you redirect your budget in the best direction.

#5 This is the most important one yet. TRUST.

The statement, "I trust you", is the biggest gift you can give any vendor and especially your florist. We are artists at heart, and your wedding is our canvas. Our heart is for you - but we have to have trust to create our best work. That means be open to the fact that your bouquet won't look exactly like that picture you sent us - it will be better than that. Breathe easy in knowing that there is nothing more than I want than to cry with you when I hand that bouquet over. I want you to feel the biggest sense of relief in knowing this was one less detail you didn't have to lose sleep over. I am for you!

Sweet bride - you're pretty amazing, let's make this meeting amazing too.

Be brave,