Sandra Meyer of Petals Galore

Coffee Talk with Sandra Meyer of Petals Galore

Sandra Meyer, owner of Petals Galore, is no stranger to the wedding community. Her permanent and fresh botanicals have been an integral part of many beautiful local weddings. Based in St. Charles, Sandra is committed to excellence in design and customer service. In addition to her beautiful new web site, www.petalsgalore.com, Sandra has expanded her designer collections and added some great new services to her portfolio. We had the pleasure of interviewing Sandra during coffee talk.

WC: How did you get started in floral design?

SM: I got started 15 years ago when I did a design for my mother as a Christmas gift. Next thing I knew, friends and family started requesting that I do arrangements for their homes, holidays, and weddings. Within a short time, floral design was my only passion!

WC: What are some of your favorite aspects about working with flowers?

SM: I love the fact that you can take such simple items from nature and turn them into an exquisite piece of floral art. The possibilities are endless. In fact, you hardly ever repeat the same design twice. As a floral designer, I've never experienced on-the-job boredom because each design brings its own challenges and complexities.

WC: Do you prefer working with permanent botanicals or fresh? Why?

SM: I enjoy working with both and you won't hear many designers say that. I appreciate both, because they each have a place in design work. Since I am AIFD trained, I am equally skilled in both permanents and botanicals. Wedding work, though, is at the discretion of the bride, not the designer. I have done weddings in which we used all permanents, all fresh, or combinations of both. Each is equally beautiful. Permanents are great for the allergy sufferer or for those brides who would like a permanent keepsake. Fresh flowers are beautiful and at the moment, the current trend. For the bride using fresh flowers, I always stress the importance of floral preservation. Everyone wants some sort of floral remembrance from their wedding day.

WC: In addition to developing a new web site, you have recently added wedding consulting and design to your list of services. Why do you feel that these services were necessary for your portfolio?

SM: I was doing it anyway, so I just gave it an official title. It seems only natural that the person who is carrying out the bride's vision continue the process throughout the entire wedding. I have restauranteurs, bakers, and photographers look at me in amazement: they've never seen a florist who is so involved in all the details, ensuring that the wedding runs smoothly. I feel that's my job if the bride would like me to do it.

WC: What advice can you offer a bride that is looking to hire a florist for her wedding?

SM: First rule: Don't speak to just anyone. Always speak to the person who will design your wedding. You must be assured that the designer understands your desires. Also don't be upset if a florist does not have a large portfolio to view. Look at current samples of work on hand. Being able to hold and touch a sample does more than viewing a photograph.

WC: What is the most common misconception brides tend to have regarding flowers?

SM: Sometimes they believe that every flower is available all year long. Flowers are seasonal, unless of course you are interested in permanents. Flowers do need a water source to keep them looking their best. Some brides are surprised how fast some varieties wilt or how fragile others may be.

WC: Which type of fresh flowers are your favorite to work with when it comes to wedding design?

SM: My first love is roses. They are so beautiful. My second love is everything else!

WC: Do you strictly work in the St. Charles area?

SM: Of course not, I service the entire St. Louis / St. Charles Metropolitan area. I can serve other areas as well, but the client will be direct-billed for those travel expenses. I am an exclusive designer that works by private appointment only.

WC: Other than weddings, what other services do you offer?

SM: I design for residential homes and commercial businesses. In fact, I have a large commercial account right now. You never know, you may be in a store or home where the florals where designed by Petals Galore!

Read other interviews at the Club Cafe.