Bridal Portraits - Flowers

[RobyMD]

So for those that shoot bridals do you normally supply the flowers or does the client? Also do you use real or fake flowers?

[shutterflypro]

The client normally supplies them. I do have a couple of bouquets for when they don't have them but I tell them to bring their own most of the time.

[photobykim]

I've done 2 bridals and I am often asked what is needed for the shoot, I remind them to bring their veils and flowers if they want them. I had one bride bring real flowers in a smaller mock up of how she wanted her real ones and the second bride did fake flowers of how she was going to do her real ones. So I just let them know that it's their responsibilty.

[adam7731]

i normally tell them to bring fake flowers and get a real one to throw for the wedding but to carry the fake ones.

1. the fake ones look better most of the time on film (digital)
2. the bride will have the fake ones for ever
3. the real ones can break or bleed on the dress.

after pointing some of that out to a bride they usually will buy some really nice silk flowers. unless the MOB has to have real. Not daughter of mine will have fake flowers. been there a few times too.

I do have a couple fake ones put together just in case the bride doesnt bring any...

[Holly]

Client supplies whatever they prefer (real/fake). If they don't want to use flowers at all...I'm fine with that also. Too many different tastes/color schemes out there to try to have silk ones on hand.

[AjP]

yup, agree with Holly, client gets what they want.. if they want flower.. fine with me, if not... this is thier bridal, my job is to provide pictures of what they have in mind :)

[adam7731]

your saying you get brides that know what they want. UFB
must just be in austin where brides have no idea of what they want for a bridal.

[mramos]

They always supply the flower. Most just go to local grocery store and get a nice little flower arrangement. They usually try to match the color of their real bouquet. I've done about 5 bridals, 4 real 1 fake.

[AjP]

Originally Posted by adam7731

your saying you get brides that know what they want. UFB
must just be in austin where brides have no idea of what they want for a bridal.

you know what I mean.. at least they have an idea what they would like...

[MyKey]

We hate and I mean HATE fake flowers so we are going to start offering a nice add-on to our bridal sessions for real flowers at a very good price through our official florist. Real flowers make a HUGE difference in the images.

[Elsaspet]

I agree with Mike. They look obviously fake. I have a handout that I give my brides about the various shoots. In the bridal section, I explain to them that they will absolutely need some sort of flowers.........but that they don't have to be expensive. They can very well be bunch of daisies they pick up at the grocery store on the way to the shoot. I carry green tape and ribbons, and I fix the flowers up for them if need be. I think Mike's idea is great though.

[adam7731]

yes some fake ones are really bad.. we have all seen that. but there are some really good ones out there that if the bride wants something to keep forever she can get her bridals and the wedding out of them. the good fakes are going to cost probably more than buying flowers for the bridal and wedding.

we work with a florist here in austin that runs the floral program at ACC.... she makes some bouquets fake/real for a great price. she made our fakes that would have cost us over 200.

Mike that's a good idea to add on the flowers. We have a Make up and hair artist so we might as well add the flowers too...

Brides are funny people at first they say ," we dont need the MUA", and then two day later we get a call back and the client wants to add the MUA after thinking about it she see's that it will help with time and cost. I can give them a MUA for a lot less than what it cost to go to the salon.

We have signed with a nail salan to offer pedicures and manicures on location too. waiting to see how that goes. This first bride loves the idea because she and all her girl friends can get together and get the nails and all that done at the hotel and dont have to worry about leaving or driving across town to get nails and hair done....