Vendor Profile | Sweet Violets

If you’ve ever been downtown Guelph, you’ve probably noticed this little shop on the corner of MacDonell and Wilson Street.  The first time I ever walked by, I thought Sweet Violets was the smallest and most beautiful flower shop I’d ever seen.  It turns out, they actually have quite a large space, it just looks small from the window.  Sweet Violets is enchanting and definitely one of my favourite shops in Guelph.  It’s one of the many things that I think makes downtown Guelph such a beautiful place.  (I’m so lucky to live so close by!)  The women in the shop were gracious enough to answer a few questions I think couples should know about when they’re thinking of flowers for their wedding.  Their work is beautiful and if you’re getting married around the Guelph area, I highly recommend contacting them.  If you’re thinking of sending flowers this Valentines day, you should definitely give them a call.  Their approach to flowers is super fresh and fabulous!

1.  How long before the wedding should the florist be booked?

Every florist requests a different time line. At Sweet Violets we have a more relaxed approach to weddings. We begin to meet brides in the New Year leading up to their wedding. For example we will meet with a June 2012 In January 2012. We find this gives us plenty of time to come up with fresh ideas, quote and finalize all of the brides wedding details.

2.  What’s the biggest benefit to hiring a professional?

There are major benefits to hiring a florist for your wedding. First and foremost they will ensure the highest quality product and design for the wedding day. Florists have a very close relationship with their suppliers. We know weeks in advance when the product will arrive and what the quality is projected to be. If by chance a brides flowers arrive and they are not up to our standards we have many routes to take to ensure the product can and will be replaced. Something else to consider when deciding between DIY or a professional florist is weather. Not many people have the proper refrigeration to store such a large and expensive array of flowers. The majority of weddings in Canada do take place during the summer months. Heat/humidity and flowers do not mix.

3.  What is the most important question you think a potential client should be asking their florist?

The most important question a bride can ask a florist.: do you have an updated portfolio? This allows the bride to get an idea of the style and techniques the florist can provide.

4.  What’s something most clients are surprised by when they’re hiring their florist?

I think the biggest surprise a bride can expect from hiring a florist is the cost. In my experience the quote is never as much as they expect. Bride/groom must remember to weigh the pros and cons of hiring a professional.

Sweet Violets is located at 38 Wilson Street, Guelph, Ontario.

phone: 519.767.1815