"I have now visited the Netherlands three times; always for business, but of course there is always such pleasure in being in a country that celebrates all things floral. One thing that makes an impression on me each time is is the quality and reliabilityof Holland product. It is essential in my business that everything be perfect, when it comes to satisfying discriminating customers.

No mistakes

This means that we cannot afford to make mistakes. The flowers we use must be of the very best quality. With many of our clients we discuss the wedding up to six months in advance. If, at that time, you show samples of specific flowers, it is essential that we should be able to supply the same quality, size and color six months later. Flowers are an important part of my life. My father owns a garden center and landscape business, so I have been brought up on flowers and plants. One of my first jobs was in a flower shop.

Word of mouth advertising

Competition in this sector is huge. You are only as good as your last order. If anything goes wrong the effects can be devastating. People like to talk and in our business we know for a fact that around 90% of our orders come through word of mouth advertising. Most of our business comes as a direct result of satisfied customers. Last year we got at least three contract orders because the sister of the bride admired our work so much that she wanted us to handle the flowers for her wedding as well. Naturally, we were honored by this but it also shows just how vulnerable we are.

No risks

When it comes to our products we take no risks. We work with top flowers such as the lilies, tulips, hydrangea and roses that are available from Dutch growers. The two wholesalers here stock many of Dutch flowers. Obviously the exchange rate of the dollar makes these flowers expensive right now but they are worth it to me. I would rather pay more to have the assurance that everything will be perfect. Receiving the right flowers, the desired quality and the exact color required is extremely vaulable to me. Sometimes we are involved with creating the props for a wedding up to six months prior to the big day. Of course the flowers do not arrive until the very last moment. We can afford to take no risks.

Party time

Americans celebrate on a grand scale.  Weddings can be like a theatrical production. It's often the couple's first chance to entertain and show their personal style to their friends and family. Flowers are an important visual part of this show. The event organizers provide delicious food and fantastic music but the flowers are the icing on top of the cake. In this business you have to be prepared to work really hard and to sacrifice weekends and vacations. This is more than made up for by the satisfying results and, of course, nothing beats making people happy."