Q: What do you do currently (like your job description)?

I am a studio-based florist specializing in weddings, corporate and nonprofit events and elopements

Q: How did you get involved in working in the wedding industry?

I was raised in a family of only daughters, so I had a very feminine household. We did lots of coloring, painting, designing, and other creative work making beautiful things. My grandmother was a florist, and I picked up the skill as a hobby in high school and college. After college, I decided to give floral work a try and started my own business! That was back in 2016, and I’ve been loving this work ever since!

Q: What’s the most important thing a bride should consider when choosing her floral designer?

In Northwest Arkansas, there are so many talented florists to choose from. There is a wonderful, supportive community of designers here. With that said, you can’t go wrong! I think that finding a good match based on both style and personality is super important. I would encourage brides to look around the social media and websites of a few different florists and see which ones seem like they would be a good personality match for them, and whos work they enjoy the most. From there, reach out to your favorite florist and ask to schedule a consultation.

Q: What advice do you have for brides who are considering eloping or having a smaller, more intimate wedding? How might this change their floral design plans?

For eloping brides, I would recommend investing well in 3 things: photography, florals, and a coordinator to make everything seamless and styled how you are envisioning it to be. In a way, intimate ceremonies allow you to choose quality over quantity. In a typical ceremony and reception, you might be dividing a floral budget between 50-100 items when you factor in floral for the wedding party, ceremony decor, and reception decor. With something more intimate, you can spend less, but also spread out the budget less. One of my favorite things to do with flowers is create one-of-a-kind installations for photos. Elopements are a perfect opportunity to get creative!

Q: What tips do you have for brides who just aren’t sure where to begin when it comes to selecting their floral designer?

Personality, personality, personality! Pick a few local florists to follow on social media, and check out their websites. Take steps forward who you feel you could actually be friends with. Do you enjoy their humor? Do you agree with statements they make? Do you see them portraying morals that are important to you? Finding someone you enjoy working with will make communication about finances, design preferences, etc exponentially easier and more enjoyable!

Q: What is your favorite thing to design, and why?

That’s tough! I love bouquets and hairpieces for brides. But I think my top favorite is installations! I love being challenged with a tall ceiling, strange dimensions, or any other unique circumstance. I’ve covered pianos, hiking spaces, and other random spots in floral and it’s. so. fun.

Q: What is the most rewarding part of your work?

No doubt, happy clients. Nothing feels better than working with someone for months on a vision, then bringing it to life. It’s my job to focus on the wedding, so that my clients can focus on the marriage. It is beyond rewarding to see my floral work highlight and bring beauty to the union of two people.

Q: Any other tips for brides who are planning their wedding for 2020 or 2021?

Don’t lose heart. Ceremonies and celebrations look really different right now, and I see how big of a disappointment that is. Please know that your vendors are in it with you. We are ready and anxious to make your big day beautiful and meaningful, even though the expression of those vows and celebrations look unique.

Emma Rippelmeyer is the owner of Stems By Em. You can visit her website or instagram to learn more information about her and her availability for 2020 and 2021 weddings!