Rachael West Designs

Fall Topiary

2011-09-08T10:20:00.001-04:00

Fresh flower fall topiary!
A perfect arrangement for a business, kitchen, bathroom, or entry way.

OnePerfectBlossom@gmail

Featured Arrangement

2011-09-07T10:13:00.001-04:00

One single HUGE Holland Hydrangea with georgous callas and pussy willow! Love!

Florals in Interior Design

2011-07-27T19:19:00.003-04:00

I love interior design!!

I started out in interior design school with my own interior design business,

but when circumstances in my life changed, I switched to floral design.

Now, the best thing in the whole world is when interior design and floral design come together!!

Above are pictures of swatches and vases from interior designers.

While our main business is fresh floral design, we can, and will

do silk and other high quality artificial flowers.

If you need some assistance with creating permanent or fresh flowers for your home or business,

please email us at

OnePerfectBlossom@gmail.com

Fall Flowers

2011-07-26T14:56:00.001-04:00

It is hard to imagine since it is still hot outside that fall is sneaking up on us!

Next month school will be starting for the kids, moms will start decorating their homes,

and pumpkins will start appearing on porch steps.

It's a fun time to bring the fall colors indoors with the use of leaves, branches, and berries.

If you would like help decorating your home, or if you would like fall arrangements brought

into your business, please email us at

OnePerfectBlossom@gmail.com

Wind Chime Funeral Arrangement Tutorial

2011-07-08T01:12:00.001-04:00

Step One: Attach wind chime to a stand.

Step Two: Add a floral foam cage and begin adding greens.


Step Three: Finish off by adding flowers.

Stage Arrangement

2011-07-04T12:27:00.002-04:00

This arrangement was over 6 feet tall and stood on an theater stage next to a podium. The rustic fall colors, real pheasant feathers, contrasted fabulously with the worn vase.

Gloriosas and Peacock Feathers

2011-07-02T02:13:00.000-04:00

Peacock feathers, gloriosa lilies, and red roses create a stunning pop for this bouquet

Alyssa's June Wedding

2011-06-28T08:23:00.002-04:00

Simple green and white arrangement of white tulips, white larkspur, green spider mums, white alstromeria, wisps of green blades of grass, and a few turquoise blue gemstones really made this arrangement pop!

Detail of spider mum and gemstones

Green and white arrangement atop a chocolate brown tablecloth. Little clear gem details were added to the center of each arrangement.

Up close details

Alstromeria bud

Lots of twinkle lights, colorful ribbons, and photos of a beautiful bride really make this corner magical.

Bellagio

2011-06-27T12:46:00.002-04:00

One of my favorite places to visit is the conservatory at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. I absolutely adore the wonderful colors and amazing beauty that their floral designers create.

I also love how they can take flowers that are already so wonderful and use them in a sculptural way. My newest favorite is how they used the painting (above photo) as inspiration for the piece in the picture below. Keep in mind the piece below is probably 6 feet long and 4 feet wide.

DIY Wedding Flowers/Florist Help

2011-05-11T14:21:00.000-04:00

Due to the overwhelming cost of weddings, many brides are opting
for the Do-It-Yourself option.

As with everything, there are pro's and con's do doing your own wedding flowers and decor.

Obviously, the biggest pro is that you can save a lot of money by doing your own flowers.
If you, or a person close to you, has a floral background, is comfortable working floral materials, understands the use of hydrating and treating fresh flowers, knows some of the technical aspects of color, line, dimension, layers, and texture
then this option might be good for you.

If you choose to do your own arrangements, don't forget to ALWAYS do a practice run.
Sample arrangements give you time to perfect your technique and fix any problems you may run into. It also gives you a chance to make sure you have all the tools, supplies, and miscellaneous supplies you need to complete your wedding flower arrangements.

One of the biggest challenges, a con, to doing your own flowers is that you get into the project and realize it is more than you can do. Often brides are already frazzled and stressed with the many details of planning and coordinating a wedding leaving their creative juices drained.
Simple things that should be easy, become hard.

On occasion, flowers being shipped in do not always arrive as planned. Color and size of flowers are hard to control and last minute arrangement plans may have to be altered. If you are a diy bride and struggle with making last minute changes, this option may not be good for you.

Experienced florists are used to working under these conditions and with these challenges.
They have tools, supplies, and resources to help them when problems arise.
Florists are also not emotionally connected to the wedding so they only have the flowers to deal with....not the dress, the make-up, the photographer who showed up late, or the mother who is trying to take over the day!

If you still think you are up to the challenge to create your own wedding flowers, but have a few questions OR would love someone to bounce ideas off of, please email us at

OnePerfectBlossom@gmail.com

DIY Wedding help: One hour wedding flower consultation which may include pictures, sketches, how-to, tips, suggestions, ideas, and support making sure you have all the information you need to create your own DIY Wedding flower arrangements.
(Email OnePerfectBlossom@gmail for prices and availability)

DIY Wedding Flower Samples/Mock-up: Work side by side with an experienced florist to teach you all the tricks, tools, supplies, and knowledge you need to do your own DIY Wedding flowers. Leave with finished projects to take home and enjoy.
(Email OnePerfectBlossom@gmail.com for prices and availability)

Meet Desi

2011-05-05T23:43:00.002-04:00

We are so excited to welcome Ms. Desiree Parker as our friend and partner. She will be over-seeing our North Carolina weddings. Desi is not only super sweet, but she is out-going, full of creativity, and cares about the littlest of details.

Click HERE to visit Desi's website OR feel free to contact us at OnePerfectBlossom@gmail for information about our floral services. Currently serving clients in Salt Lake City, Utah and the Hickory, North Carolina and surrounding areas.

New Email Address

2011-01-21T14:55:00.003-05:00

Our new email address is:

OnePerfectBlossom@gmail.com

We would love to hear from you in regards to your upcoming floral design events!
Remember, we specialize in large scale wedding events and corporate accts.

Wedding and Event Photos

2011-01-06T19:12:00.003-05:00

By request, I am re-posting pictures of some of our projects.
It is hard to tell from this photo, but these centerpieces stood about 6 feet tall.
They are the perfect design for a bride on a budget who wants to make a BIG impact!

The long head table consisted of a tall arrangement along side a coordinating small arrangement. Another great way to create the look of a lot of color and flowers and still keep the room visually open. There was a wall of windows over looking a country club golf course...
didn't want to block that amazing view!

This wedding consisted of an all white calla lily bouquet for the bride while the rest of the wedding party carried brilliant blooms that were nestled inside a bed of greens like the centerpieces.

Do you have questions about flowers? Our services?
We would love to help out.
Please send us an email at: OnePerfectBlossom@gmail.com

UTAH Weddings and Events

2010-12-21T12:35:00.004-05:00

Many years ago, in my small Orem Utah kitchen, I decided I wanted to learn how to make beautiful bridal bouquets for no reason other than to learn how. My curiosity turned into a small hobby business and finally branched out to owning a shop in North Carolina.

After many years of countless weddings, many wonderful and beautiful venues, and making a lot of great friends along the way, I thought about retiring, but nope!! RWD is expanding!

Flowers bring me peace and pure joy! I just can't imagine a week going by and not being able to be surrounded by them. As we branch out and open again in UTAH I look forward to working with some familiar faces and hopefully many new ones.

We still have a great design team in Hickory, North Carolina and look forward to a year full of blossoms!

For questions about our wedding/event floral design services, please email us at
OnePerfectBlossom@gmail.com

Christmas Decorating

2010-12-07T16:51:00.003-05:00

Where has all the time gone? Can you believe it's a week into December already? Seems like Christmas really is coming fast this year. So, if you want to do a little holiday decorating but just don't want to take the time, don't have the energy, or money to do a big project, here are a few easy ideas that will make a big impact!

~Towels: Swap out a dish towel or hand towels for some inexpensive holiday ones. Not only will they be new and fresh, but they will add a little pop of holiday color. Can't afford new ones? No problem! Just tie a holiday ribbon around your hanging towels. A fun holiday bow is definitely a sign of Christmas.

~Evergreens: Any type of evergreen, even a sprig from a tree in your yard, placed in a vase on a counter, lined across the mantle, or hanging with a bow on the door not only creates the look of Christmas, but also the smell.

~Ball ornaments: Simple ball ornaments can be hung not only on your tree, but placed in a bowl on a table, piled high inside a large vase, hanging in a window, from a tree/branched or tucked in a wreath. Not only do they come in fun patterns and colors, but they are super inexpensive. Check your local dollar store!

~Flowers: While times are tough right now in our economy, fresh flowers still had a touch of elegance and ambiance that no other decoration can provide. If you can't spend a lot on a flower bouquet for your holiday table, try floating some blooms in a bowl, tuck one red rose and a sprig of evergreen in a small vase, or even some poinsettia plants. Also, most hardware stores carry a kit complete with everything needed to grow a beautiful Amarylis or Paperwhite bulbs, both amazing for the Christmas season.

Don't forget, if you have a good local florist, they will be great at working within your budget to come up with some inexpensive and beautiful ideas to help decorate your home. Many florists will even come in and decorate your tree for you.

Some of our most memorable experiences have been in our clients home, helping them make the simple and elegant touches they need within their home for the holidays or even on a weekly schedule.

Please email us at Rachael_West_Designs@yahoo.com to set up a
custom designed scheduled perfect for you and your home!

Bringing Nature Indoors

2010-10-11T11:52:00.004-04:00

Today on the Nate Berkus Show, Nate took simple natural elements like some twigs and tied them around the base of a lamp. It gave the lamp a great new look that could be used for fall or even a beach themed room. Birch pieces used as vases and holders for balls of moss created an amazing contrast of colors and textures. He also took some branches and placed them in a vase. Simple!

I think the reason his ideas really speak to me is because they match my own personal style. Many years during the fall season I have placed a vase of branches in my home. I love the natural element and the texture they bring into a space.

If you haven't watched his new show, definitely check it out at www.thenateshow.com

Floral Design Question

2010-10-11T10:28:00.003-04:00

Question: I have seen arrangements with fruit mixed in with the flowers.
Is that ok to do for a wedding?

Answer: Yes! Of course you can mix fruit with fresh flowers!

The great part about wedding and floral design right now is that the sky is the limit.
The only thing that limits your own custom floral design is your own imagination.
A good florist can help you pull all the elements together, coordinate the colors,
and the other finishing details for your wedding.

Because both fruit, veggies, and flowers all come from nature, they are a perfect compliment for each other. They also come in almost every color and vary from season to season, just as flowers do. When creating a lot of arrangements consider using produce and flowers that are in season. The colors of the produce will not only be at their peak, but the cost will be less as well.

Fall is a great time to incorporate produce into your arrangements...in fact, pumpkins, squashes, and ghords can BE the container for the arrangements!

Consider using rich purple eggplants or plums in the wintertime to get that rich elegant look.
Sugared fruit is also very elegant and stunning way to create the lush look of rich elegance.

Citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, and limes are incredible ways to create an intensive pop of color in and inexpensive way any time of the year. Not only can you tuck them into your custom designed arrangements, but you can fill your vase with them as well.

Don't forget veggies like artichokes, brussel sprouts, asparagus, and even carrots with their green leafy tops are wonderful accents to tuck in arrangements as well.

And if you like a hint of green with a lot of aroma, don't forget herbs are a small detail that can be tucked into any bouquet or arrangement.

Timeless & Classic

2010-09-27T17:08:00.004-04:00

Calla Lilies are a great flower because they are so simple and yet so elegant. They have such a clean line and simple shape to them that can be used in almost any type or style of arrangement.

Calla lilies come in the large open cut style (shown in picture above) and also in a smaller miniature size. Calla lilies also come in many different colors as well but usually only in the miniature size.

Do you love calla lilies? What is your favorite?

Fall Colors

2010-09-23T09:59:00.001-04:00

I LOVE Fall flowers and weddings!!
The colors are so rich and alive.

Book your free wedding consultation with one of our talented
floral designers.
Rachael_West_Designs@yahoo.com

Travel/Restaurant

2010-09-22T09:55:00.001-04:00

Counter Arrangement
Market Street Grill Restaurant
Downtown Salt Lake City, Utah

Travel

2010-09-21T21:49:00.003-04:00

Lobby Arrangement
Grand America Hotel
Salt Lake City, Utah

2010-05-25T11:35:00.004-04:00

At this time, RWD is currently
accepting ONLY wedding or large event orders.

If you would like to book a free consultation with one of our talented designers,
please send an email to:

Rachael_West_Designs@yahoo.com

Upcoming Children's Class for Mother's Day!

2010-04-26T17:09:00.003-04:00

DADS:
Pre-register your children for our
Mother's Day Craft Class

on May 8th, 10 am

Your child(ren) will go home with a handmade craft to give to their mother
for Mother's Day
and you will get to go home with happy children and a bouquet of mixed flowers!

Class is $14 per child/craft only
or $26 per child/craft and bouquet.

Pre-registration is required.

Yay!! It's wedding season!!

2010-04-12T08:42:00.002-04:00

We are so excited to have so many incredible brides right now. What a fun time of the year!

When you come to Rachael West Designs for your wedding consultation, there are several things we recommend you bring.

~PICTURES!! if you have them, bring them!
~NUMBERS of tables, centerpieces, parents, grandparents, bridesmaids, groomsmen, and any other people participating in your day, numbers of pews/chairs are just the beginning.
~SWATCHES of your colors are very helpful.
~CONTACT INFO for your venues.

The more information you can provide, the better or clarity is for your vision. We look forward to meeting with you and can't wait to help make your fairy tale wedding come true!

To book a wedding consultation, please send and email to Rachael_West_Designs@yahoo.com or call 828.326.7100 and leave a detailed message.

Todays Feature Arrangement

2010-03-25T17:40:00.005-04:00

Look at this super cute summer mini arrangement we made for an anniversary today!!

We helped a romantic husband by delivering these to the restaurant he will be taking her to tonight....so sweet!!

We used soft orange tulips, bright baby pink spray roses, green fujis, purple veronica, and a lime green wire detail to hold it all together in a simple 4 x 4 glass cube vase.

I know she is just going to love it!!

The Idea Room: Wedding Shower Advice Book

2010-03-24T15:47:00.001-04:00

The "Idea Room" is one of my favorite blogs that I follow. She has a super cute idea for making a wedding advice book that you can make and give to the bride and the groom. If you want to see her post, click below!

The Idea Room: Wedding Shower Advice Book

2010-03-24T15:43:00.002-04:00

Are you interested in learning the in's and out's of the floral design business, please send us a detailed email....we just might have something perfect for you!

Send serious emails only, no spam please, to Rachael_West_Designs@yahoo.com

Simple Church Dinner

2010-03-19T13:58:00.001-04:00

We used bright yellow tissue paper and bright yellow tulips carefully tucked into bright blue gift bags to accent the theme for this church dinner. The arrangements were simple, but with just a few strong bold colors, they really make an impact.

Centerpieces

2010-03-18T09:30:00.001-04:00

Here are some sweet and simple cube centerpieces we did for a wedding dinner.
The bride found a picture in a magazine of a similar arrangement
and we re-created it to fit her budget.

It was wonderful to take simple elements and create something so sweet.
A perfect February arrangement!

Glass Projects

2010-03-17T12:54:00.007-04:00

So, I have been seeing all over craft blogs these past few months how to make your own hurricanes to use as candle holders, vases, and holiday decor. Some of them have been so absolutely adorable, that I just had to try them myself and see if they were as easy as all these cute crafters claim to be.

I picked up some glass "odds-and ends."

I glued a flower to a base and came up with these cute little stands. I can't wait to set
candles on them, candies, soap,
or I'm toying with even using it as a place to set my jewelry....endless ideas!!

Here is a close up!
The hurricanes in the top picture were just as simple!
I just glued the two pieces together, VOILA!
I can't wait to float flowers or candles in them,
holiday candies,
or use them as vases in a wedding for one of my brides!

If you would like specific information on how to make these,
OR come take a class and make these along with an incredible flower design project,
please feel free to contact us at 828.326.7100.

Follow Me!

2010-03-15T17:22:00.005-04:00

We just re-added (it was there...but got lost!)
to our blog a "Follow" me button!!

Click on it, follow us! Each month we will be giving away
FREE prizes, have drawings, and lots of other great things like wedding promotions, and free class registrations just for
following along with us on the great adventure we are on.

Make comments on our posts! Maybe answer a question or two along the way....

We may have a guest blogger or two,
and it just might even be you!

Q & A

2010-03-15T10:38:00.003-04:00

Question: Will you travel to Charlotte to do a wedding?

Answer: YES! Of course!!

Over the past few years, we have been privileged to do projects in many of the surrounding areas to us. We have had clients from Boone, Lenoir, Hudson, Granite Falls, Lincolnton, Gastonia, and many more. We are thrilled to travel from Charlotte to Asheville and everything in between. Last month we even had a bride contact us about helping with her event in New Orleans!

So, yes, if you are looking for a florist who just loves to help make fairy-tale wedding dreams come true, give us a call. We are always thrilled and honored to participate in any special event.

We look forward to your call. 828.326.7100.

Spring Classes

2010-03-12T16:30:00.002-05:00

We are so excited to be working on our new class list for the spring. We have received several requests for specific projects for our flower classes. We are working on our schedule and will have it posted hopefully soon.

So, if you are like me, and get a little bit down on these cold rainy days, give us a call to book a flower class. Scientists have proven that being around even one live flower will lift your mood, boost your spirit, and makes you feel more productive.

Who wouldn't want that?!!

DIY Wedding Flowers

2010-03-04T22:04:00.005-05:00

Keep it Simple: The last thing a bride needs, is to be worrying about wiring and taping flowers on her wedding day. Pick arrangements that create an impact, but require minimal labor and preparation time.
Be Organized: Make sure before you begin you have all of the materials and supplies you need. Check your vases carefully to make sure they are clean and any price tags have been removed. Create a plan for transporting your arrangements to and from your venue.
Classic Flowers: Pick flowers that are easy to acquire and even easier to work with. Roses and lilies are often times good choices.
Practice, Practice, Practice! The morning of your wedding is no time to be experimenting with new flower designs.
Have FUN!

Hickory, Flower Classes

2010-03-02T11:22:00.003-05:00

We are getting ready to launch our schedule for our Spring Flower Classes!!

But, before we do, if you have a special request, please do let us know.

We can tailor our classes for both adults and children.

We also small group instruction as well as private instruction for those who do not wish to participate in a class or prefer the one-on-one training.

Wedding Show

2010-03-01T12:28:00.004-05:00

The wedding show at the Mosteller Mansion was so much fun!
A big thanks to all those who worked so hard to make it so special.
I personally met so many wonderful vendors that were really kind and generous. I look forward to working with them in the future to help create
truly wonderful and unique weddings here in Hickory.

Mosteller Mansion Wedding Show

2010-02-27T19:20:00.009-05:00

This beautiful spring arrangement sits well over 4 feet tall.
The base below contains a sweet little bird sitting on a branch while up above 3 shades of tulips and snapdragons reach out to welcome any viewer. Rising up above are branches
with sweet spring blossoms
and little birds resting on them.

This weekend the Mosteller Mansion will be hosting a wedding show. The above arrangement has been made and will be featured at the Mosteller Mansion in the booth for Village Kitchen. I

We absolutely love Paula Shelley, owner of Village Kitchen, and her staff. She has a beautiful place located on 127 in Hickory. Not only do they serve breakfast and lunch, but she has art classes once or a month or so in the evenings along with dinner. If you have not yet tried Village Kitchen or have not yet met Paula Shelley, you are really missing out!!

Wedding

2010-02-26T12:01:00.003-05:00

"Hi Rachael,

Just wanted to say thank you..everything turned out beautiful!!!!"

Wedding Flowers

2010-02-22T13:57:00.002-05:00

(This picture was taken at a wedding show at the Hickory Convention Center.)

"What would a wedding be without flowers?"

Wedding season is upon us and it is just wonderful! There is nothing more special that being able to participate in the simple beauty of a wedding ceremony.

Our calendar is filling up fast between now and September. Please remember, we only take one wedding per week to ensure we give it our best attention and the quality it deserves.
If you would like to contact us for a free wedding consultation, we would love to hear from you.

Some important items to know and to bring to a wedding consultation are:

date and location of event, directions and contact info for venue locations,
number of bridesmaids, groomsmen,
age/size of flower girl and ring bearer, numbers in wedding party,
colors of clothing being worn,
number of tables for centerpieces, guidelines relating to decor at church,
and any swatches or pictures you may have.

Don't forget you can always bring a friend!!

Olympic Flower Bouquets

2010-02-18T12:52:00.004-05:00

Check out this link about the Olympic Flower Bouquets.

I never had any idea about about how they are picked or that they had specific size requirements.

Funerals

2010-02-18T12:33:00.001-05:00

Funerals in Hickory, NC

2010-02-17T12:58:00.003-05:00

We were asked today if we do funerals and the answer is YES!

We do funerals.

We generally promote our business as weddings and special events, but a funeral most definitely is a special event. While I don't usually post personal information, I have to say I have had some of the most special and incredible experiences helping a family with funeral flowers. I always feel honored and blessed to help mourn with those who are mourning and comfort those who are in need of comfort.

Often times funerals are unexpected and so we will always do our very best to provide the best care and materials possible. When we do have some time to prepare, we have had several funerals where we were able to completely personalize the arrangement.....flowers are symbolic and so are colors. Special items/objects can be incorporated into the arrangement such as a favorite toy or an object representing a favorite hobby (football). Recently we helped a woman create a standing easel arrangement with a beautiful metal wind chime that hung below for the family to then take home as a treasured keepsake.

So, yes, we definitely do funerals.

Flower Care Tip

2010-02-16T09:03:00.000-05:00

Gerber daisies are another flower that sometimes droop easily, and of course, it's always at the worst time! So, few tips to keep your gerber daisies looking great.

First, they are top heavy, so make sure to give them plenty of support.

Second, gerber daisy stems not only drink up like a straw but they absorb moisture from the sides of their stems. Often times a droopy daisy that looks like it needs water can actually be suffering from too much water. (They remind me of gold fish....don't know when to stop eating until it's too late!! )

Third, you can soak them in a very cool-lukewarm bathtub. Lying down, with a stem clipped on an angle, will allow the water to easily reach the flower head with a little less effort.

Last, keep the water clean, low, and the stems clipped on an angle. Do this daily and you should have beautiful gerber daisies for your special event.

Flower Care Tip

2010-02-15T10:57:00.002-05:00

Hydrangeas are one of the few flowers that pull water not only up from their stem, but also from moisture coming in through their flower petals. Often times at weddings or other events one hydrangea blossom in an arrangement will wilt and make the whole arrangement look bad. Before you stress or rip the arrangement apart, take a spray bottle and mist the flower head with some cool water. Often times the flower will perk right up.

Weddings!

2010-02-13T09:30:00.003-05:00

Well, we survived Valentines!! Even with a snow storm!! Thanks to all of our wonderful Hickory friends who placed orders with us this year and allowed us to help make a part of their weekend special.

So now, we start looking forward to spring time and to weddings!!

If you are a bride looking for a florist, we not only provide wedding floral services to those located in the Hickory area, but we are happy to travel to neighboring areas. So, if you are in Asheville, Charlotte, or anywhere in between, please do not hesitate to give us a call. We would love to hear from you and see how we can make your fairly tale wedding dreams come true!!

Valentines Day or Single Awareness Day??

2010-02-11T08:26:00.003-05:00

Years ago I heard a bitter, older single man say he hated Valentines Day because for those who were single it was the perfect reminder of how alone you really were. He called February 14th, "Single Awareness Day."

For those of us who are blessed to be in a wonderful relationship and are looking to purchase flowers for that special someone, I hope you will pause one moment and think about the other people in your life that you love that may not be receiving flowers this year.

At RWD, we will happily deliver mini-arrangements to
your children, your single friends, your mom, your husband
(yes! we do flowers and plants for men too!! yes! they do like it!),
your grandma, teachers, your minister, and your best friend!

We have mini-options starting at just $12 each which is a tiny price
to help bless someone's life or to take the sting, for some, out of
"Single Awareness Day!"

New Item!!

2010-02-10T13:00:00.003-05:00

Stop in and see our cute little mini-terrariums!!

Perfect gift for a home, desk, or a little place in your life that just needs some life!

Located in the Harris Arcade Bldg.
Downtown Hickory

Valentines Day Flowers

2010-02-10T12:09:00.005-05:00

A big THANK YOU to all of our customers from past years who are allowing us the special privilege of being a part of their Valentines Day this year.

It is truly an honor to get to witness people fall in love, celebrate anniversaries, holidays, have babies, and be a witness to their lives.

For those of you still looking for a florist to help make your Valentines Day special, consider giving us a chance. We always give our best to make sure that you too become a member of the RWD family.

Valentines Day in Hickory, NC

2010-02-08T11:39:00.005-05:00

Valentines Day is quickly approaching!!

In addition to custom fresh flower arrangements we have partnered with
"Dream Cakes"
to supply tasty treats to go with your
Valentine roses.

We also LOVE to do small mini arrangements
for KIDS,
teachers, friends,
and all the people who love and support you in your life.

For convenience, please feel free to emails us your order
(do not include credit card information)
along with a contact phone number so we can call you to confirm all the details.

Rachael_West_Designs@yahoo.com

Any orders placed TODAY, Feb. 8th, 2010 for teachers will be delivered
FRIDAY and for FREE!!!

Valentines Day

2010-02-05T17:42:00.005-05:00

Thank you to all who pre-ordered for Valentines Day!!

As always, we take a limited number of Valentine orders so that we can pay special attention to each arrangement. At Rachael West Designs, we do not believe in mass producing tons of arrangements. We want each arrangement that goes out the door, to be a custom, unique piece.

Our goal here in Hickory, North Carolina, is to be your top florist because of our attention to detail and quality. We always do our best to meet this goal, whether it is for Valentines Day or a wedding.

Please remember you can email us your order and then we will call you to confirm all the details and collect your payment.

Rachael_West_Designs@yahoo.com

Announcements!

2010-02-02T11:44:00.003-05:00

~Please note: if Hickory Public Schools are closed, RWD is also closed!

~ONLY 3 DAYS LEFT to place your VALENTINES DAY PRE-ORDER.

~If you placed a dance order this past weekend for the dance that was post-poned. We will be hold all orders and fill at the time of the dance.

Valentines Day

2010-01-21T16:15:00.002-05:00

Ready or not! Valentines Day is right around the corner!

Pre-Order your Valentines arrangement today and receive one dozen beautiful roses, with lush greens, in a beautiful vase along with FREE delivery to one Hickory location for just $55.00.

(We have already seen advertisements for other local florists offering the same thing for $75.00).

We also will enter you into a drawing for a "Masquerade" Crystal Vase. A $65.00 value!!

This offer ends February 5, 2010.

Email Rachael_West_Designs@yahoo.com OR stop by the Harris Arcade Sheet and sign up on our pre-order list to get your order scheduled.

Do-it-yourself Flower Arranging

2010-01-08T01:02:00.003-05:00

Martha Stewart has a wonderful posting of tips on basic flower arranging. Whether you are someone who struggles with putting together arrangements OR just want some fun new ideas, this is a fun posting.

She will show you several different arrangement styles, the tips, and tools needed to spark your imagination.

Click HERE to view Martha Stewarts Flower Tips!

Enter to win a "Masquerade" Crystal Vase!!

2010-01-07T09:44:00.006-05:00

this promotion has closed.

Valentines Day is my FAVORITE!!!!

This year we will be offering lots of different specials for Valentines and we will post them every week or so leading up to the big day!!

We are accepting PRE-ORDERS now.
Placing a Valentines Day order early not only guarantees you top quality flowers,
but it also gives you one less thing to worry about later on,
allowing you time to enjoy the day with your special valentine.

Placing an order early also guarantees you an entry
into our drawing for a
"Masquerade" Crystal Vase

This vase is BEAUTIFUL, crystal, heavy....priced $65.00

To place a pre-order and guarantee your name entered into our Crystal Vase Drawing,

Rachael_West_Designs@yahoo.com

End of Year Special Extended!!

2009-12-28T13:17:00.002-05:00

Due to the craziness of the holidays....
(and I am behind on my paperwork)
We have decided to extend our promotion to receive
a FREE toss bouquet
when you sign a contract and pay your deposit
before January 10, 2010

As always, if you have any questions, please contact us!
We would love to hear from you!

Wedding & Event Schedule Almost FULL

2009-12-23T13:03:00.004-05:00

Can you believe it is almost 2010? It's truly amazing how time really does fly!

And believe it or not, our wedding and event schedule is filling up very quickly. We actually have some months we are already completely booked!!

If you are interested in our wedding floral services, please do contact us asap to get your wedding consultation scheduled. Also, please note, if you have had a consultation but have not yet paid your deposit, your date and our services are not guaranteed. Remember, we only take ONE wedding per week to guarantee our best possible service and attention to detail.

As always, if you have ANY questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Bridesmaid Gifts

2009-12-02T07:42:00.004-05:00

Are you in need of some great ideas for bridesmaid gifts?
OR
Are you looking something unique and personalized for a special Christmas present?

You may want to consider checking out "the Knot's" shop today. They have some great gift ideas on sale and many marked down to 75% off.

While we have no affiliation with them, we do know when we see a good deal!

Booking Wedding Consultations NOW!!

2009-11-30T10:26:00.002-05:00

Can you believe it? It's almost "Wedding Season!!"

I know this because in the last 2 weeks we have had an overwhelming amount of phone calls for brides looking to book wedding appointments.

Please remember we only take ONE wedding a week and we are already have weddings booked for spring, summer, and already fall 2010.

If you are interested in booking a wedding consultation, please call soon or fill out our contact us page at Rachael West Designs.

Out of Shop Today!

2009-11-17T11:27:00.002-05:00

Currently we are closed and out of the shop due to
a KIDNEY STONE!

We will check messages, emails, and there will be someone in Wednesday late afternoon.
Hopefully to be open in full again on Thursday, Nov. 19th.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

Too much to do this holiday sesason?

2009-11-10T14:05:00.004-05:00

Too much to do this holiday season?

Let us help!!
We offer many services that just might allow you to cross a few items off of your
Christmas "to-do" list!!

Floral design centerpieces for tables
decorate wreaths
fireplace mantles
tying bows
Christmas trees...of course!!
(use your own items OR we can provide all new AND we will even wrap the presents to go under the tree to match your new decor!!)

Send us an email or give us a call at 828.326.7100*

*every once in a while we have trouble with our voice mail---which we check often each day. If you cannot get through or experience any difficulty, please leave us an email. We will respond to your request as quickly as possible. Thank you!

Wedding Promotion

2009-11-09T18:04:00.003-05:00

This is the 1st month we have ever offered a discount on our weddings. We know times are hard and every little bit helps, SO, if you book your wedding before November 30th, we will take off 10% your wedding. SIMPLE!!

Call 828.326.7100 to book your free wedding consultation now,
OR
Email me at Rachael_West_Designs@yahoo.com

Pretty pink

2009-11-09T17:55:00.003-05:00

I really had no reason to post these pictures, I just liked all the vases lined up with the bright pink roses resting inside. They are actually just the bases for one of our weddings. The flower arrangements actually sat a top the vases and raised up 5-6 feet tall.

Mention this post and receive 10% off !!

2009-10-28T12:54:00.006-04:00

Beginning October 26 and running through November 30th, we are giving 10 % off
all our custom fresh flower orders relating to personal, business, classes, and yes, even WEDDINGS!!

THE FINE PRINT: the only exclusions are silks and in-store merchandise. please remember, all weddings must be booked with deposit paid in full to receive discount.

Marjorie and Jason Wedding

2009-10-19T22:45:00.004-04:00

Jason and Marjorie had their rehearsal dinner at Market on Main the night before their big day. The room was decorate very simply, but it really made quite an impact. We incorporated the sculptural piece, already placed on and above the table, with the flowers. Overall, the whole piece was a success!

Upstairs for the reception dinner we placed cubes of small green kermit mums and balls of brightly colored carnations atop class cubes. Again, simple, yet a big impact for not a lot of money.

The altar arrangement at St. Luke's Methodist Church in Hickory followed in suit with the others. Simple, eye-catching, and beautiful. We placed a "rose box" arrangement full of white carnations, white fuji mums, and green kermits, tucked in a bed of greens.

Testimonial

2009-10-06T14:01:00.003-04:00

"We absolutely LOVED the floral designs you did for us! They were exactly what we had in mind, but better! Everything was elegant and simple--exactly what we wanted! We've received so many compliments on the beautiful flowers and we've recommended you to several people already. We're actually still enjoying our altar arrangement on the mantle in our home! Thank you so much for always responding promptly and being wonderful to work with!

Sincerely,
Marjorie + Jason

PS My bouquet was the PERFECT shade of pink!"

Thanks Marjorie and Jason for your kind words. We will be posting a few of our pictures from the wedding soon! ~RWD

City of Hickory

2009-10-06T13:41:00.003-04:00

A big thank you to Hickory City workers who were out all weekend and still outside today in the drizzly weather planting flowers.

Monthly Drawing and Give Away

2009-10-06T13:32:00.003-04:00

Enter our MONTHLY drawing by dropping your name, email address, and phone number into our drawing box located on our shop counter.

You could be the lucky winner of FREE flowers, FREE class registration, a gift certificate, FREE gift, or many other fun FREE-bies!!

....and please pardon a few boxes as we are still getting in and settled and if by any chance you miss us, please feel free to leave your information under the door and we will happily drop it into the drawing box for you.

Flower Bracelet

2009-09-27T22:11:00.003-04:00

Don't like traditional, velcro strap, corsages?

Me neither!! Stop by our shop today and see how we can customize an up to date, fun, and trendy corsage bracelet for you!

Announcements!

2009-09-22T09:49:00.002-04:00

We are NOW HIRING!!!

RWD is looking for someone creative, full of life and energy, and willing to learn!
No floral experience is necessary but it is helpful.
Must have current drivers license and car registration.
Afternoons and weekend event help needed.

If you are interested, please call 828.326.7100.

CLASSES are COMING!!

It's time for our fall classes and we are SO EXCITED!!
If you would like to request a class, please let us know.
We usually can tailor a class or project to fit your interests and needs.

Remember we offer classes for both adults and children, holidays,
basic floral design, and of course, weddings!!

If you are interested or have a suggestion, please call 828.326.7100.

2009-09-10T21:48:00.002-04:00

Beginning 9/12, our new phone number should be up and running.

If you would like to call to set up a bridal consultation or place an order,
the new number is:

828.326.7100

or as always, you can visit our website
www.RachaelWestDesigns.com

Reminder

2009-06-22T21:11:00.009-04:00

We will check emails and voice messages daily (since we may not be in due to our large number of weddings and events) if you need to reach us, schedule a wedding consultation, or have questions regarding our services.

Please see right side bar for additional closings due to weddings or other events.
(Subject to change DAILY!)

June Bride at Mosteller Mansion

2009-06-22T21:10:00.003-04:00

Rachael!

Adam and I just got back into the States late last night from our honeymoon... and I wanted to take a few minutes this morning to thank you for everything you did for our wedding! EVERYTHING turned out BEAUTIFUL!!! The design for the top & bottom ledge at the staircases was AWESOME! I couldn't believe how great it turned out.. those yellow callas were beautiful. The centerpieces were fabulous too! You guys did wonderful stretching out those flowers since we had to add extra tables, thank you so much!! We had a great many compliments from our guests on how beautiful the lemons looked with the orchids and callas! Also, our cake was pound cake with lemon filling so I think everything blended and turned out perfect!

I LOVED EVERYTHING!!

Also, you were a pleasure to work with... probably the best service we received from anyone during the whole year long planning.

Thank you so much.

Amy

New Brides

2009-06-09T14:09:00.002-04:00

This past week we have been blessed by booking several weddings for September and October. If you are considering a fall wedding, please call and book your wedding consultation appointment soon.

We only take ONE WEDDING PER WEEKEND to ensure we give each of you the attention you deserve.

Also, if you have met with us, we only hold your date once we have received your deposit. We know that there may be some changes to your original estimate, and those numbers can be re-figured if necessary. Deposits are non-refundable and do go entirely to your final wedding total.

As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

~Rachael
828.455.3774

2009-06-06T20:39:00.005-04:00

It's wedding season we are so excited!!!

Thank you to all of our wonderful North Carolina brides. It has been a tremendous blessing to know each of you and an honor to participate in your special day.

To those of you interested in booking a wedding consultation with us, we are located in Hickory, North Carolina and would love to meet with you. We will, and do travel for weddings.

(Please note: we will take as many daily flower orders/deliveries as possible, but being special event florists, we will be limiting the number of orders we take in and effort to be available to our brides at this time. Our goal is to give our best work and attention to detail to every project. If we took on too much, we would not be able to accomplish that.)

To contact us, please visit our website,
www.RachaelWestDesigns.com
or leave a voicemail at 828.455.3774

Summer Schedule

2009-06-02T16:57:00.003-04:00

If you are interested in a specific class, training, or any of our children's classes or parties, please contact us. Often times we can custom design something just for you.

Also, please don't forget to check our summer closures in the right side bar.

Summer Schedule

2009-05-13T10:03:00.004-04:00

Due to the weddings and other special events we are involved in this summer, we will be closed many days this summer for regular floral delivery. Please see the sidebar on the right for the list of dates.

Our goal is not to inconvenience anyone, but to make sure that we are giving our best to our event clients. We hope that you know that when we work for you, we will give you our same attention.

~Rachael West

2009-05-03T14:28:00.006-04:00

A big thanks to all who called and placed their Mother's Day orders early!

Please remember,
we don't mass produce or take too many orders.

Why? If we did, we would not be giving you our best.

So, please, remember to call in early for your special orders and events. Again,
thank you to all our wonderful customers. We feel honored to be a part of your special events and the important moments in your life.

Sincerely,
Rachael West

Deadline Approaching!

2009-05-01T10:27:00.001-04:00

Just ONE WEEK left to register for our fun flower class being taught at the Hickory Museum of Art.

This class is great for any adult who loves to decorate and is looking for some fun, unique, and inexpensive ways to decorate for their special events. This is also a great opportunity for a parent or grandparent to bring a school-age child with them to spend time being creative and getting some quality time together.

This class will incorporate fresh flowers with fruit and vegetables.

Need more information: Please call, 828-455-3774. To register, please visit the Hickory Museum of Art.

Prom!!

2009-04-21T16:12:00.004-04:00

Q: Can I order a corsage for Prom?

A: OF COURSE!! We do custom corsages for prom or any other special event. As always, all of our work is custom and so calling in a minimum of 24 hours is recommended. If you need us to match a color or require a specific flower, we recommend calling in even earlier so that we can guarantee the best product and service.

We do accept all major credit cards for your convenience.

828.455.3774
www.RachaelWestDesigns.com

Fun!

2009-04-21T14:10:00.004-04:00

Hot pink looped leaves, green hydrangea

and orchids wired with green wire to curly willow!!
See this arrangement at the Hickory
Museum of Art.

Come join us May 11th at the Museum for our flower class,
"Fun with Flowers & Foods"

Register at museum. Questions? Call us anytime at 828.455.3774.

Beautiful Bride

2009-04-21T14:07:00.002-04:00

Last weekend we had the wonderful opportunity of

creating this beautiful bouquet of orchids and hydrangeas.

Village Kitchen

2009-04-21T14:01:00.002-04:00

This week Village Kitchen on 127 opened for lunch. We had the opportunity to do a fun flower arrangement for their event. It consisted of an artichoke, green onions, kale, a couple of tomatoes, parsley, and of course, FLOWERS!!

Bridal Bouquet

2009-04-21T13:57:00.002-04:00

Roses and Gerber Daisy bouquet

2 great testimonials!

2009-04-15T11:12:00.002-04:00

"She REALLY liked the flowers!! Thank you."

~B.
Hickory

"Hi Rachael--
Thanks so much for being so kind...You are a JOY!!"

~M. B, Charlotte

Proposal gone almost wrong!

2009-04-02T23:29:00.003-04:00

Heard about a proposal story today that almost went very wrong, but thankfully has a happy ending. Moral of the story: don't propose on the Brooklyn Bridge!

Click HERE to read.

Bling Bling!!

2009-03-29T20:22:00.003-04:00

For the girly-girl who loves a little

BLING!!

We added pearls in every rose along with

pink and crystal clear

gems.

(see this arrangement at Village Kitchen on 127)

Upcoming!

2009-03-23T17:34:00.003-04:00

We are so excited to announce we have partnered up with the

Hickory Museum of Art
to offer a special floral design class.

Fun with Flowers & Foods

Dozens of ideas will be presented on how any person can create fun and whimsical floral arrangements while incorporating items they can pick-up at a local grocery store.

Participant will make their own project to take home.

A perfect class for the party planner, parent/child activity, or anyone who loves to think outside of the box!

May 11, 2009, 6-8 p.m.
for questions, please contact us at www.RachaelWestDesigns.com
or call, 828.455.3774

Recent Projects

2009-03-02T22:54:00.003-05:00

Travel photos, again!

2009-03-02T22:46:00.001-05:00

Grand America Hotel, Salt Lake City Utah

Festival of Trees

2009-03-02T22:19:00.003-05:00

We had the last minute opportunity to participate in the Festival of Trees
held within the walls of the Art Museum. Most of the presenters had many months to plan, order, and prepare. We had 2, but we did it! It was a privilege and blessing to be able to participate.

2009-02-26T16:05:00.005-05:00

We are currently having some "technical difficulties" with our website. Hopefully, you will be find all the flower ideas, tips, wedding information, and information regarding our classes & parties here on our blog.

As always,please feel free to call anytime, 828.455.3774.

More FAQ's

2008-12-14T21:29:00.004-05:00

Can I send flowers to someone?

We love to do flower arrangements and will do as many as we can! However, we do limit our orders so that we can give every order the attention and the time it deserves. We request that you always place orders 24 hours in advance. If our schedule is booked, we will not take on additional orders.

Why don't you keep regular business hours?

The reason we do not keep regular business hours is because we do not have a regular store front. And yes, while we do have things you can come and purchase, most of our work is either done on site for an event or we are teaching classes.

So, while we are not always at our workshop, we are always around and we do try to answer as many calls as possible. If you would like to stop by our Blossoms Floral Design Workshop, we do try to be there Monday through Friday 9:30 am - 12:00.

What is the best way to place a flower order?

The best way to place a flower order is to call a minimum of 24 business hours in advance. This gives us plenty of time to make sure we have the flowers you need and can put the time and care in to your project that it deserves.

Currently our credit card machine is down so we can accept checks through Paypal or you may send a check in the mail. We are working with a new team right now and will have that up and running as quickly as possible.

Do you deliver?

Yes, of course! All deliveries are made in the afternoon unless other arrangements are made. Deliveries to Frye Hospital are free. We do offer a discount to those who pick-up their orders at our Blossoms Floral Design Workshop.

Vase by the Case

2008-11-09T22:43:00.005-05:00

We apologize for any inconvenience, RWD is NOT offering this service any longer.

We are in the process of launching our newest feature, "Vase by the Case."

In the meantime, if you are looking for vases for your wedding or special event, please give us a call. We would LOVE to help! We will sell you vases, by the case, for much less than you can find at your local retailer.

Why would we do this? Simple!

We have found a tremendous amount of brides who can't get the floral arrangements of their dreams because of all the hidden little expenses. We want to take out some of that headache. By passing on savings to you through the vases, our brides then get the opportunity to focus on the flowers and weddings of their dreams.

Give us a call for more specifics and costs relating to "Vase by the Case!" Oh, and we do still rent vases for local events as well!

October/November Classes

2008-10-25T22:49:00.004-04:00

Recently we had the opportunity to teach two 3rd grade classes as the Hickory Christian Academy a floral craft which related to the book, "Sarah, Plain and Tall" which they had been studying. The children were wonderful and it was a pleasure to be invited into their classroom. (Pictures coming!)

We also had the opportunity earlier in have a group of children at our workshop to create their own floral arrangement inside a pumpkin and also take a flower and turn it into a Halloween spider. (Pictures also coming!)

We especially love to work with children as their ability to create has not yet been limited by inadequacy. Each piece of art is truly unique and special. We are so blessed to be able to participate in these classes. We truly thank each of you for coming and sharing your talents with us.

Our next class is for ladies on November 6th! We will be making fall arrangements. The cost is $35.00 + per arrangement (costs may vary as each arrangement will be a custom design by YOU!! ) All materials and supplies provided.*

*Pre-Registration and deposit required due 5 days prior to class. Deposits are non-refundable but can be transferred to different class if necessary.

Our next class for kids is November 20th! We will be making a Thanksgiving floral craft!

As always, please feel free to call (828.455.3774) for full details on any of our classes, to place a flower order, or schedule a consultation for our wedding or corporate services.

Bridal Bouquet

2008-10-06T21:55:00.002-04:00

Orchids, lilies, kumquats, and evergreens gives this winter bouquet a fun twist.

A Vineyard Wedding

2008-09-18T21:43:00.005-04:00

As Promised!

2008-09-18T21:39:00.003-04:00

Well, it's been a little slow in coming, but here are a few photos from the Rock Barn Cancer Society Fundraiser that took place a few weeks ago. Since the theme was a tropical beach theme we placed bright colored flowers with sea shells tucked in the arrangement on top a square vase. Inside the vase placed a mini-beach complete with sand, water, sea shells, and a little crab.

A fun and wimsical arrangement that would be perfect for any tropical beach themed event.

Floral Design Classes

2008-09-12T13:10:00.002-04:00

It's time to register for fall classes!

With cooler temperatures slowly creeping in, it's the perfect time to attend one of our
holiday floral design classes.
Our classes offer a wide range of projects to choose from as well as we can custom design the perfect project for you.

Got friends?!
Have a floral design party! We are offering 15% off parties and a free hostess gift for parties of 6 or more. Classes can be taught at our Blossoms Workshop or in your home.
Book soon because this special won't last long!

As always, for full details, questions, or to book time to create your masterpiece,
call 828.455.3774.

Event Florist

2008-08-26T12:06:00.003-04:00

Recently I was asked, "What is the difference between a florist and a special event florist?"

Generally, a florist can handle a wide variety of floral projects at one time. They usually work in a shop, but not always. Florists usually do projects relating to any occasion (prom, funerals, anniversaries, weddings, and holidays).

A special event florist handles larger scale events. Generally event florists specialize in large weddings, corporate events, and floral design as art.

Blossoms of Rachael West Designs focuses on large scale events and floral/plant arrangements for corporate offices and events. We also do funerals. Whenever possible, we do take on smaller projects such as birthday bouquets, anniversaries, dances, and other special events.

Please remember when placing orders we do require 24 hour notice as we do place priority on our events and corporate contracts first. By providing us ample notice we can guarantee your project will receive the attention and care it needs to make the floral accent of your special event perfect.

Please call 828.455.3774 for an appointment to plan your perfect special event.

A Funny Story!

2008-08-25T22:33:00.006-04:00

This cute bride never knew the disaster she almost had at her wedding...and it wasn't regarding the flowers! Actually, the flowers are what saved the day. You see, the wedding planner had agreed to pick up and deliver the cake to the reception site but on the way the cake tipped over. You can only imagine how panicked the wedding planner was as she opened up the back of her car to show me the damaged cake.

Thankfully, I was able to put a few flowers on the bottom layer to help hide the damage as we placed it on the cake table. We carefully (and quickly) stacked the other layers and placed flowers, tropical greens, and seashells on the cake. All of which looked as if it were floating on a tray of water, rocks, and sea shells. Plumeria blooms floated in the water and gave off the most amazing scent.

Shortly after the bride came over to see the cake. She LOVED it! She promptly brought over her family and proudly showed off the cake just moments before the ceremony started.

Something usually goes wrong at weddings, but when you have experienced vendors who are prepared, you can usually get through anything....and most of the time, the bride never knows-- which is exactly how it should be!

Want a tropical Blossoms at your wedding?
Call Rachael West Designs at 828.455.3774 for a wedding consultation.

(Some of these photos have been posted before but without the story)