Having it all

I spoke with a bride a few weeks ago who was inquiring into using me as a florist. She talked about the flowers that she wanted, the style that she envisioned, and the day as it unfolded. She had beautiful ideas and I could tell that she had dreamt of this special day for a long time. Unfortunately, when it came time to order the flowers and the decorating items, she had to tell me that her mother decided that she didn't need fresh flowers at the the wedding and that whatever the hotel had was good enough!

Good enough; a mirrored tile, small rose bowl and one lonely floating candle? My heart just broke for this young lady. She was clearly crushed and walked away with such a sad look on her face it was heart-wrenching! The mother did so much damage that day with her daughter, that only time will heal this wound.

Now many of you will say; it is only one day, flowers are expensive! I don't blame the mother for not wanting to shell out big bucks, you are just upset because you didn't get the order!

First off, I am not upset because I did not get the order. I did end up doing a small bouquet and corsages. I have enough business to keep me busy for the next 3 years!

Second, it is a shame when couples or parents these days don't understand the commitment that a marriage takes and laying a good foundation is a good way to ensure longevity in your marriage. All of this from a flower order? Consider this---couples that spend time planning their weddings together, meticulous in the every little bitty details that will make the day perfect; orchestrating their nuptials together and consulting each other for the decisions are 10 times likely to stay together longer than those couples with an "I don't care attitude."

I don't know about you, but if I am going to spend the money to get married and want to celebrate with family and friends, then I am going to do everything in my power to make it beautiful and spectacular right down to the little bitty details whether it is for 10 or 1000. You can be sure that I will do the same for my marriage as well.

Instead of discouraging couples to have it all, let's encourage couples to have everything in their marriage with each other. Let's go for marriage longevity instead of a glamorous party show-off affair. Let's go for love and commitment instead of a drunk fest. Let's get rid of the "whatever's" and work to make it past a 50th wedding anniversary.