Flowers have been used in weddings for their beauty, fragrance, and symbolism for thousands of years, from the ancient Egyptians to the Greeks, Romans, all the way through the Middle Ages to Victorian era to present day. Deja Vu Floral Design’s owner, Vicki Weed, continues the tradition of using flowers to tie together the most important day of someone’s life.
“Considering that most people get married only once in their lifetime, the arrangement becomes heavily symbolic of the relationship and the future,” says Weed.
Weed’s specialty in floral design is no accident. As a child, Weed would get in trouble for picking the backyard marigolds. But when she’d present an arrangement, all would be forgiven. She has specialized solely in wedding arrangements for 27 years and knows the ins and outs of the industry.
Flowers do more than decorate. They announce and accent emotion. Amaranth, for example, is a deep pink and red cascading flower, symbolizing eternal love. Held in a bouquet, it can enhance someone’s heartfelt vows.
Weed well knows the metaphorical and physical weight that a one to five-pound wedding bouquet carries. When she first meets a client, she prefers to do so on Zoom or in person to observe their mannerisms. “You can see how someone gestures, which will dictate the size, shape, and movement of their bouquet,” Weed says. Clients often tell Weed they feel seen by her for crafting arrangements that complement their personalities.
Hudson Valley Flower Flair
Weed strives for bouquets to look like they belong in the venue or were handpicked from its grounds, which helps them fit seemingly into wedding pictures. She draws inspiration from the Hudson Valley vernacular, where farms with rolling hills and rustic barns are common wedding venues and ensuing floral designs are earthy and organic.
When people book an outside venue, they sometimes fight with the outdoors. Weed’s approach is to stop fighting the elements and embrace them. “Greenery in floral work is like black in fashion—it never goes out of style,” Weed says.
Each arrangement is different every single time, even at the same venue, which keeps Weed constantly inspired.
Weed sends clients recipes that fit within their budget, aesthetic, and color palette and they can look up every flower. Recipes result from a tailored interaction with the client’s preferences. “Every single floral budget is okay,” Weed reassures.
A transformative shift happens when Weed walks into a venue, flowers in tow. “People are in hair and makeup but when the flowers get there, everything changes and a wedding becomes real,” Weed says.
