Bouquets to Art 2026 Program

Inspirations by Gina to Be Featured at the 2026 Bouquets to Art In-Person Floral Program at the de Young Museum

A vibrant floral arrangement in a clear glass vase featuring deep pink hydrangeas, yellow lilies, blue irises, white blossoms, and cascading red amaranthus, displayed on a white pedestal in front of a blurred abstract at Bouquets to Art

We are honored to announce we will be speaking at the 2026 Bouquets to Art at the de Young Museum in San Francisco, on March 6, 2026. We are thrilled to be part of the in-person floral program, Bloom Where You’re Rooted: Culture and Floral Design.

Teresa Speight, the author of Black Flora: Inspiring Profiles of Floriculture’s New Vanguard will also be on stage presenting with us.  We both will be weaving three themes: African American contributions to floristry, sustainability, and Southern floral traditions. Each of these threads tells a story—one of resilience, artistry, and cultural legacy—and together they form the foundation of our creative vision.

Honoring African American Voices in Floristry

For many African Americans, representation is deeply personal and profoundly important and often has been overlooked in the floriculture narrative. We will celebrate the creativity and ingenuity that African Americans have brought to floriculture for generations.

Sustainability at the Heart of the Design

Sustainable floristry is not a trend for us—it is a commitment. Inspirations by Gina has long championed eco‑conscious practices, from sourcing locally grown flowers to minimizing floral foam and reducing waste. We will highlight these values through intentional material choices, seasonal blooms, and mechanics that honor the environment.

By showcasing sustainable design, we aim to spark conversations about how florists can create beauty without compromising the planet.

Rooted in Southern Tradition

Our rich botanical history; lush gardens, heirloom flowers, and a culture that embraces southern African American hospitality and storytelling through nature will be incorporated into our designs inspired by these traditions.

We invite you to join us to experience Bouquets to Art and to attend our in-person program. You can click here for additional information and tickets to the event.

 

Holiday Wreath Making Workshop in Sacramento

Holiday Wreath Making Workshop Featuring Floral Hacks for Customized Floral Wreaths

Holiday Wreath Workshop in Sacramento

The holiday season is the perfect time to gather, create, and celebrate beauty. Imagine stepping into a cozy studio filled with fresh evergreens, fragrant eucalyptus, and festive accents like berries, ribbons, and ornaments. At our Holiday Wreath Workshop, you’ll design your own custom wreath that brings warmth and joy to your home all season long.

This hands-on experience is designed for beginners and seasoned creatives alike. Guided by expert floral design techniques, you’ll learn how to:

  • Select sustainable, locally sourced greenery for long-lasting wreaths
  • Craft balanced designs that highlight texture, color, and seasonal flair
  • Add personalized touches with ribbons, ornaments, or natural accents

Workshops are intentionally intimate, giving you time to connect with others while discovering the artistry of floral design. Whether you’re looking for a festive outing with friends, a creative date idea, or a solo retreat into holiday magic, this workshop is the perfect way to slow down and savor the season.

🌿 Why join us?

  • Create a one-of-a-kind wreath to showcase on your front door or holiday table
  • Learn sustainable floral practices from a professional designer
  • Enjoy a welcoming, inclusive environment that celebrates creativity and community
  • Take home not just your wreath, but the skills to design again and again

Holiday Wreath Workshop FAQ

Do I need floral design experience to join? Not at all! Our Holiday Wreath Workshop is beginner-friendly. You’ll receive step-by-step guidance and all the supplies you need.

What should I bring to the workshop? Just yourself and your holiday spirit! We provide fresh greenery, tools, ribbons, and decorative accents. If you’d like, you can bring personal ornaments or trinkets to customize your wreath.

How long does the workshop last? Each session runs about 2 hours, giving you plenty of time to learn, design, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Can I attend with friends or family? Absolutely! Our workshops are perfect for groups. Whether it’s a girls’ night out, a family tradition, or a team-building activity, you’ll love creating together.

Where are the workshops held? We’re hosting our holiday workshop at Flora Fresh in Sacramento, CA. Will my wreath last through the holidays? Yes! With proper care, your wreath will stay fresh and beautiful throughout the season. We’ll share tips on how to keep it looking vibrant.

How do I sign up?

Spaces are limited! Workshops will be hosted at Flora Fresh in Sacramento.

📅 Reserve your spot today and make this holiday season unforgettable.

👉 Sign up here for the Holiday Wreath Workshop and secure your seat before they sell out!

DIY Bridal Bouquet Workshop: Create Your Dream Bouquet

 

Planning your wedding and want to add a personal touch to your special day? Our DIY Bridal Bouquet Workshop teaches brides-to-be how to craft floral arrangements that match your wedding vision. You’ll learn flower selection techniques and arrangement basics. This hands-on experience covers essential workshop supplies and step-by-step guidance in a supportive environment where creativity blooms.

Essential Workshop Components for DIY Bridal Bouquet Success

Professional floral instruction from experienced designers

Picture this: you’re standing next to a floral designer who’s created hundreds of stunning bridal bouquets. We show you exactly how to hold the stems, which flowers pair beautifully together, and other floral hacks. This is what makes our workshop special.

We aren’t just flower enthusiasts – we’re seasoned professionals who know every trick in the book. We’ll guide you through common mistakes (like cramming too many flowers together) and show you professional techniques that make your bouquet look polished, not DIY.

And don’t worry about feeling lost. We will break everything down into simple steps that anyone can follow, regardless of your crafting experience.

Complete design kit and necessary supplies included

Gone are the days of running to five different stores gathering supplies. We’ve thought of everything:

  • Professional-grade floral shears
  • Floral tape and pins
  • Premium ribbon selection

The best part? You get to keep all these tools for future floral projects. No hidden costs or surprise “you should have brought this” moments.

Fresh florals and greenery selection process

Let’s talk about the stars of the show – the flowers themselves. You’ll learn how to:

  • Identify flowers that last longest after cutting
  • Select blooms at the perfect opening stage

We source directly from local growers, ensuring your flowers are fresh, sustainable, and in peak condition.

Step-by-step bouquet creation techniques

Creating your bouquet isn’t just randomly sticking flowers together. Our workshop teaches you:

  • The spiral technique professional florists use
  • Proper stem cutting for optimal bouquet shape
  • Ribbon wrapping methods that won’t unravel
  • Transportation and day-of care instructions

Whether you’re joining us for the hands-on experience, comprehensive materials, or expert guidance, your DIY bridal bouquet journey will be memorable. Take this opportunity to express your unique style and create a wedding keepsake that truly reflects your personality. Book your workshop spot today and turn your floral dreams into a stunning reality you’ll cherish forever.

Monday, August 25
5:30pm-8pm
SPARKLE bridal couture
3200 Folsom Blvd. Ste B
Sacramento, CA
*Your ticket includes:*
Personal floral instruction by Lead Floral Designer Gina Lett-Shrewsberry
Florals and greenery by Flora Fresh
Design kit and supplies
Coffee, wine & bubbly by Tandem Coffee and Wine
An array of savory bites
Meet other brides & floral enthusiasts
A stunning bouquet!
$65 for General Public

To register for this amazing workshop click on the link below for more information!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/blooms-to-bride-a-diy-bridal-bouquet-workshop-tickets-1554340417029?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

Wedding Flower Tariffs 2025

Strategies to Navigate through Wedding Flowers Tariffs and Save Money

A beautifully arranged centerpiece with an array of pastel flowers such as light blue delphinium, toffee roses, blush and white dahlias, greenery, lavender clematis and pink scabiosa, set in a white modern vase.
Alternative flower choices with minimal tariff impact

Look, those fancy imported roses are gorgeous, but they’ll cost you an arm and a leg in 2025 thanks to these new tariffs. But here’s the good news – plenty of stunning alternatives are flying under the tariff radar.

Native blooms are your best friend right now. They’re locally grown, which means no international shipping fees or tariff headaches. Plus, they’re already adapted to your climate, so they’ll look fresh longer.

Greenery is another smart move. Eucalyptus, ferns, and ivy can fill out arrangements for a fraction of the cost of premium blooms. And honestly? That lush, garden-inspired look is totally on trend.

Consider these wedding flower tariff-friendly options:

  • Blooms from locally sourced flower farms
  • Dahlias and zinnias (gorgeous in summer/fall)
  • Sunflowers (perfect for rustic vibes)
  • Chrysanthemums (available in practically every color)
  • Wildflower mixes (for that effortless, romantic feel)

Repurposing ceremony flowers for reception decor

Who says those ceremony arrangements get to shine for just 30 minutes? Double their duty!

Have your wedding party or coordinator move your ceremony flowers to the reception while you’re taking photos. Altar arrangements can transform into statement pieces for your sweetheart table. Those aisle markers? Perfect for the bar or buffet tables.

Just tell your florist the plan upfront. They’ll create arrangements that:

  • Are easily transportable
  • Work in multiple settings
  • Won’t wilt between events

This isn’t being cheap—it’s being smart. You’re getting twice the value and reducing waste.

  • Simple bud vase collections
  • Loose, garden-style centerpieces
  • Greenery garlands
  • Flower crowns for flower girls

Working with Florists in the New Tariff Environment

Questions to Ask Your Florist About Wedding Flower Tariff Impacts

The 2025 tariff situation has thrown wedding flower planning into chaos. Don’t walk into your florist consultation unprepared. Here are the questions you absolutely need to ask:

“Which flowers in my inspiration photos are most affected by the tariffs?”
Not all blooms are created equal when it comes to import taxes. Your dream peonies from Holland might now cost double, while local dahlias remain stable.

“What domestic or in-season alternatives would you recommend?”
Smart florists are already pivoting to beautiful local options. They should be able to show you side-by-side comparisons of imported vs. local blooms that achieve a similar aesthetic.

“How are you handling the price volatility with other clients?”
This question reveals how experienced your florist is with the new reality and what creative solutions they’ve developed.

Booking Timelines to Secure Better Pricing

The old rules about when to book your florist? Toss them out the window. The new tariff environment demands a different approach:

12-15 months out: Lock in your florist with a preliminary design plan, but build in flexibility on specific flower varieties.

9-10 months out: Review your contract for price protection clauses (more on this below).

6 months out: This is your sweet spot for finalizing flower selections. Early enough to secure inventory, late enough to have better visibility on pricing trends.

3 months out: Last chance to make substitutions before your florist places final orders.

The wedding couples winning at the flower game in 2025 are those who understand that timing is everything. Book your florist early, but leave specific flower choices flexible until closer to your date.

Negotiation Strategies for Wedding Flower Packages

Gone are the days when you could just hand over a Pinterest board and expect your dream flowers at a predictable price. In 2025, successful couples are becoming savvy negotiators:

Package deals over à la carte: Florists can offer better pricing when you commit to full packages rather than individual items.

Flexibility premium: Offer your florist the freedom to substitute similar blooms based on market conditions, in exchange for price protection.

Understanding New Contract Clauses Related to Price Fluctuations

Wedding flower contracts in 2025 look nothing like they did a few years ago. New clauses you’ll encounter include:

Market adjustment provisions: These allow price adjustments if wholesale costs increase beyond a certain percentage.

Substitution rights: Defining what alternatives your florist can use without additional approval.

Force majeure redefined: These clauses now specifically mention tariffs and trade restrictions as potential disruptors.

Price lock guarantees: Some premium florists offer these for an additional fee, essentially an insurance policy against future price hikes.

When reviewing these clauses, focus on creating boundaries that protect both you and your florist. The goal isn’t to squeeze them on price but to create certainty in an uncertain market.

The shifting landscape of trade tariffs in 2025 presents significant challenges for couples planning their wedding flowers. From understanding how these new tariffs impact imported blooms to working collaboratively with florists who are navigating these changes, today’s couples have several strategies at their disposal. By considering locally-sourced alternatives, embracing seasonal options, and exploring sustainable choices like potted plants or dried arrangements, couples can still create stunning floral displays while managing their budgets effectively.

As you plan your 2025/2026 wedding, remember that communication with your florist will be your greatest asset. Start your floral discussions early, remain flexible about flower varieties, and consider the unique regional trends that may offer beautiful alternatives to traditionally imported blooms. While tariffs may change the wedding flower landscape, they also create opportunities to support local growers, make environmentally conscious choices, and perhaps discover unexpected floral combinations that make your celebration even more memorable and meaningful.

Now Offering Non Contact Flower Delivery!!!

Floral Design Flower Delivery

Hey all! It totally sucks that we are sheltering in place.  We get it!  It’s really about trying to flatten the curve, save lives and if we all do our part, we can get back to normal regular programming.

While we are sheltering in place, we know some people are kind of depressed or are struggling with the fact that they are on lockdown.  We definitely feel your pain.  We are not known for being confined in our floral designs neither nor the way we live our lives.  This is an unpresedented time we are facing.

A couple of weeks ago, a local floral wholesaler, Flora Fresh, was donating a boatload of flowers to the floral community.  We received word and we went to their warehouse and picked up a SUV full of flowers.  There was a group huddle here at the design studio and we thought about what we could do with the flowers since we didn’t have any upcoming events.

The Inspirations by Gina team decided to create small bouquets and floral arrangements for folks who are depressed, struggling with this pandemic and at the same time, create some floral joy with others. There had been so much negative outcomes on the news regarding senior facilities that we reached out to management at the Eskaton Care Center Greenhaven to see if we could donate flowers there.  had been on lockdown in their rooms.  We knew that these flowers were going to make them feel despite the fact that they are cut off from the outside world.

It sure did feel hecka good to give back to the community.  So, in honor of giving back, we are launching a flower delivery service in which you can purchase a floral arrangement or bouquet for you or someone you miss and love!  We want you to feel good about yourself or whomever you are sending the floral love to, so when you purchase flowers from us, we are going to donate a portion of all flower delivery service sales to Meals on Wheels and the Sacramento Food Bank.  No one should ever feel insecure physically, emotionally and especially when it comes to food.

To learn more about our new flower delivery service, email us at flowerdelivery@inspirationsbygina.com for more details and we will get back to you promptly!  Now let’s spread some floral love!

 

Why Do Wedding Flowers Cost So Much?

 

Engagement Ring with Coral Tulip Cost of Wedding Flowers

He or she has put a ring on it!  Yay!  You have been shopping around for vendors, going to different shows and in the back of your mind, you are thinking why do flowers cost so much?  Most couples often experience sticker shock over the price of wedding flowers.

You ask yourself why don’t “I go to Trader Joes or the grocery store to get my flowers?”  Simply put, flowers are expensive.  Why?  Let’s use an example of a bridal bouquet.  A bouquet has a number of individual blooms and they can be very costly.  While we can help you pick out flowers that are your style and theme, it’s important to be clear about your floral budget in the beginning. It also helps when you have a consultation with us that you have some understanding of the costs associated with specific flowers.

Below, is a break down the factors that contribute to the final cost of a bridal bouquet.

  1. The bouquet requires an extensive amount of design time and care.  We usually allot one to two hours of design time to perfect each bouquet.  However, it is not always just the labor that that contributes to the final cost of the bouquet.  If you want expensive, out of season blooms, like peonies in October, the cost is going to be higher because peonies aren’t available and would have to be imported.  A lot of brides choose a premium array of flowers to make a statement in their bouquet.  The most popular premium flowers are orchids, peonies, garden roses and calla lilies.
  2. Even though premium flowers attribute to the cost of the bouquet, the number of blooms will matter too.We have to order more flowers than we intend to use; some stems are not in perfect condition while designing or because the potentially of having to replace a broken or wilted bloom on wedding day.
  3. What else is included in the cost of a bouquet? Our overhead.There is a great deal of expenses that come with running a floral business.  Expenses like prep time, storage of the flowers, labor, production, supplies and transportation have to be added.
  4. You are paying for our expertise.If you want to DIY your own flowers, you can but DIY isn’t really for everyone and can be stressful if you are relying on friends and family to help you and they don’t help you out.  If you have never arranged flowers before, your wedding day isn’t the time to start doing that.
  5. The size of the bouquet doesn’t always impact the cost of the bouquet.  There is also a myth that using a lot of greenery or keeping it simple will drive the cost of the bouquet down. Unfortunately, since the wedding of the Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the cost of greenery has skyrocket and some greenery costs as much as flowers.

Basically, there are a number of factors that drive the cost of your wedding flowers up.  If you are trying to save money, we can recommend choosing more affordable blooms like carnations, mums and standard roses, to name a few.  There are so many gorgeous varieties and colors to choose from.

Don’t think that you can’t have premium flowers.  When brides want to cut costs we suggest to have a premium flower as a focal point and the rest of the bouquet with affordable flowers.  When you are walking down the aisle, most guests are looking at the color of the bouquet, not what type of flowers are in the bouquet.

A Year in Review 2018 – Inspirations by Gina

We can’t believe how 2018 has flown by!  Where on earth did the time go?  We went through ups and downs and had major growing pains.  There were certainly challenges throughout the year as we began to shift our focus from just wedding planning and coordination to full service event planning and design.  It was rough at times but we stayed true to our core mission and values and all the hard work has paid off tremendously for our team here at Inspirations by Gina.

Here are some of our highlights for 2018:

SF City Hall Elopement Intimate Wedding Planner Floral Designer

Photo Credit: Christine Glebov Photography

 

What an amazing and action-packed year it has been for us!  We had an opportunity to provide personal flowers for a number of San Francisco City Hall weddings and coordinate weddings and events in the San Francisco Bay area.  We were also no stranger to travel this year, jet setting to South and Central America, coordinating and designing a wedding in Anderson Valley (near Mendocino) and traveling to New York for design meetings for events in 2018 and 2019.

wedding ceremony at Park Winters

Photo Credit: Molly Gilholm Photography

It was an honor to make a number of TV appearances on Good Day Sacramento, first appearing in the summer to discuss wedding planning and wildfires and the second appearance this past month to talk about Kwanzaa and weddings. In addition to the TV appearances, we were very estatic to have one our weddings featured in the spring on Park Winters blog!   All the media love has been a huge blessing and we are humbled that our work has been recognized regionally and not everyone has this opportunity to be featured.

Our industry peers recognized us by nominating us for various awards such as the Sacramento A List “Best Wedding Planner” category in which we made the top 10 planners in the Sacramento, The Rising Tide “20 on the Rise Award” and “Intrigue Floral Design Awards 2019”.  We thank you and are humbled that our peers felt we deserved this type of validation.

Bridal Bouquet floral Design

Photo Credit: Meagan Lucy Photographers

December was an amazing month in which we designed a huge holiday window display at Sparkle Bridal Couture with the holiday theme being Kwanzaa.  We are truly humbled and blessed to witness such positive reactions to our window display and it has helped our community here in Sacramento have discussions about what the principles of Kwanzaa are and how we can live these principles each and every day.

Floral and event design was a huge part of our success in 2018 and we cannot wait for what 2019 has in store for us.

We would like to thank all our clients, creative partners, venues and media outlets for such a fabulous 2018.  We certainly could NOT have done it without you and here at Inspirations by Gina, we would like to say “Here is a toast to you because you are fabulous”!!

Love is Love – An LGBT Wedding in the Woods

An LGBT Wedding at UC Davis Arboretum

We have had the opportunity to plan and design a number of LGBT weddings over the last couples years.  Last October, Inspirations by Gina was contacted by Angela who was looking for someone to create florals and decor for her wedding to Cassie.  Yay!  We were so excited because our philosophy is that Love is Love and we do not discriminate against anyone who finds love.  Angela met with us and we immediately clicked on the design and what she was envisioning for her wedding day.  The UC Davis Arboretum is such a serene and special place that we wanted to capture the organic elements in our design for Angela and Cassie.

We decided that we would use lots of greenery such as sword ferns along with a single echeveria succulent, seeded eucalyptus to represent the woods in Angela’s bouquet.  The pop of colors of cream roses and purple burgundy florals tied into the design of Angela’s gown and her desire to bring in the color burgundy for the wedding.

Credit: Oh Snap Photography

We continued with the design of the woods throughout the reception decor and the centerpieces for the guest tables were wooden boxes filled with florals, pots and succulents.  We decorated the simple wedding cake with cream roses to compliment the rest of the design throughout the reception.

Angela was overcome with so much emotion when we presented her with her bouquet!  Also, when Angela and Cassie arrived at the D Street Steakhouse, they were both blown away when they saw not only the florals but the reception decor.  This is why we do what we do because we love it when our clients are happy with what we create for their special day.

For more info on Angela and Cassie’s wedding day, check out their wedding on Equally Wed:

Here’s a toast to both Angela and Cassie:  Cheers and we wish you much love and happiness!

Vendor Credits

Photography: Oh Snap! Photography
Ceremony Venue: UC Davis Arboretum
Reception Venue: D Street Steakhouse
Cassie’s Florals: Bloom and Vine
Officiant: Tan Wedding & Events
Angela’s Bouquet and Reception Decor: Inspirations by Gina
Entertainment: Steve Millington
Dress: Haute House Couture
Vest & Tie: Elegant Designs Bridal
Suit & Shoes: Express

We are on the San Francisco City Hall Approved Wedding Planner List!

Inspirations by Gina – A San Francisco City Hall Approved Wedding Planner!

We have the belief that if you work hard and live your life with honesty and be true to yourself that good things will come to you. Over the past nine years we have shed a lot of sweat, had sleepless nights, worked long hours and sacrificed a lot to make Inspirations by Gina what it is today. We pushed ourselves to the limit and strived to exceed at wedding planning, wedding coordination and design.  We have worked hard and busted our butts and we can honestly say that all that hard work has FINALLY paying off!  We are very humbled and excited to announce that Inspirations by Gina has been approved by the San Francisco City Hall Events Office as a San Francisco City Hall Approved Wedding Planner!

The Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is a very detail and rigorous process to go through at the San Francisco City Hall Events Office.  The application required applicants to list their experience in their particular field and to show that they had great understanding the Rules and Regulations of San Francisco City Hall and how they apply to weddings and events. There was rigorous vetting by the San Francisco City Hall Events office of all vendors who went through the RFP process and not everyone was approved.  We are super happy and humble we are listed along with some outstanding vendors that we have worked with in the past and do not take this great honor lightly.

In order to have your wedding ceremony and reception at San Francisco City Hall, you must hire from the approved vendors list and there are NO exceptions.  So, if you are planning a wedding for just of the two of you, planning an intimate or large wedding at San Francisco City Hall, we would love to have the opportunity to speak with you about your vision and how we can help it come true. Not only can we plan and coordinate your wedding day, but we also offer wedding design and décor and floral design for your special day.

 

SF City Hall Approved Vendor

Photo Credit: Michael Creasy Photos

How to Pick the Perfect Wedding Venue

SIX TIPS ON HOW TO PICK THE PERFECT WEDDING VENUE

Now that you have your ring and you have told the world through Facebook, Snap Chat and Instagram that you are now engaged.  You ask yourself, “What’s next???” You need to know how to pick the perfect wedding venue.

Your selection of the perfect wedding venue is one of the most important decisions you will make on your journey to I do. The venue will pretty much dictate what time of year you get married, your dress, your budget, decor and what type of vendors you need to hire. You might feel overwhelmed because there are so many venues to choose from.

First and foremost you will need to take the following into consideration:

  1. How large or small a wedding do you plan to have?  Do you want to have a destination wedding?  You need to know that not every venue can accommodate large weddings; whereas some venues have a minimum guest count. If you are looking to have a small destination wedding, it might not be the right fit.
  2. The wedding season is year round here in Sacramento , but the most popular months to get married are September and October.  Hot weather can put a damper on your July or August wedding,
  3. Holiday weekend weddings are very popular; however, venues that might not be open or will charge a premium for you to hold your wedding during a holiday.  You also might have your heart set on vendors that are not available.
  4. When you first start out planning your wedding, you probably do not have a budget in mind.  Sit down with your fiance and have a realistic conversation about money.  You don’t want to overspend on your dream venue and cannot afford to feed your guests!
  5. A licensed and certified wedding planner offers valuable insights on venues that fit your budget.
  6. Are you a DIY bride? A venue resource book like Here Comes the Guide can help you find the perfect venue.

 

carmel valley winery wedding perfect wedding venue

Inspiration by Gina