Wedding season is upon us, and it’s going to be a busy one. Make sure you’re fully prepared to reap the benefits by knowing what the modern bride is looking for, and how to exceed her expectations. Here are a few tips to help you say “I do!” to increase sales and profits.

Know current wedding trends

When it comes to success this wedding season, knowledge is key. Learn as much as you can about current wedding trends. For example, beiges and pinks are popular colors, so roses like Mother of Pearl and Quicksand will be in high demand this wedding season; the 2018 Pantone Color of the Year is Ultraviolet, so there will be a large demand for lavender varieties such as Ocean Song and Avant Garde; living greenery bouquets and succulents are also more common now, as well as textured foliages like jasmine, acacia, dusty miller, and foxtail grass. These are just a few of the trends, so make sure you do your research!

Prepare your staff

Prepare your buyers and sales team this season by educating them on current wedding trends. You may want to create a “Wedding Season 2018” binder that includes information from your research on floral trends as well as examples of ceremonial design trends like archways, wall decorations, and floral chandeliers. With a thorough understanding of this season’s trends in floral color and variety, you will be prepared to deliver what your customers will be requesting and even offer things they didn’t know were possible!

Partner with others in the wedding industry

Connect with wedding planners in your area, who can be an excellent partner to your shop. Wedding planners can recommend your flowers to brides, and you can keep the wedding planner’s information on hand for any brides who enter your storefront. It’s a great way to increase wedding season business for years to come!

Make your website “wedding friendly”

Review your website and adjust your product descriptions to market them for weddings. Include the keywords “wedding”, “engagement” and “bridal” in as many of your product descriptions as possible. Feature photos of items in wedding settings, so that customers can see how your products can make their wedding dreams come true.

Be the wedding expert in your area

While many brides will come in knowing what they want, there are those who will have a general idea but will need your expertise to make that idea come alive. Why not put together a “2018 Wedding Trends” book for your customers to review? Include traditional and non-traditional flowers, as well as interesting ideas for arrangements reflecting the latest trends. Make yourself into a trusted resource, and watch the referrals roll in.

With thorough planning and knowledge, from buying to selling to creating final arrangements, your shop can become the “go-to” location for brides this wedding season!