StyleSchool

What began as a hobby quickly became a profession for Garden State native Meredith Perez, owner of Belle Fleur (bellefleurny.com) in New York City. Her floral studio is the perfect synergy of her love of design and flowers and that’s what keeps their bouquets looking fresh and chic.

What is your design philosophy?
Belle Fleur’s style is most definitely a fusion of classic and modern design. Our signature style is tailored and elegant, focusing on the most luxurious flowers and designing them in keepsake vases. Our love for details is apparent in the extra finishing touches like calligraphic note cards and fragrant tissue paper.

What most inspires your designs?
On any given day something will trigger an inspiration ranging from the obscure to the most simplistic. It can literally come from a stroll through Central Park to a fabulous vintage ribbon—it’s the unexpected that’s so invaluable.

How can brides make sure they get the most impact for their money when buying flowers?
I think a bride should be upfront and realistic with her floral designer in regards to her budget. I find that once I know the brides financial parameters I can think freely and clearly. Design is limitless; some of the most beautiful concepts are actually very affordable.

What is your favorite flower for weddings?
Peonies, peonies and more peonies! Hands down, it’s the most beautiful flower in the world. Of course, sweetpeas are precious, orchids are sexy and gardenias smell heavenly. But for me, there is nothing like a peony—it’s simply divine.

What should every bride know about flowers?
That a bridal bouquet is an accessory to a bride’s wedding dress. It’s so important to be sure that the flowers relate seamlessly to its style. Often, the first thing I ask a bride for is a photo of her gown. It offers the most insight to her taste and really plays a role in deciding what the flower selection should be.

What do you foresee as the next big trend in wedding flowers?
Garden roses are most definitely the next big trend. There are so many new varieties that are breathtakingly gorgeous and in a spectrum of unbelievable hues.

—Randy Miller, Editorial Assistant