Pedestals/Flowers by Brian

Has anyone had any experiences with Pedestals Florists or Flowers by Brian in Mineola? Susan, I saw below that your friend had a bad experience with Pedestals. What happened?? Also is it ridiculous to ask a florist to make up a "sample" centerpiece arrangement so we can see exactly what we're paying for? Any input would be appreciated.

There is an entrance to the beach just outside the restaurant. We are having our ceremony there.

Pedestals/Flowers by Brian

Arielle, I met with my florist this morning for over 2 hours - and he made me samples of everything - corsages, bouquets, boutanniers (sp?)....instead of just looking at pictures, he assembled them for me to view..at no extra charge

There is an entrance to the beach just outside the restaurant. We are having our ceremony there.

Pedestals/Flowers by Brian

You should def ask for a sample-- not only to see the quality of their work but also to make sure that what you are describing to them or vice versa is the same Laura

I am going to check it out. When I went I didn't check any of the bathrooms and it's something that's been nagging me since. The second time I went they had just waxed the floors, so we couldn't do in. I'm glad I know. When's your date? I'm Sept 17. It sounds like yours is coming up pretty soon. Good luck. I have no problem voicing my concerns! :-) so let me know how it goes. I'll probably be going out soon so my parents & fil can see the place, i'll check it out then. Thanks for the heads up.

There is an entrance to the beach just outside the restaurant. We are having our ceremony there.

Pedestals/Flowers by Brian

We met with both for our wedding(flowers by brian & pedestals) and thought pedestals was much better. Has anyone ever met Brian himself?? What a jerk!!! He was completely obnoxious and turned us off right away. When we got a piece of his attitude we knew right away this was not the florist for us. Too bad because FBB did my SIL's wedding and did a lovely job.

I'll let you know how I make out.....

Pedestals/Flowers by Brian

I HAD FLOWERS BY BRIAN AND THE PERSON THAT I DEALT WITH WAS BOBBI, I THOUGHT THEY WERE WONDERFUL EVERYTHING THAT I WANTED CAME OUT PERFECT I HAD A CHRISTMAS WEDDING AND THE FLOWERS WERE JUST PERFECT FRIDAY NIGHT, THE NIGHT BEFORE THE WEDDING I WENT TO THEM AND THEY WANTED ME TO OK THE CENTERPIECE(AFTER THEY ALREADY MADE ME SAMPLES MONTH BEFORE). MY FLOWERS I WANTED TO MAKE A CHANGE THE NIGHT BEFORE THEY HAD NO PROBLEM AND OFFERED ADVICE. THE ONLY THING I HAVE TO SAY BAD ABOUT THEM WAS THAT WHEN ALL THE FLOWERS CAME TO MY HOUSE I NOTICED THE FLOWERS FOR ALL THE MEN WERE AT MY HOUSE AND NOT THE CHURCH AND THEY WERE NOT LABELED AS TO THE USHERS THE GROOM THE READERS ETC.. OTHER THEN THAT I WAS VERY HAPPY WITH THEM AND THE PRICES WERE GOOD.

well you then do not value flowers at your own admission so therefore your recoemmendation of burtons is for your same reason....of not really caring about flowers.....but for those of you that really care about your bridal bouquets

I cared plenty for my flowers *Thank You* for your posting

Pedestals/Flowers by Brian

Flowers by Brian was the florist for my wedding--I thought they were AMAZING. I worked with Bobbi at FBB, who was courteous, professional and just plain sweet. I met Brian also and while others perhaps didn't have such a great impression of him, I thought he was great. Samples were made up for me prior to the wedding--but AFTER the contract was signed (which stipulates that the deposit would be completely refunded if I was dissatisfied with the sample). The centerpiece sample was beautiful but since I was having a very large wedding I felt the the sample was too small. Brian just kept adding more and more flowers to the sample--Casablanca lilies, Irises, about 2 dozen roses, two dozen French stock and I can't even remember what else. I also wanted more roses added to my bouquet and for my bridal party. He added so much extra but didn't anything additional. All of my guests raved about the flowers--everyone said that they were more the most beautiful they had ever seen. FBB is not certainly cheap by any standards but they were worth every penny. I highly recommend them.

Actually when I called Davids Bridals alterations department I only told her that the wedding was the weekend before it actually was. She told me I needed to come down to be fitted asap.

I never expected it to be ready so soon! Even though the dress was a little big it didnt need too much alterations (it still cost me 75$)

Pedestals/Flowers by Brian

I recently booked Pedestals in Howard Beach for my wedding they had some samples of centerpieces already made up and I just so happened to pick out one of the ones they had there. I have only heard wonderful things about them. Flowers by Brian did my cousins wedding and at first everything went well she went the night before to look over everything and is looked fine. When the wedding came the next day the centerpieces were suppose to have 2 dozen roses in each instead some had 14 others had 17 and then there were some with 22. None of them had 2 dozen at all. When I went to book my flowers she warned me don't go there.

Actually when I called Davids Bridals alterations department I only told her that the wedding was the weekend before it actually was. She told me I needed to come down to be fitted asap.

I never expected it to be ready so soon! Even though the dress was a little big it didnt need too much alterations (it still cost me 75$)

Pedestals/Flowers by Brian

Thanks everyone for your input. One more question, I know it depends on the type of flowers and arrangement itself, but what is a safe amount that we can expect to pay for each table centerpiece? Nothing extravagant, but decent.

I never expected it to be ready so soon! Even though the dress was a little big it didnt need too much alterations (it still cost me 75$)

Pedestals/Flowers by Brian

In NJ my arrangements start at $25.00 and can go up to about $75.00. The median price is $45.00, which would include roses, holland flowers and great filler. This means there are no mums, carnations, babies breath or leather leaf in my $45 arrangements. Good Luck, Email me if you have any questions about flowers after you meet with a florist.

Also, is anyone having their ceremony in the atrium? How are 250 people going to fit in that space for both the ceremony and the cocktail hour. I am envisioning a zoo!! I think the Milleridge has such a quaint, intimate feel. But now that the list is bigger, I fear it will be too crowded. I did book the entire cottage, so if it's nice out, people can wander into the gardens. But if it rains, everyone will be stuck inside.

Anyone else having a big wedding there? What do you think about the size of the space.

Pedestals/Flowers by Brian

arielle, as you can see there are many view points on these two florists, mostly negative, leaving us all skeptical about what to expect....i'd like to add a couple of more points of fact.....well a friend of mine was pushed into going to pedestals....they went to howard beach and the girl who took care of them was a kid.....yes there were samples...but that is what they push......reason must be that there are no other flowers there.....when my friend asked specific questions about variations of flowers, ideas, etc....this kid was caught with no answers....when asked for other sample flowers she said they are in west hempstead....why is that....oh we do not do any work here????well then why make an appt there.....so she went to west hempstead only to get a completely different price for the exact same stuff....now why is that????do they make up their prices?????they aren't even consistent with their pricing......what gives with this company?????another friend of mine had a bad experience with the delivery....they were late, and flowers were missing.....mistakes.....well that's too much for me.....their not even around that long.....give me a break.....5 years.....why learn on my wedding......go elsewhere...... now brian did my cousin's wedding about 10 years ago.....they were "happy flowers" in bay terrace....he went bankrupt!!!!!! then he opened again in mineola......i guess he had to leave town......he stinks!!!!!why would any of you girls want to check out your flowers the night before you walk down the aisle....i know i'll be concerned with other things...and seriously hope that i've hired the right professionals to do the right job.....the night before is just going to upset me...as it has others.....wrong way of buying flowers....i don't know about you but i would at least try to sleep if that's possible...on the night of my wedding....i guess they were getting alot of complaints and that's why they show you the centerpiece the night before...maybe they would forget the modifications if any...i don't know, but what i do know is that the night before is not the time to start discussing the centerpiece and its changes....and if brian or bobbi is happy enough to add flowers for "no money" well doesn't that tell you that they were holding back....yes holding back the extra flowers to see if you ask for them...let's face it noone is going to add all of those flowers for no money!!!!!!only if you were overcharged!!!!! after all you did say they were expensive!!!!!or as in the other girl's wedding comments above....the wrong amount of roses was put in her wedding flowers.....she was to get 24 and i guess brian cannot count higher than 17...give me a break......girls...... reputation is everything....how many of you go into a restaurant and get a taste test of everything on the menu.....it doesn't happen ......when your in a reputable restaurant you donot have to taste test...you trust their years and years of experience...same with all the vendors we will hire for our weddings trust those that have been around for 15-20-30 years not these overnight attitude genius'.....just tell pedestals and brian to get a job...a real job and hang up the attitude while they get some experience instead of ruining our weddings starting with the night before.....i wonder how much business they would do if the caterer didn't push them......look around search around...but don't be traped and fooled by these two......nothing here!!!!!...there's spitz, cress in smithtown, stefans, jack&rose, midtown.....these are real forists and decorators....with years of experience.....good luck .....

Well Ladies Saturday is my big day!! Wish me luck!! I just wanted to thank everyone here for a great nine months of planning. My BIG DAY has finally arrived and with you help, advise and tips I am sure that it will go off without a hitch. I will be back after my honeymoon to tell you all how it went! I will try to pop in on the board tomorrow, to let you know how thing are going. I picked up my dress today, and most of my out of town guests have arrived. Tomorrow I will just relax and wait for the rehearsal. Only 34hours left!!

Jamelle

Flowers by Brian

I was just a few days away from booking Brian for my wedding this year when i read all of these reviews. Now I'm incredibly nervous. My fiance thought he would be the most creative out of everyone we met with but is that really worth it if you're overcharged and shortchanged. Does anyone know any good stories or have any recent experiences?

Although death has separated us physically, faith and love have bound us eternally. Though we cannot see you, we know you are here. Though we cannot touch you, we feel the warmth of your smile, as we begin a new chapter in our lives.

Today we pause to reflect upon those who have shaped our character, molded our spirits and touched our hearts. May the lighting of this candle be a reminder of the memories we have shared, a representation of the everlasting impact you have made upon our lives.

Flowers by Brian

Well, all I can say is that Brian did my wedding, my sister's wedding and my MOH's wedding. Flawless!!! He is truely an artist.

Today we pause to reflect upon those who have shaped our character, molded our spirits and touched our hearts. May the lighting of this candle be a reminder of the memories we have shared, a representation of the everlasting impact you have made upon our lives.

Pedestals/Flowers by Brian

Wow, Susan that's a strong opinion to have about a vendor, especially a vendor that did not even do your wedding flowers. Are you in the floral business? I was just asking because I saw you posted several messages regarding other florists and also had negative comments. When it comes to these two vendors, there are mixed reviews. Although I must admit I definetly wanted someone who has experience with wedding floral arrangements (not a kid) and someone who I can trust enough where I can relax and enjoy the night before my wedding with my fiance and families, and not go and check my flowers. I must say that after reading about everyones experiences, that I will be very careful who I hire to do our flowers. And in case we happen to come across problems like you've stated, I will have it in writing. :)

Today we pause to reflect upon those who have shaped our character, molded our spirits and touched our hearts. May the lighting of this candle be a reminder of the memories we have shared, a representation of the everlasting impact you have made upon our lives.

Flowers by Brian

I forgot to mention that when FBB did my SIL's wedding he left out one of the girls bouquets and my SIL was hysterical crying to him on the phone that morning. He did come through with the extra piece in enough time though :)

Today we pause to reflect upon those who have shaped our character, molded our spirits and touched our hearts. May the lighting of this candle be a reminder of the memories we have shared, a representation of the everlasting impact you have made upon our lives.

Flowers by Brian

yeah i agree with gina and arielle and susan....who needs that stuff...the night before the wedding i don't want to have a heart attack...who needs that...i want a florist i can trust and will deliver what he's supposse to the first time...and not make me or my bridal party cry as gina said that's not right....and i don't want to go to places that make up prices either ....tx

I got a price quote fron James Cress that was simply outrageous! He wouldn't even meet with us personally, we met with an assistant. My Aunt only uses him exclusively. I have to say some of his pieces(that I have received personally) have been off like any other place :)

Today we pause to reflect upon those who have shaped our character, molded our spirits and touched our hearts. May the lighting of this candle be a reminder of the memories we have shared, a representation of the everlasting impact you have made upon our lives.

Pedestals/Flowers by Brian

thanks arielle.....appreciate the compliment but no i'm not a florist...i guess i could be with all of the info i've accumumated over my wedding plans.....maybe i could be a wedding planner....i have done the same with music and photographers as well...but i guess i get to be thorough through my job as a stock analyst.....and as an analyst we tell it like it is!!!!!sparing noone!!!!! so whatever i've learned i have mentioned previously to help you guys, especially since this info has undoubtedly helped me.....isn't that what this chat room is all about......good luck girl....

What is everyone's opinion about sending out "save the date" cards? Has anyone done this; when is an appropriate time to do so? Any info would be helpful. Thank you and good luck to everyone!

Today we pause to reflect upon those who have shaped our character, molded our spirits and touched our hearts. May the lighting of this candle be a reminder of the memories we have shared, a representation of the everlasting impact you have made upon our lives.

Pedestals/Flowers by Brian

I apprieciate your honesty. Thanks again :)

We were so impressed, I booked them for my May 2001 wedding also! Good Luck.

Flowers by Brian

gina and rachel thanks for your comments about brian....gina you said brian was a jerk....in what way.... next message you said he forgot a bouquet, what happened? rachel you said he cheated your friend on roses in the centerpiece. how did he fix the problem? let me know i'm just bored here at work tonite. if not let me know by tomorrow

Try a place called Money Savers on Flatbush Avenue in Marine Park (between Ave P & Quentin). They have a really good selection and are very helpful.

Good luck!

Flowers by Brian

He had a 3 piece suit on the night we went to see him and had his feet up on one of the tables in the showroom. The best way I can describe him would be a loudmouth guido(I'm italian). He was like "Hey Yo You should pic us Yo nobody is nicer than us and my flowers are the best, not picking us would be stupid" In my mind I thought go for some english classes and get your feet off the table, you are representing your business!!!! I think Bobbi was a little mortified at the way he was acting, she was trying to keep our attention on her. The morning of my SIL's wedding the van showed up and as she is going through the boxes, I hear a scream. He left out a piece-to make it short, he did come through with the piece before we left for the church but it was missing for some of the pics.

Jamelle

Flowers by Brian

Sorry Gina I have been real busy at work and didn't get a chance to answer you. Regarding the missing roses well they did nothing at all if I remember right they gave them back $100 but that is not the point. I choose pedestals and I live right around the corner from them and know many many people who have used them and have only heard of good things.

If you want to email me I will give you the price quotes we received.

Good luck with your planning. Let me know if you decide to book there.