April and Fritz

I had the pleasure of speaking with Rita, founder of the Sustainable Floristry Network (SFN) and the No Floral Foam Movement. As a second-generation florist and science writer, Rita shares her insights on the disconnect between the floral industry and sustainability, and how SFN aims to address these challenges. As a member of the SFN, I’m proud to support sustainable practices at April and Fritz, and we discuss how florists can reduce their environmental impact by eliminating floral foam, avoiding single-use plastics, and prioritising local blooms. Join us as we dive into the complexities of creating a sustainable floral business and how we can move the industry toward a more eco-friendly future. What we cover in this episode: How the wasteful nature of floral foam prompted Rita to explore sustainable floristry, launch SFN and begin the No Floral Foam Movement. Why sustainability matters in all industries, not just floristry, and why you should care about it as a consumer using florals in an event. Whether a sustainable florist actually exists and what responsibilities lay with the consumer versus the florist or event vendor. If you need to sacrifice aesthetics in your floral design in the name of being sustainable. Let’s make your events truly special, one conversation at a time. --- Visit Sustainable Floristry Network’s website: https://www.sustainablefloristry.org/ Connect with SFN on Instagram: @sustainablefloristry --- Enquire for your next event here. Connect with Bree on Instagram: @aprilandfritz Check out our website: https://www.aprilandfritz.com.au/ Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any future episodes!

From early morning setups to the final touches on the big day, I spend this episode reflecting on the dedication and personalised service that sets April & Fritz apart in the floral industry. This has been inspired by an experience that I had at a client’s wedding recently. I got speaking to this fabulous woman who introduced herself as one of the MCs for the night, who was also related to the couple. After I explained that I was the florist and spoke about everything that I had done for the couple, she said “I have never met a florist like you”. And in that moment, I was really surprised, and it led me down a path of really digging into why she may have complimented me and my service in this way. I wanted to share my insights with you. What we cover in this episode: Building meaningful connections with clients and the joy of going above and beyond to make their special day truly memorable. The journey that I take with a couple, from the initial inquiry to the final wedding day setup, and why I think this approach stands out in the industry. The value of building relationships with my clients beyond just the flowers. Why I am so dedicated to ensuring every detail is perfect on the wedding day, even beyond my floral duties. Let’s make your events truly special, one conversation at a time. --- Enquire for your next event here. Connect with Bree on Instagram: @aprilandfritz Check out our website: https://www.aprilandfritz.com.au/ Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any future episodes!

In contrast to last week’s topic, in this episode we’re talking to floristry Myhanh, the lead floristry teacher at Melbourne Polytechnic and one of my own mentors during my time studying a Certificate III in Floristry, about formal floristry qualifications. With years of expertise as a florist, business owner, and educator, Myhanh reveals how professional training translates into flawless execution, creative confidence, and peace of mind for your big event. We’ll discuss how to spot the difference between a well-trained florist and why that matters when bringing your vision to life and so much more. If you’re planning an event and want to ensure every floral detail is perfect, this episode is a must-listen. What we cover in this episode: Myhanh’s insights on the importance of professional training and how this translates into peace of mind for clients by knowing that the person creating the florals for your event is well-equipped to bring your vision to life. Learn why hiring a professionally trained florist means you’re choosing someone who’s mastered their craft through structured learning, rigorous training, and industry standards - so you can trust that your event’s florals will exceed expectations. Why continuous learning, training and mentoring after a florist's formal education means that your chosen florist isn’t just "winging it" but has taken the next step to hone their craft. Myhanh shares her red flags to empower you to make informed decisions, helping them avoid vendors who may not deliver the quality or service you expect. Let’s make your events truly special, one conversation at a time. --- Check out the Certificate III in Floristry with Melbourne Polytechnic here. --- Enquire for your next event here. Connect with Bree on Instagram: @aprilandfritz Check out our website: https://www.aprilandfritz.com.au/ Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any future episodes!

Today we are diving into a topic that might not be the most glamorous, but it's absolutely essential - insurance. I’m joined by the lovely Casey from Sparksure, who has over 11 years of experience in the insurance world and a passion for eliminating the stress and confusion that comes with it. From understanding the types of insurance your vendors should have to know how to bring it up during your planning process, Casey lays it all out for us. Whether you're planning a wedding, a corporate event or any special occasion, this episode will help you stay ahead of any potential mishaps and help to ensure your event is memorable for all the right reasons. What we cover in this episode: Why hiring vendors without insurance can lead to complications if something goes wrong on the day of your event. The importance of reviewing terms and conditions, as they often include insurance details and warnings that clients may need their own insurance - which can easily be missed. Questions to ask your vendors to ensure that you are protected and some potential red flags to keep an eye out for. Some risks and unpredictabilities that can arise when working with nature in event design and the importance of clear terms and conditions to manage your expectations. Let’s make your events truly special, one conversation at a time. --- Please be aware that the content of this podcast episode is general advice and not personal advice. Sparksure can tell you about the relevant products and can collect information from you to determine if we can arrange the product or cover for you. However, Sparksure are not able to tell you if the product or an option within it is specifically appropriate for you, having regard to your objectives, financial situation or needs. Because of this, you need to consider the appropriateness of the general advice given in regards to your personal situation before acting upon it. --- Connect with Casey on Instagram: @spark.sure Visit Sparksure’s website here. Connect with Casey on LinkedIn here. Click to read the Financial Services Guide and Statement of Services. --- Enquire for your next event here. Connect with Bree on Instagram: @aprilandfritz Check out our website: https://www.aprilandfritz.com.au/ Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any future episodes!

When I first started my business, I had a relationship with a vendor who I engaged to help set up some back-end systems for my customer experience. I was inspired to speak on this topic of finding your dream vendors because this experience was far from a dream. I felt like I was running out of time when I chose this vendor, and our relationship went south pretty quickly. There was no communication, I felt strung along and ended up taking legal advice after they ghosted me. After this experience, I swore that I never wanted a client of mine to ever feel this way. So I want to share that all with you in this episode to help you avoid the mistakes that I made and find the vendors that you dream of working with, which will ultimately lead to an incredible event for you. In this episode, we’ll be diving into: My negative experience with a vendor for my own business and how it taught me to approach working with people moving forward. The downfalls of being a people pleaser and tips to help you advocate for yourself when a vendor is not communicating well or isn’t keeping up with what you have contractually agreed upon. The red flags to look out for when you engage with a vendor for your event and knowing when it’s time to break up with them. Practical tips for ending the relationship when your vendor and what mistakes to avoid the next time you engage with vendors. Let’s make your events truly special, one conversation at a time. --- Enquire for your next event here. Connect with Bree on Instagram: @aprilandfritz Check out our website: https://www.aprilandfritz.com.au/ Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any future episodes!

When it comes to floral quotes, transparency and understanding are key. This aspect of my business is deeply personal to me because it's not just about the flowers or the numbers, it's about ensuring you feel confident and informed when making decisions for your events. Breaking down the complexities of floral pricing brings a sense of trust and clarity to your relationship with your vendor, and allows you to create unforgettable moments together. I hope that this conversation helps you navigate this process with a bit more ease and confidence, so that you can put the trust in your team and focus on the joy of your event. In this episode, we’ll be diving into: Trends that I have noticed during my sister-in-law’s experience with her own wedding quotes and what it reveals about the industry. The three main factors that influence floral quotes and how to understand why there is such a price variation between different quotes. Practical advice on considering the designer’s experience and style to make the best choice for your event to ensure you trust them and their quote. My thoughts on the significance of overheads, sustainable practices, team expertise and how it can impact pricing. Let’s make your events truly special, one conversation at a time. --- Enquire for your next event here. Connect with Bree on Instagram: @aprilandfritz Check out our website: https://www.aprilandfritz.com.au/ Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any future episodes!

When someone passes away, emotions run deep. Unlike other events, funerals involve a strong desire to honour the person authentically rather than focusing primarily on aesthetics. This makes custom funeral design a deeply personal aspect of my business as it brings a closeness and intimacy with my clients that is unmatched. Being trusted with this responsibility is a profound honour for my team and I. We understand it’s about creating lasting memories of our clients’ final moments with their loved one. What I cover in this episode: How my personal experiences with loss, alongside my partner's insights from working in palliative care, shaped my approach to funeral design. Professional funeral training that transformed my understanding of death, highlighting the significance of personalisation and meaningful rituals. Examples of how I integrate personal details, passions, and memories into bespoke funeral floral designs. Reflections on the importance of legacy and how my work inspires thoughts on how we're remembered. Let’s make your events truly special, one conversation at a time. --- Enquire for your next event here. Connect with Bree on Instagram: @aprilandfritz Check out our website: https://www.aprilandfritz.com.au/ Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any future episodes!

This week I'm diving into a topic that often makes people squirm a bit: money. But don't worry, I'm here to make it a little less daunting. Join me for a heart-to-heart about money, value, and the magic that happens when you align your spending with your vision. Whether you're organising a wedding, a celebration of life, or a corporate event - it's not just about sticking to a budget. It's about knowing what you value and ensuring every dollar spent adds something special to your event. I'll even be sharing real-life examples from my floral design business to show you how thoughtful financial planning can help you navigate your next event with ease and confidence. I promise you'll come away with a fresh perspective on how to make the most of your budget and create truly memorable moments. What I cover in this episode: How your perception towards money can influence your planning experience. The power in being flexible and adaptable when it comes to the value of your allocation. Ways to consider the value of your vendor’s expertise and services. Tips to help prevent the overwhelm in the early stages of planning your financial allocation. Let’s make your events truly special, one conversation at a time. --- Enquire for your next event here. Connect with Bree on Instagram: @aprilandfritz Check out our website: https://www.aprilandfritz.com.au/ Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any future episodes!

This episode is all about my design process and what I take my clients through to help them create their dream event. There is no right or wrong way to approach design and for me, I’ve curated my approach to go deep with my clients to give them an experience that is so personal to them that they can't help but rave about. What I cover in this episode: The steps that I take my clients through What I ask clients to uncover personal details and what is most meaningful to them How I infuse personalisation and meaning into my client’s events Ways that the design process can impact you and your event as a client Enquire and share the code FLOWERPOD to get up to $100 off item hire for one event. View the T&Cs here. Check out my brand designer Alex: @havenstudioco Let’s make your events truly special, one conversation at a time. --- Download our flower availability guide here. --- Connect with Bree on Instagram: @aprilandfritz Check out our website: https://www.aprilandfritz.com.au/ Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any future episodes!

Welcome to April and Fritz. The podcast that dives deep into the artistry of floral design and the world of unforgettable events. I'm your host Bree, a passionate floral designer event, lover and business owner. Join me each week as we explore the skill and soul behind creating the event of your dreams. This podcast is a haven for dreamers and doers, and for anyone who envisions life's special moments as truly exceptional. In each episode, I will be: Equipping you with the knowledge and creative insights to help you make well-informed decisions and confidently navigate the details of your upcoming event. Empowering you through candid conversations about styles, designs, and trends. And lastly, I'll be getting you inspired by sharing real life stories of creating unforgettable moments from my own business, April and Fritz. Let's make your events truly special, one conversation at a time.