Interview with RedBoxDays, a destination wedding florist
Another successful wedding season is over for us. Along with our couples we had been planning their weddings for over a year, but here at EWT we feel that without the support and expertise of our precious partners we wouldn’t be able to meet the expectations that each couple sets once they trust us with this important event in their lives. So now it’s the time to meet the people that we like to consider as family. The secret actors that are behind the beautiful work you see in our posts and to which we are forever grateful for their valuable help and their restless spirit!
Today we are interviewing our exclusive floral designer Kostas, the heart and soul of RedBoxDays!
-Kostas, thank you so much for taking the time to talk to us. It’s quite unusually talking to you on another topic other than flowers, arrangements, new trends and of course life! We have been monitoring your work very closely quite a few years back and we are very happy to consider you our exclusive florist! Apart from what people sees in all photos, our aim is to expose your true soul, and find out a few of your tips and suggestions.
-How did you come up with the idea of RedBoxDays?
“It literally popped out of a red box! Having for years Redbox, an online company specializing in delivery of roses all over Greece, I had this client who asked me to decorated his wedding. And that’s when RedBoxDays was born. I started attending seminars to Athens, Holland, spent countless hours at the workshop experimenting with different materials and textures, and now, years later RedBoxDays has beautifully transformed my life!”
Photo by Vasilis Kouroupis
-What is RedBoxDays for you? What’s your favorite part of this job?
“To me RedBoxDays is a way to express my ideas, is the mean to bring to life what I visualize. I like to consider it as my third child, and is the best way to spend my days. I feel that the best part of this job is creation and implementation. Putting together what each couple wants by combining flowers, materials and colors. The result of this process that blends perfectly with the location of each wedding, the colors and flowers we use along with the candle light that showers the tables of the venue and the church, and they create a unique atmosphere for every couple”
Photo by Vasilis Kouroupis
-After all these years in the industry is there anything you would change in your choices?
“If I had the chance I would like to be more risky from the beginning of my career. I would like to use unusual material that you didn’t see at weddings at that time, and I would let my self be more creative in the arrangements I put together and to give them the freedom I would like them to have”
Photo by George Pahountis
-What would you suggest to a couple that is just starting their wedding planning?
“As we specialize in destination weddings, to the couples coming from abroad I would primarily suggest to choose a wedding planner they can trust, and to be open to the wedding planner’s suggestions and ideas. Listening and trusting the professionals is key for a successful wedding, as there are so many details that one needs to take into consideration, and so many people involved that need to be coordinated. It’s really difficult for a person not familiar with the industry to implement this without a professional’s help.”
Photo by George Pahountis
-What is the secret for your success?
“The secret of my success! Imagine it’s a Friday, very late at night, everyone’s done with their jobs, and i’m still at the workshop preparing for my next wedding. That’s the key for success. Working hard, with dedication for what you love!”
Photo by George Pahountis
-What would you suggest to a new couple who is looking for a professional to take on their wedding decoration? What do they need to be aware and to choose the right person for this job?
“There are simple yet important things that the couples should always take into consideration. A good professional should have fridge trucks for the safe transportation of the florals around Greece. To make sure that the company has enough personnel for the assistance of each wedding, and to be confident that the florist has plenty of ideas to provide, from different kinds of decorative elements, to unusual floral combinations that will make their wedding special and unique. And of course to find a person that will pay attention to detail, and to be sure the wedding will be treated as unique as it is.
Photo by George Pahountis
-What is your most favorite flower?
“I will have to say tulips. I just love the life they hide inside them, and the way they chase sunlight. Im always ecstatic to witness how they develop their stem when you place them in a vase, and how they transform during daytime and night time, and how they react by shutting their petals when they feel cold. I feel that this flower is resembling the philosophy of life, and of the existence itself.
Photo by George Pahountis
-Which trends do you think are outdated, and what are the trends we will see next year?
“I think that we are now leaving behind the common ordinary arrangements, and I believe that next year we will see more natural elements within the weddings. Flowers closer to the Greek nature, wildflowers, different kinds of leaves and greenery, and unusual florals will start being used.
Photo by George Pahountis
-Is there an easy and a difficult destination? What does make your job difficult?
“A difficult destination for us are definitely considered the islands. There, everything needs to be well organized, to choose the right ferry boat routes so that you don’t get there too early, but also not too risk the route being cancelled due to weather conditions. It is also important t hat couples choose flowers and materials that will make it against the exposure to the heat and the wind of an island. Another part that makes islands a challenge is the access to the venue, where in places like Santorini for example you very often have to climb hundreds of stairs until you get to the ceremony and venue.
Photo by George Pahountis
-When do you think is the right time for the couples to start working on the design of the colors and florals?
“The sooner, the better! Five to seven months before the wedding is a good timeframe to start working on it for both the couple and us as professionals as in that way we have plenty of time ahead to design something beautiful.
Photo by George Pahountis
-What would you like to see to next season’s weddings?
“I would love to see a harmony between the colors and less extravaganza creations. Also we always love happy and in great mood couples!
Photo by Vasilis Kouroupis
-What’s the one piece of advise you would like to give to young people that are interested in getting involved in this job?
“The first thing they need to be aware of is that a large amount of money is required for the necessary equipment, facilities and stock. They need to be have the time and passion to attend various exhibitions around the world to find new material, new ideas, that you don’t see locally. They need to have the strength to work endless hours day and night, to be willing to get up at 03:30 am to load the truck with the flowers, get to the port on time to catch the morning ferry for the island the event is taking place. If they can do that then they should definitely go for it and chase their dream. Apart from that, this job has to offer a huge satisfaction, the fact that you get to create with flowers especially in a destination wedding country is just priceless!
Photo by Vasilis Kouroupis
We would like to thank Kostas for his kindness to dedicate a part of his very precious time to share with us his personal view on this business. It is very rare to find professionals as such that share with you their vision, their passion for love, and their dedication in what they do!
If you want to see more of Kostas and his team’s work you can find them here:
Instagram: redboxdays
Facebook: redboxdays.gr
Web: www.redboxdays.gr