IYN Spotlight – Kate Foley Designs

April Showers bring May (and year-round) flowers! This week we are featuring one of our neighbors in the Handley Wedding District, Kate Foley with Kate Foley Designs! Kate Foley Designs is a boutique floral studio in the heart of Fort Worth and Kate has been designing weddings and events for over 12 years. They are a small team that is committed to working closely with each client to make their vision come to life!

Kate Foley has pivoted her business to adapt to the times that we’re in right now in a creative, beautiful way. Her team is currently taking pre-orders for Mother’s Day floral pickups or deliveries and they are working on a summer subscription so that you can receive stunning arrangements all summer long – amazing idea!

We got to chat with the boss herself, Kate Foley, to answer some questions about her and her business.

When and how did you get started in the wedding industry?

I studied Interior Design in college and transitioned into floral design 20 years ago as I started designing for my friend’s weddings. I found a love for flowers & haven’t looked back! 

On average, how many weddings do you take on per month/year?

We average 35 weddings each year.

What is your secret for staying calm during the planning process?

You definitely have to be quick on your feet and always keep smiling to present a calm front! My personality is to be more even keel but when unexpected things happen, I have found the best solution is to evaluate the situation and move forward confidently on a new (sometimes even better) plan! We stay in communication with the bride to make sure she is happy with each step of the progress!

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

I love handing the bride her bouquet & seeing her face light up! Seeing the room transform after a set up is the best feeling and makes my job worthwhile!

Can you share a funny or memorable instance that has happened at an event?

We had a funny and stressful moment once where we had planned all along to move the ceremony arch into the reception room, only to find on the day of that the venue had installed a new door that restricted the arch from fitting! With the venue’s permission we whipped out our drill & removed the door frame to put the arch inside just where it was supposed to be! Whew! And the bride never knew – that was an adventure for sure!

What are some of the hottest trends you’re seeing right now in the wedding industry?

I am seeing a return to more classic design in flowers with less focus on greenery and more on lush flower blooms – we are all for it!

During these trying times of navigating wedding planning during this pandemic, what advice would you give to couples that are in the midst of planning?

I think the best advice is just to focus on the big picture and what is most important to you. Keep a gratefulness journal – it helps you focus on all the positive things in your life instead of these uncertain times!

Just for fun – what is your favorite flower?

I love the ranunculus because of the vivid colors it comes in, the delicate layered petals & the way it opens to a dark center! 

How can couples get in contact with you?

Thank you, Kate!