PHOTOS: New Philadelphia Floral Event Design Company Schaffer Designs’ Cool, Quirky Style

A selection of boutonnieres from Schaffer Designs. All photos courtesy of Bill Schaffer.

There’s such a fun story behind one of Philly’s newest event design floral companies!

Take two internationally known florists, plant them both in Philly, and nurture their relationship with a mutual passion for floral design. And what do you get? Both a love story, and a business partnership.

This past March, at Wedding Wednesday at The Philadelphia Flower Show, Bill Schaffer and Kris Kratt tied the knot in front of 10,000 people, live—and millions on-air. Their nuptials were featured on both a recent episode of TLC’s The Cake Boss, and FYI Philly.

Schaffer (a native Philadelphian) and Kratt have both trained in all the best places and traveled the world studying with different designers. They initially met through the American Institute of Floral Designers, and eventually came to work together at Beautiful Blooms here in Philly, where Schaffer was the design and studio director, and Kratt was the lead designer. As they worked together, it became obvious that there was more blooming between them than flowers (see wedding, above), and this past spring, they opened Schaffer Designs as a full-blown floral at company.

Schaffer Designs presents the marriage of two very distinct styles and inspirations: Schaffer is inspired by the architectural structures that exist in the city landscape, while Kratt draws inspiration from nature and the landscapes that exist within it. They infuse these inspirations with a European flair, calling their style “floral theatre,” and keep on top of the trends both by attending conventions and symposiums, as well as staying up-to-date via the industry’s social media. “It’s all about production and doing something that is right and full and unique,” says Schaffer. “We only want to do things one time, because once it’s complete and photographed, it is no longer unique.”

That being said, they will do recreations if you’ve seen something of theirs you love, and personalize the arrangements so that they’re one-of-a-kind for your wedding. And along with their floral services, they also offer full design services packages that include floral design, decor, lighting, linens, stemware, and draping by partnering with top event companies in the area.

To get the ball rolling, simply make an appointment for a consultation (call 267-577-8555), and bring along all your inspirations for your Big Day look—as well as an idea of budget. Though to get an idea of Bill and Kris’s cool style, take a look at some of the examples below! — Alyssa Andrews

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