Zuzu’s Petals in Park Slope, Brooklyn, has been a New York institution since the 1970s. They specialize in gorgeous floral creations for special events including NYC elopements, and weddings large or small. Check them out for a last-minute Brooklyn elopement bouquet. They are also the go-to for elaborate arrangements for your bachelorette party, bridal shower,  photography session, or NYC wedding.

Shop local for your NYC elopement or wedding bouquet!

Their name comes from the film, ‘It’s A Wonderful Life,” where (spoiler alert!) friends and neighbors help the main character and his family out of a financial crisis. The proved to be quite prophetic when a fire burned the store’s home of 33 years. Friends, neighbors, and customers held a “barn raising,” giving Zuzu’s seed money and a mandate to relocate and rebuild.

That kind of old-time community spirit is getting harder and harder to find these days, especially in New York City, but you can bring this spirit into your own special day.  The florists at Zuzu’s will work within your budget and bring their decades of expertise to create the floral mood of your dreams.

We sat down with the owner, Fonda, to chat about what has changed over the years, and what is hot again in flowers.

Wedding flowers: what’s hot and what’s not

We sold high end greenhouse grown houseplants in the 70’s, catering to enthusiasts and collectors. At about the same time the thrill of plant collecting was dimmed by the drudgery of maintaining them, cheap mass produced plants began arriving from Florida. Our niche market was diminished, so I started dabbling in cut flowers. You learn fast when your investment will be dead within a week.

Floral trends through the years

Our first bouquets and arrangements were very wild, looking as if they were picked from the garden. The design trend shifted in the 80’s, and tight, monochromatic, round constructions were popular. Now there is a shift back to wild but asymmetrical collections of mixed loose foliage punctuated with large, bold, individual flowers.

Customers these days always ask for Peonies, Ranunculus, Dahlias, Anemones, Hellebore, and Garden Roses (note seasonal availability). Succulents have been very popular, but I do think they are not as hot as they were in the last two years.

Planning & ordering your Brooklyn elopement or wedding bouquets and arrangements:

“Quickly”

A “quicky” bouquet for a City Hall wedding or a Brooklyn elopement bouquet can be chosen from the flowers in stock, but Zuzu’s prefers a conversation a week or two before if there are any special requests.

NYC weddings large or small

A small wedding of up to 50 guests can be planned two weeks to one month prior. A wedding with 100 or more guests should be planned at least 4 months prior to the date.

Pricing: from a last-minute bouquet to an elaborate arrangement

“All arrangements, large or small, are designed and crafted individually with the goal of bringing each client’s ‘blue sky’ vision to life.”

*A bridal bouquet costs $175-350

*An appropriate size centerpiece for a table seating 8-10 ranges from $150- $250

*Zuzu’s can make something small and fetching for as little as $40 or as dramatic and knock your socks off for $500-$1,000 per table

Pickup and Delivery

*Pick up your NYC elopement or wedding bouquets (will need refrigeration) and centerpieces the day before.

*Delivery is only available in Park Slope and surrounding Brooklyn neighborhoods.

*The minimum for NEXT day delivery in Park Slope is $65 plus delivery and tax.

*Same day delivery in Park Slope is minimum $75 plus delivery.

*Minimums outside the neighborhood in Brooklyn are slightly higher.

*Please call early for same-day delivery. Special requests require at least 24 hours.

Keep those flowers from fading!

Get a NY 1 Minute wedding photographer  to capture that gorgeous last-minute bouquet or elaborate arrangement, and affordable hair and makeup folks to ensure that you look as good as your flowers! Still looking for an NYC Wedding Officiant? Check out our NYC Elopement Packages to ensure that your day goes as seamlessly as your Brooklyn elopement bouquet order!