Years ago, Bonnie Coll Cutter’s father said, “Prove to me there’s a need for it,” when she mentioned designing and creating florals.

After more than three decades of bringing color and beauty to countless occasions, Cutter seems to have provided proof.

Coll’s Garden Center & Florist of Jaffrey has been family-owned and part of celebrations in the area for 52 years. It is known well beyond the Monadnock region, having been named “Best Florist in New Hampshire” in WMUR.com’s Viewers’ Choice poll.

“Every season and wedding plan is different. Some brides need things done a year and a half in advance, others within a shorter window,” Cutter said, having seen a lot of seasons in 35 years at her craft. “We currently have bookings two years out.”

Staying and designing locally have allowed Cutter to offer more than 60 “bride and groom special days” to help couples plan. She said she feels blessed that there are 17 local churches she works with and that she’s humbled to work with most local funeral homes as well. Owing to long-term planning and being joyful events, weddings allow Coll’s and Cutter to be especially creative.

Despite a blanket of white outside, Cutter said that the market is so open in terms of flowers, the season does not dictate choices.

“In December, lilacs might be a little more expensive, but you can get them. In August, lilies of the valley may cost more, but we can usually provide comparable flowers in terms of color and shape if first choices present challenges,” she said.

Cutter noted that there have been some recent changes in tastes.

“For the longest time. people wanted mixed bouquets. Baby’s breath and greenery for attendants have been big for some time, but it seems like we’re coming out of that,” she said.

Cutter also said that the size of wedding parties has driven many choices.

“Right now it seems that there are often six to 12 bouquets required in a wedding party, and this has made more cost-effective choices – like baby’s breath – popular,” she said.

Weddings are no longer a day-long affair but take up whole weekends. Cutter now provides arrangements for multiple tables at welcome dinners, whereas years ago, prior to the big day, they would just be one centerpiece provided at a rehearsal dinner.

Her horticulture background and experience as a greenhouse manager have served her well. In 2022, the Jaffrey Chamber of Commerce named her Citizen of the Year.

Asked what tips she could offer to couples and families planning their weddings, she doesn’t hesitate.

“Clip pictures of and take photos of what you have in mind for an initial meeting with a florist. To simply say that you’d like red, white and blue flowers is a bit vague,” she said.

Cutter also noted that many people don’t have an answer when she asks about a budget. To this she has a simple response for them.

“Put your dream on paper,” she said.