Belli Fiori Joins WIPA: Elevating Floral Design Through Education, Community & Creative Growth

At Belli Fiori, we’ve always believed that doing beautiful work starts with the work behind the scenes—learning, growing, connecting, and staying curious. It’s how we continue to show up for our clients with confidence, creativity, and intention. That belief is why we’re excited to officially join WIPA (Wedding Industry Professionals Association) and celebrate the launch of the St. Louis WIPA Chapter. As a St. Louis–based wedding florist, being part of an organization rooted in education, ethics, and meaningful industry connection feels like coming home.

About WIPA

WIPA is a not-for-profit association for leading wedding professionals across North America and around the world. Founded in 2008, the organization now includes 23 chapters throughout the United States, each dedicated to elevating the industry through education, collaboration, and shared standards. At its core, WIPA empowers wedding professionals with the knowledge, resources, and relationships needed to innovate responsibly and lead with integrity. The beauty of joining national professional wedding associations is the opportunity to learn and be inspired by event pros from across the country and globe—expanding working knowledge, sparking inspiration, and discovering new resources to enhance our clients’ experience.

Our Commitment to Education & Industry Leadership

At Belli Fiori, education is not a checkbox—it’s a mindset. Our team regularly attends multiple conferences, workshops, and industry events each year, including national conferences like WeddingMBA, Illinois State Florists’ Association, and Pillars of Production. Joining WIPA is another way we invest in growth—not just our own, but the growth of the St. Louis wedding community. We believe the best work happens when talented professionals learn from one another, share ideas openly, and continue raising the bar together.

Floral Sponsorship: WIPA St. Louis “Gateway to the West” Launch Event

We were honored to serve as the floral sponsor for WIPA St. Louis’ first meeting, themed “Gateway of the West”—a playful nod to the iconic Arch paired with western flair. The theme invited a fusion of western influence with a modern, professional edge, starting with desert-inspired elements like cacti and succulents. We built a warm color story to balance the coolness of navy and forest green linens, layering in copper, sage, and earthy neutrals alongside tactile elements like tanned leathers, cowhides, and plaid flannels.

The final arrangements were intentionally wild and asymmetrical, featuring manipulated flowers—petals removed from sunflowers, reflexed tulips and roses, and carnations pulled apart for a lisianthus-inspired look. The result was an elevated Wild West energy that felt organic, playful, and thoughtfully refined.

• Cacti and Succulents
• Roses and Tulips
• Amaranthus
• Eryngium
• Safflower
• Copper Beech
• Balloon Milkweed
• Sunflowers (petals removed)
• Blue thistle and Orange Kangaroo Paws
• Meyers Asparagus Fern
• Foxtail and Curly willow
• Brown Molly Anjers Verf (Carnations)
• Queen Anne’s lace and Green Japanese Lanterns
• Foraged fall branches with autumnal leaves

Beyond Weddings: Our Design Expertise

While weddings are at the heart of what we do, Belli Fiori’s design expertise extends to corporate events, galas, fundraisers, and social celebrations. From milestone anniversaries and retirement parties to holiday gatherings, bar/bat mitzvahs, and large-scale installations, we create floral moments that elevate experiences and bring people together. Fresh florals add warmth, energy, and a sense of celebration to life’s most meaningful moments.

Celebrating Our Signature Style’s Versatility

Though known for our Belli Fiori Signature Style, events like this allow us to stretch creatively—from garden-inspired designs to ballroom elegance, minimalist palettes to richly layered statements. Design challenges push us, inspire us, and let us tell new stories through flowers.

Community & Creative Energy

The launch event was also a celebration of connection. We reconnected with admired St. Louis wedding professionals and met new faces, gathering alongside WIPA National and St. Louis Board members. Guest speaker Meghan Ely, past WIPA President and owner of OFD Consulting, shared insights, while the evening buzzed with creativity—signature cocktails, custom desserts, live entertainment, photo experiences, and an Idea Corral.

Thinking About Joining WIPA?

If you’re a wedding or event professional looking to deepen your expertise and build genuine connections, we highly recommend WIPA St. Louis. Events are open to both members and non-members, offering a great way to experience the organization firsthand. We hope to see you at a future event!

Gratitude to Our Event Partners

We were thrilled to collaborate with these talented professionals on the launch:

• WIPA Chapter: @wipastl
• Venue & Catering: @ameristarsc
• Photography: @caciecarrollphotography
• Videography: @k.lafleurfilms
• Portrait Booth: @mariahbucuphotography
• Content Creator: @becomeonecontent
• Photo Booth & Balloon Install: @fetebooth @eyecandyrentals
• Decor: @tpistl
• Florals: @bellifioristl
• Chairs & Glassware: @seated.stl
• Lounge & Tabletop: @styledandstagedstl
• Linens: @nuagedesignsinc
• Stationery: @kateelizacreative
• DJ, AV, & Lighting: @highclassdjs
• Country Trio: @contemporary_productions
• Bar Sponsor: @landlockedluxury
• Ice Sculpture: @goodice_stl