Floral designer Parker Paschall
RICH LOPEZ | Staff writer
Rich@DallasVoice.com
In many ways, Parker Paschall Designs is an ode to the owner’s aesthetics of all things lush and gorgeous. His East Dallas shop focuses on gifts, home decor and floral. But it’s also a testimony to the 25-year-old tastemaker’s conviction to spreading beauty across his clients and his weddings and special events.
Paschall’s shop has clearly hit a chord. Just six months into it, Paschall outgrew his space at Hillside Village shopping center. Now on Gaston Road, he sees the new location less as a shop and more as his love project.
“I was nervous about the move, but the shop now is really who I am,” he said. “I love to entertain; I love gatherings and hosting, and this has that bit of everything. It’s the perfect place to come to for decor and fresh flowers and knickknacks.”
Take a look at PPD’s Instagram or TikTok for a preview of the shop’s colorful and plush interiors. Paschall curates the space and often shifts around his inventory sometimes just to make it look different in the store. He’s created an interior so beautiful it may be easy to forget it’s a retail space.
And he’s ok with that.
“It’s a happy place to be, so if anyone’s ever bored, just come on over and hang out,” he said.
“If I’m here, I may pop a bottle and hang out with you. I know people may not always be looking to buy, but I think people can be inspired here.”
Paschall also hosts monthly Sip and Shop events, online giveaways and with flower arranging classes. “I love being able to do different types of events, and I look for any reason to do something with people here,” he said. “Now that we’re settled into this space, we can start scheduling those regularly again.
Originally from Sunnyvale, Pashall began his career as a design professional at age 18 when he did the flowers for his brother’s wedding. Today, along with running his store front, he’s designed florals and decor for a number of weddings. And for him, it’s all about the client.
It’s an unsurprising approach, of course, but Paschall takes it further. He understands that finding the right flowers and florist is a process, and he gave Dallas Voice some tips on deciding who to hire and what flowers to pick for that big wedding day.
Think about your aesthetics and values
“I’ve told many clients this when looking for a florist. Think about when you are looking to hire an interior decorator or even researching a doctor. You want someone who gets you and your give,” he said.
“There are so many florists in Dallas that one could be a perfect fit for you and for your budget,” he added. “My approach is to get the most out of everyone’s dollar and show how much people can get even while stretching a dollar.” he said.
A client may want one thing, and, if it’s out of budget, Paschall will research to still provide that one thing but perhaps opt for different and/or affordable elements to create it.
And in thinking about your floral vibe, Paschall suggested thinking about colors you respond to every day and whether you like a sturdy and tight aesthetic or flowers that move and flow.
“A good florist will help with that, and once that’s figured out, then we can get nitpicky,” he said.
If you’re not feeling it, move on
“Always go with your gut feeling. If one little thing is throwing you off, that’s OK. Be as particular as possible. It’s my job to give you exactly what you want, and I need you to not beat around the bush,” he said.
A good tool, he added, is social media to research a variety of aesthetics that you want to bring to the event. If your florist is challenged with that, Paschall suggested shopping around for another florist.
Overwhelmed is OK — and expected
A wedding is a singular event — even if you have more than one. That event will speak to the couple forever. Planning can be a lot, and Pashcall sees how people can become flustered.
“It’s OK to not know anything. It is so easy to get overwhelmed and then nervous, but that’s why we’re here,” he said. “And not just florists, but the designers and planners, too. Of course, we’re hired for our services, but we also need you to ask every single question that comes to mind.”
This is where budgeting can come in. Most people don’t know what their budgets should be for flowers But Paschall offers reassure to those with budget limits: “I will make a mock invoice or quote on basic elements for them to see, but I want people to never feel they don’t have enough to have a beautiful wedding,” he said.
The rule of flowers for queer weddings
Queer or LGBTQ+ weddings can range from traditional to super creative and fun. Hey, that’s what we do. And Paschall says whatever the vibe is, lean into it with abandon.
“You don’t have to follow any rules because this is your wedding, your day. Do whatever you like,” he said. “You write your own rules and follow or unfollow any wedding traditions.”
In short, do you — or both of you — on your day.
Parker Paschall Designs is located at 6324 Gaston Ave. Learn more about the shop and Paschall at ParkerPaschallDesigns.com or @ParkerPaschallDesigns.