Choosing
a Florist
Word of mouth is always your safest bet. If the florist's
service and work comes highly recommended, chances are they will
do a good job for you. Do your research by going to bridal shows
and looking at online pictures from your store's website. Make appointments
to visit at least 3 different florists.
When you visit each florist, look at pictures of their
previous work and look around their shop.
- Do you like the arrangements that you see in the
shop's displays?
- Do the flowers in the pictures look fresh or are
the petal edges brown?
- Are the pictures dated or are they following the
current trends?
- Is the designer willing to work with you or are
they telling you that your idea won't work?
- Make sure you speak to the florist that will do
your arrangements.
- Do you feel comfortable with your florist?
- Is your florist paying attention to you while you're
talking and does he/she seem interested?
When To Book Your Florist
6 months before your wedding is a good time to start
your search. Book your florist approximately 4 months before your
wedding date. You need to have your reception and ceremony sites
picked out before you can hire a florist because you'll need to
know how many arrangements you'll need and that the colours you
pick don't clash with the colours of your venue. You'll also need
to know what colour your bridesmaids' dresses are.
What To Bring To An Appointment
- Pictures of flowers and arrangements that you like
(magazine clippings or websites)
- Picture of your wedding gown - swatches of material
from your bridesmaids gowns - if available, a picture of your
reception room
- If you are supplying the containers for arrangements,
bring those too.
- Bring quotes you've gotten from other florists.
- Bring a list of all the flowers and arrangements
you need and who they are for, so that the florist can label corsages,
boutonnieres and bouquets, with names or titles. Example: on a
bouquet a stapled piece of paper reads "maid of honour".
This way everyone gets the right flowers.
Questions To Ask The Florist
- When viewing photos of past work, ask if the flowers
where arranged by the same person that is doing your arrangements.
- After giving your florist your ideas, ask for their
opinion or ideas. You don't have to take their advice but at least
take the time to listen. You never know, you might like their
ideas better then your own.
- Is there a delivery charge?
- Is there a setup fee?
- Do they have rental supplies?
- Do they need a map for the different delivery locations?
- Can you change your order if you have another idea?
What's the cut off date for new ideas?
- What times will the flowers be delivered to each
location? This question can be asked 1 month before your wedding.
- Will the florist transport ceremony decorations
to the reception location? Is there a fee?
- Can they make a sample of your bouquet and centrepiece?
Some florists will, some won't.
- Will they write you up an itemized quote? Some
won't in fear that you will bring it to other florists for a better
deal.
- Are the flowers you've chosen in season? What flowers
are in season for your date?
- You're on a tight budget, can the florist work
with a mixture of silk and fresh flowers?
- Are there any additional or hidden costs?
- Is the florist familiar with your reception and
ceremony locations?
- 1 month before your wedding date, call the florist
and ask them if they can get the type and colour of flower you
wanted?
Things To Keep In Mind
If your wedding date is around the time of a flower
giving holiday (mother's day, valentine's,etc) you're going to pay
more for your flowers. The florist will also be very busy during
this time and you can't expect to be the centre of attention. Meet
and speak to the person that will be making your flower arrangements.
A good place to start is with the bride's and bridesmaid's
bouquet, work with those colours and flower types to create your
centrepieces, alter arrangements and other floral decor.
You don't have to book on the spot. Take your quote
home and think it over.
The more information you give your florist the better
they will understand what you want.
If you choose flowers that are not in season and have
to be shipped, you're looking at a bigger expense and you don't
know what effect the shipping will cause on your flowers.
What Goes On The Contract
In most cases your bill will be your contract. Read
the small print on the bill. Everything the florist is supplying
should be on the bill:
- Your name, address and phone number.
- The contact person's name, address and phone number
for every delivery location.
- An itemized list and description of every floral
arrangement, the number required, colour of ribbons and other
decorative accents.
- Time of setup
- The name of your floral designer
- The service they will provide. i.e. setup and delivery
to each location and what this entails.
- The total cost, your deposit and the amount still
owing and the date for the last payment.
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