Your wedding flowers will be one of the most photographed details of your wedding (besides you,of course!),so it’s very important to choose the right florist who will be able to design wedding flowers that truly fit your taste and wedding style.
Picture credit:Green Apple Photography
There are a few things to consider when you talk to the florist:
1. Always ask your florist what flowers are going to be included in your arrangements. The price for flowers varies greatly. Even the same variety of flower can have a different price –depending on the quality and size of the bloom and also where it was grown (locally or imported). When you are looking at the proposals make sure that you are comparing the same flowers,same quantity of flowers,same size of arrangements,same vases/containers,etc.
2. How much time florist put in understanding you and your style. Do they give you just a generic quote on one page or do they give you a detailed description of what is going to be included in your floral decor. Do you feel like you are just another bride for them or does your florist really try to understand you,your personality,your vision and style.
3. How quickly does the florist responds to your initial inquiry. The expected time of response is usually 24 – 48 hours. If takes longer then that – maybe you should consider contacting someone else.
4. Make sure that you are paying for what you envisioned. Ask your florist to show you examples of what you will receive for your money (pictures of the arrangements,flowers,containers,vases and etc.). Note that florist may charge you for a sample arrangement.
5. Consider renting the vases/containers for your arrangements –it will help to cut the cost and this option is also environmentally friendly.
6. Be honest with your florist. When your florist knows your budget,it might sounds strange,but he/she can offer you more options. If you are on a tight budget,your florist can offer you ways to save money while still achieving the right look for your wedding. At the same time,don’t expect to receive a $200.00 arrangement for $50.00. It’s not going to happen.
7. Ask how much time your florist will spend on site with you during the wedding day. Will he/she just drop off the flowers or will the florist set up everything so you can concentrate on yourself and your special day (please note that additional set-up fees may apply). Will the florist pin boutonnieres and corsages or will your Mom or someone else be responsible to do that.
8. Ask how many weddings your florist is going to have on YOUR wedding day. If it is 2 or more weddings then make sure that they are happening at a different time and that the florist will have enough staff to arrange and deliver flowers for your wedding.
9. Does the florist fit your personality? Will it be just a business relationship or will you have fun working together.
10. Ask your florist if he/she has ever had their work featured in national or local magazines? Ask about the magazine policy when they feature someone:do they give priority to the vendors who advertise with them or do they feature someone that was chosen for the quality of their work.
11. Did your florist offer you just one option,or were you given a few options to choose from? It shows how much time/effort the florist put into YOUR wedding.
12. Ask your florist about their sources for flowers:is it just 1-2 wholesalers or do they order flowers from the growers,do they have access to flowers worldwide? The more options your florist has,the greater the chance you will get to have the flowers you want.
13. Look at the florist’s website. Is it something generic or does the website have personality? Does the florist have a gallery with the wedding images? Does the florist have a blog? Check how often it is updated and what kind of weddings they do. It will help you to understand if this florist is the right choice for you.
14. Check online reviews:on google,wedding wire,the knot and etc. Talk with other Brides and with other vendors.
15. Make sure that your florist is professionally equipped with a commercial refrigerator,air conditioned van and special tools.
16. Make sure that your florist has a business license. Always sign a contract/agreement to make sure that the florist will show up for your wedding day and will create the floral décor that you discussed.
If you have any questions about your wedding flowers please send me an email at olga{@} myfavoriteflowers.com or call at 435.680.2914.
