Wedding Times

Photo by gorriti

Wedding flowers are one of the few things a bride doesn’t need to micromanage. Once you have decided on a few basics, a skilled florist can take over. It’s important that you can place your trust in your florist, so choose wisely. Here are five things to look for when choosing a florist.

Personal Recommendations

This is the best way to choose your florist. Ask people you know to recommend a florist that has catered for a large event, preferably a wedding, and start with those first. If one of your friends or relatives has been married, ask about the florist they used and whether they were happy with their services. Ask what they did and did not like about them and what, if any, problems arose.

Another way to get a great referral is to look to the weddings that you have attended. Is there one ceremony that really stands out? If so, get in contact with someone directly involved in the event and find out who their florist was.

If you can’t get any referrals, talk to your wedding venue. They may be able to suggest some preferred vendors. Remember some locations have restrictions on which vendors they work with so check in advance.

Sensible Pricing

After gathering a few names, start visiting them to obtain quotes. It’s important to remember that the cheapest isn’t always the best but that doesn’t mean the most expensive will be either. Find out what’s included in the price. You don’t want to be surprised when the bill comes and you find things such as delivery and set up have been charged for when you assumed they were included in the package.

A good florist should be able to help you choose flowers within your budget. They should be able to suggest seasonal flowers, which will generally be cheaper along with other ways to stretch your flower budget while maintaining a beautiful and elegant look.

Their Shop Appearance

While visiting florists take a minute to look around at their displays. The shop’s appearance speaks volumes about their service. Are things organized and kept clean? Is there a variety of displays and arrangements? Does the shop give the impression they work in a professional atmosphere?

If a florist can’t be bothered to keep their own shop tidy and professional, they will probably take the same approach when working on your wedding.

Answers to Your Questions

Take a list of questions you want to ask prospective florists. Their answers will give you a better idea of what to expect from them. Here are a few questions to ask:

• When looking at samples or photos of their work, ask who did the arrangements and if that same person will be looking after your arrangements as well.

• Ask for their opinions and ideas. This doesn’t mean that you have to take them to heart but they are professionals and they may be able to add on to your ideas.

• Do they have rental supplies?

• Find out if they will need directions to the different locations where you will need flowers delivered.

• If you change your mind, how easy is it to change your order?

• Are samples of your bouquets going to be available?

• Have they worked at your wedding venues before?

Professional Rapport

You will get a good idea as to whether or not you will enjoy working with this florist while you are visiting with them. If you feel pressured at any time, or you feel as though they will not be able to give you their full attention, look elsewhere.

As with every other aspect of wedding planning, if you feel like you can’t work with one vendor, there are many others just waiting for your call. Walk away, and be happy with your decision about finding someone that will suit your needs, someone you will love working with.