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Selecting
the Florist
By
Megan Mercer
Last Update:
October 16, 2005
Starting
Your Search for a Florist…
Plan on selecting and ordering
your flowers about three months prior to your wedding.
Ask friends, family members,
and other wedding professionals for referrals of good
florists in your area. You can also check out the
florists listed
on this site in our Local Services directory.
Don't
meet with a florist until you have the following
set in stone!
Wedding
Date, Time & Location
Obviously you can't hire a florist without checking
their availability for your date! Also if the florist
has worked
at your location before, this is a plus. If not, you
may need to meet at the wedding/reception site to determine
the most appropriate decoration designs and placement.
Budget
Restrictions
Be prepared to give the florist a definite budget figure
so he or she can steer you in the most practical direction.
You don't want to waste time being tempted by the most
elaborate arrangements that you can't afford. A good
florist will help you find beautiful floral solutions
on any budget!
Wedding
Size & Level of Formality
If you are having a very small casual wedding you will
want simple, understated floral accents. On the other
hand, if your wedding will be a very large, formal
affair you will probably require elaborate arrangements
and
decorations.
Wedding Color Scheme
You will need to know
what colors will be prominent at your wedding to
select flowers that will
compliment your
décor.
Bridal Gown, Bridesmaid & Flower
Girl Dresses
Since there are hundreds
of variations of every color bring a fabric
sample and a picture of each
of these dresses if possible to coordinate
flower and ribbon selections
with
your shades and styles.
How to Select a Florist...
You may need to meet with
several florists before you find the right one for
your wedding. Note some
florists charge a fee for the initial consultation,
so be sure
to ask about any fees while scheduling your first
appointment. You don't want to be surprised when
you get up to leave!
Ask to see
photos of previous weddings the florist
has done. Check references to make sure there
is a history
of quality work for actual customers. Inquire
about delivery and set-up of the flowers and any
fees
for these services.
Ask for a written proposal or estimate from
each florist before you make your final decision.
Firming Up the Details!
Once you decide on a florist, be sure to get a
written contract stipulating
all costs, times, dates, places,
and services. Get specific items, flowers,
colors, and designs in writing. Do not make
any payments
or deposits
until you have a contract! Make sure the florist
is set to arrive before the photographer, so
everything is ready
when picture time comes. You may need to meet
with the florist again a few weeks prior to the
wedding to firm
up any last minute details!
Note: Most ceremony
sites will require you to buy your own aisle runner.
This can typically be ordered
through
your florist. Make sure that you see the runner
before you commit to it! Some of the cheaper
runners stick
to shoes, cause embarrassing amounts of noise,
and move
around too easily.
Many florists may also provide other items
which you may rent such as silk floral arrangements,
tables,
chairs, trees, ferns, arches, tents, etc.
Be
sure to inquire
with your florist about any of these items.
Find
a florist near you in our
local services directory!
