CHOOSING YOUR WEDDING FLORAL DESIGNER

You are planning your big day and it is now time to think about your flowers.  They are a very important part of your celebration.  Flowers can set the theme, representing all that is about you and you’re intended. Think of your flowers as your “branding” or identity.  They are the first thing that your guests will notice (after you of course) and remember.  You want your guests to sigh in awe when they enter your room and first see those gorgeous flowers.

So, how do you select the perfect floral designer for you?  What information do you need to be an informed consumer?

First make a list of florists whose work you admired from other events that you attended.  Seek the advice of family and friends. You will want to talk to several florists before selecting one you want to hire.  Make appointments with them and treat these meetings as interviews.  Go armed with your ideas, questions, and budget. Below I have outlined some of the important items you need address on your first visit.

The Flower Shop

• Are the window presentations eye catching?
• Check out the flowers in the refrigerator – are they fresh?
• Is the staff friendly and calm or harried and short?
• Is the shop clean and neatly organized?
• Are the arrangements pretty and appealing?

Ask Your Florist:

• How many weddings have you done?
• Do you have any references that I can contact?
• May I see a book of your previous work?
• How many events do you book in one day?
• How many designers do you have?
• What flowers would you recommend for the season of my wedding?
• What is the deposit and please explain refunds, etc
• Will you move the flowers from the Ceremony site to the Reception Site?
• Will you pick up any candelabras, etc that I rent from you?
• What is the fee(s) for delivery(s)?
• Can you give me a list of what you need for me and in what timeframe? (theme colors, quantities, décor theme….)
• If you have not been to the site I am choosing, will you go on site to make recommendations back to me?
• Can you provide a beautiful floral design for my wedding within my budget?  If not, approximately what should the budget be?

With the answers to the above questions, you should be able to make a good decision for the right floral designer for you.