Selecting a Florist

You will spend a lot of money on the flowers for your wedding. Selecting a florist can be hard so here are some great tips to help you. Also check out the local Florists.

First, before you begin your appointment with the florist, look around their shop. Do they have interesting floral arrangements? Do they use unique vases or baskets in their arrangements?

Next, look in the cooler. Do the flowers look fresh? Do they have interesting varieties of flowers or just your standard roses or carnations.

Here are a few questions you should ask your florist...

What is the florist's design style? Minimal? Traditional? Elegant? Edgy and modern? Florists love explaining the styles they love, their favorite flowers. Do the florist's views fit with your own ideas? Does the florist's style and the overall look of the shop match yours?

Can you see photographs or live examples of past work? Photographs of other weddings done by the florist. Do they look different or do the arrangements all look the same? You're looking for creativity and style. Be sure to tell the florist what you like and what you don't like. Your florist should listen and offer ideas and suggestions.

How big is the shop, and who will work on your wedding? Who will be setting up the day of the wedding? Make sure the floral designer you're interviewing will actually create the arrangements.

Try to gauge the florist's expertise by asking questions. What flowers will be in season when your wedding takes place? If your budget is on the small side, ask how you can maximize your options. What are some less expensive alternatives to blooms beyond your price range?

What are the hottest floral trends of the moment? Why do they work or not work? What's the most innovative concept the florist has recently brought to a design project?

Which flowers are least likely to wilt in hot weather? This is especially important when it comes to the hotter weather. If the flowers are dropped off too early they can wilt and won't stay fresh throughout the entire reception.

Ask if they are familiar with both the ceremony and reception location. If not, can they make arrangements to visit them prior to the wedding? If so, he or she may have pictures of arrangements done at your site and will be knowledgeable about what sizes, shapes, and colors work a the site.

Ask about their service the day of the wedding. Will the florist deliver flowers for your wedding or spend time at the site, setting up and making sure everything is in order? You'll pay more for a full-service florist, but you get what you pay for.

How many weddings will the florist do on the same day or weekend as yours? The florist's answer determines how much time will be spent on your wedding.

Does the florist offer rental items such as vases, potted plants, arches, trellises, candelabras, urns?

Does the florist preserve bouquets after weddings? If this is important to you, find out now if he or she will do so, or if you can be referred to someone who does. You may have to make an appointment before the wedding to ensure that your bouquet can be preserved directly afterward.

When you choose your florist, make sure that your contract or receipt details: all of the arrangements, bouquets and any other decorations that the florist is to provide. A detailed description of the color and variety of flowers to be included in the bouquets and floral arrangements. You don't want to ask for roses and end up with carnations and lilies. Make sure delivery time and the number of hours of set up time is specified in your contract or on your receipt.

Try and find a florist who's style and price you like. Be specific about your tastes and what you want. Don’t just say I’d like a bouquet that’s white with roses. There are so many different styles, shapes and sizes, you don't want to be disappointed when you open the box!