A good florist will advise, inspire and help create the wedding of your dreams! Here are a few tips to help you find the one right for you.
Word of Mouth
Ask your friends and family for their recommendations and if you see a wedding you like, why not ask who provided the flowers. Ask at the reception venues which florists are used regularly and which florists they prefer.
Visit the Florist
Always visit a few florists before you decide - it's a great way to get ideas and will help you compare various different styles and prices.
Knowledge
A florist's shop will always tell you about their dedication and creativity. Good signs to look out for are examples of arrangements in the shop and just how enthusiastic they are about your needs.
Talk to Them
It is always useful to see how well you get on and whether you share similar ideas. Ask them how many weddings they do, if they know the venues you've chosen and how they would describe your style (e.g. classic or modern and fashionable)
A Thousand Words
Most florists keep photograph albums with example of their work, so ask to see it while you're chatting. The best florists will always be keen to show you examples of their wedding work.
Make a Date
Don't leave it late to book a florist and three to four months in advance is normal especially for the most popular months. Always confirm in writing and expect to pay a small deposit at this stage.
Relationship
The run-up to your wedding can be a stressful time, so the last thing you want is a florist who gets grumpy every time you phone up. A real professional will understand how important every detail of your wedding is to you, and will share your excitement.
Help the Florist
The more you tell your florist about your wedding, the better. Take along sketches of your dress and those of your bridesmaids, as well as your veil, and a snapshot of your hairstyle if you're having a floral headdress. It's a good idea to take fabric swatches to avoid mistakes on the day. Your florist should discuss a contingency plan with you, in case the flowers you've chosen aren't available on the day.
Budget
Make sure your florist can work within your budget. Decide how much you can afford, then ask your florist for suggestions within this amount. The price of wedding flowers depends on type and availability and the size of the bouquets and decorations. If you are on a tight budget, use flowers that will be in season at the time of your wedding. Or keep things simple: a hand -tied posy of roses looks stunning and is less expensive than an elaborate bouquet.
Payment
There are no hard and fast rules these days about who foots the bill for weddings, but traditional etiquette comes in useful when you are trying to divide up costs. It's customary for the groom to pay for the bouquets, corsages for both mothers and buttonholes for himself, the best man and the ushers. The bride's family traditionally pays for the flowers in the church/wedding venue and at the reception. If you're going to split the costs between two families, discuss this with your florist so she knows who to send the bill to, as well as when payment can be expected.
