Flower Michele or Simply Stems??

I visited four florists last Friday, and pretty much have it down to Flower Michele and Simply Stems...(already ruled out Flowers by Brian and Pedestals).

Both John at Flower Michele, and Cecilia/Sandi at Simply Stems had great ideas, and actually gave me the exact same flower suggestions based on the overall 'theme' I gave them. I haven't received the quote from Simply Stems yet (they type up a formal quote and mail it to you), but Flower Michele was a couple hundred $$ higher than I wanted to go. I have a feeling that Simply Stems will probably be around the same price.

I am so torn right now since I felt like John really understood what I was going for with the flowers, and I would feel so comfortable working with him, but I am really trying to stay within my budget, and I know that once I start going over my budget things will get out of control.

Anyway, any feedback anyone has on either of these florists would be greatly appreciated...Or if there's anyone else I should check out, post that too!

Thanks!!

Re: Flower Michele or Simply Stems??

I saw both florists and went with Flower Michele.

FM quoted me lower prices for my CPs, and SS was to send me my quote in the mail but I never received anything. Perhaps you can ask John or Michele and explain you would like to be at X amount? It never hurts to ask! Good luck!

Re: Flower Michele or Simply Stems??

i think you should wait to receive your quote from simply stems and go from there. if FM is significantly more than simply stems, and money is a concern for you, then i think you should go w/simply stems. although i do have to say that john's work is like nothing i've seen before on these boards.

Re: Flower Michele or Simply Stems??

Wait until you get the quote from Simply stems and ask if Flower Michelle will match it. I'd try to go with Flower Michelle, they have a consistently great reputation on the boards.

Re: Flower Michele or Simply Stems??

I booked Simply Stems so I am biased! Wait until you get your quote and then decide....

Re: Flower Michele or Simply Stems??

I didnt love simply stems...but i did think their quote was reasonable...I THINK- so if you like them, wait

Re: Flower Michele or Simply Stems??

Flower Michele!!!!! I loved my flowers!!!!

Re: Flower Michele or Simply Stems??

Just a note..when you book with FM you are only reserving their services, not the quote the gave you. So, if you can be flexible and go with different flowers or cut back on the amt or whatever, you can always tweak your order to reflect the price range you want to be in.

I booked FM, I loved them!

Re: Flower Michele or Simply Stems??

When I got my original quote from John, I told him I couldn't go above X amount. He got me to X amount without sacrificing my vision! He's really awesome...he's very creative and he will work with your budget constraints! I CANNOT recommend him enough!!!

Re: Flower Michele or Simply Stems??

Flower Michele!!! I have only heard great things about him and have had the best time working with him for my wedding. Here are my CP's <------------------

Re: Flower Michele or Simply Stems??

Flower Michele..it was the only florist we went to. We loved John so much that we booked him on the spot.

Re: Flower Michele or Simply Stems??

I cant compare the two because I havent seen work from Simply Stems but from what Ive seen on these boards Id personally go w/ Flower Michelle. I wish I had looked into them before I booked my florist!! He does amazing work and all his brides seem to love him.

Re: Flower Michele or Simply Stems??

Flower Michelle! They were wonderful in every way!

Re: Flower Michele or Simply Stems??

If you tell Cecila or Sandi what your budget is I guarantee that's where they will be. They are really sweet, very accomodating and truly care about their brides. If you feel like you are going to get the same product going with either go with them if they are within your budget. Don't go with the other vendor because everyone else has. Right now, I have been to a ton of them and will probably book Simply because everyone else was too $$$ and their attitudes turned me off.

Re: Flower Michele or Simply Stems??

FLOWER MICHELE!!! im excited about john's ideas and trust him complete.. i got the same quote from him that i did from pedestals and la blossom, but for what i want and how many BM i have its ok..

go with flower michele.. ive only heard GREAT things about them..

Re: Flower Michele or Simply Stems??

Re: Flower Michele or Simply Stems??

I myself was torn between Flower Michele and another florist. I really liked John and out of the over 15 florists I went to visit liked John the best! I spoke to him and he worked with me. When my fiance met him, he was really happy that I booked with John. Good luck. Go with your gut!!!!!!!! Don't go with someone who your unsure about.

Re: Flower Michele or Simply Stems??

Ok, got the quote from Simply Stems, and it was actually MORE than Flower Michele...Only by about $250, but still...

We're going with Flower Michele. I spoke with my mom, and she said that she was 100% for picking Flower Michele. She hadn't wanted to say anything until we got Simply Stems' estimate (since she didn't want to sway my opinion in case they came in a lot lower). She said that if Simply Stems had been a lot more reasonable, it would've been a toss-up. Since the prices were pretty similar, there's no way I can pass up working with John at Flower Michele! I am calling him today to put down my deposit!

I'm so excited!!!!!

Thanks to everyone who gave me advice!

Re: Flower Michele or Simply Stems??

Flower Michele!

Re: Flower Michele or Simply Stems??

I went with Stimply Stems because thier price was reasonable and they were the most accommodating nice people I've ever met. I can't say that I was completely happy with them but that was mainly because I didn't really have a clear idea of what I wanted and didn't give them any pictures or anything. When I balanced it out however, the flowers were GORGEOUS and I could not have asked for better customer service. My arangements were fabulous. Here's the link to my wedding pictures on shutterfly. You'll see the flowers there.My Wedding Pics

ETS:
Just because more people go with a particular vendor does not make them better. It's who you feel most comfortable with. There were several vendors who were completely raved about on these boards and I found them to be only average. Go with your gut.