Final Meeting with florist...what should I ask??

I am meeting with my florist on Saturday to finalize our flowers. I know we will be able to see samples one week before our weddding, but b/c of some recent feedback on Burton's I want to have a list ready of what I need to tell them. I want to be able to be assertive in what I want/don't want, and not be intimidated by the sales talk. Any suggestions?

Re: Final Meeting with florist...what should I ask??

Honestly Nina, if I were you (this is what I'm going to do, being that I'm using Burton's as well) is print out the negative posts. We are all using anonymous screennames for the most part anyway, and you can show Mike exactly where your concerns are stemming from. Or if you want, in order to protect identities of brides on the board, just block out the name after you print it out. Definitely provide pictures of what you want and stress that you want 'budding' flowers, as someone posted earlier. Ask him why he thinks that the centerpieces were wobbly - why did the candles burn the flowers - why were the flowers drooping after 1 1/2 hours - why did certain flowers that they had known FAR in advance about look pale and lifeless? And let HIM answer, don't try and answer it for him. These are the things I'm going to ask...I've already printed the posts and put them in my wedding folder! I'm still not concerned about my choice of florists, but an explanation would be nice. Ahhhh - the power of the Internet. It can work for or against everyone! Good luck with it and let us know how it goes!!

Re: Final Meeting with florist...what should I ask??

Great idea Marnles...I'm going to look for the posts. One thing that a couple of brides mentioned is to show Burton's a pic of what I want. Well, of course the picture of what I want doesn't exist, except in my head!!!

Re: Final Meeting with florist...what should I ask??

Nina, I think printing the posts is a great idea. I think that Burton's is a company that has been in business for a long time for a reason. And I am sure they will address any issues that have come up with other brides. In fact - you will probably end up with the most beautiful flower arrangements in history!

I know how you feel with fast sales talk - that makes me a wreck and I always leave places feeling like I didn't make myself clear. I think the best advice is to just sit there until they explain it. Even if it feels a little uncomfortable. You have every reason to be concerned - and maybe they will then examine what's been going on over there! Maybe there is an employee that's not working out or something.

Any pictures you could find would be helpful. freshroses.com and romanticflowers.com, blissweddings.com, and even martha's webpage have a number of flowers to look at. Good luck! And please post and let us know how it goes!