Discrepancy in Florist Quotes? Why such gaps between places?

So for the past few days I have been visiting different florists just to get quotes and an idea of how much I should budget for flowers.

The 1st place I went to was a popular LIW vendor who contacted me to schedule an appointment (probably because I filled out so many things at bridal shows, etc). Well, I went in and was downright impressed with this place. My mom and were in love with the sample flowers we saw on display and the services they provide.

The downside of course was the price. My quote was for $1,700 which included tall centerpieces for 6 tables, corsages/boutonnieres for bride. MOB, MOG and 1 MOH and 1 Best Man. It also included 2 arrangements for the Church, as well as setup/delivery included, plus CPs for the cocktail hour.

Then I went to another local florist (one located near my house) nd they quoted me only $1,000 for everything I wrote above.

I am just floored at the price difference.

What exactly is the difference between the florists? I told all the florists exactly the color and type of flowers I was interested in. I also told them the same exact information, and all the places came back with differences of $100 to as much as $ 1,000.

So whats the deal? The places that charge more $$, is it because they hire better trained workers? Is it because they were featured on 'BEST OF WEDDINGS by TheKnot.com'??? Because they don't show up on wedding day?

Anyone know? I just don't want to spend 1K on flowers and risk having something go wrong..But sometimes I read the Reviews on LIW and some brides mention that even the top florists screwed up somewhere and did not execute the flowers exactly what the bride requested...

11er crashing

not sure who u went too but i went florist crazy--- we went to 7 florists and prices were alllllll over the place--- some vendors were jsut so much more that i laughed---we ended up going with flowers and designs by fgina- she works out of her home- a lot of the LIW brides have used her--- her flowers were gorgeoussss and sooo big--- exactly what i wanted ( check my album for sample)
and her price compared to these others was great---maybe bc she doesnt have a big overhead

go to another florist if it makes you feel comfortable
but if the person that gave u the 1k quote is reputible- and you sign a contract--- try not to stress
but you have to feel comfortable with who u choose---for me, i loved gina, such a sweetheart- im not woried


hth!

I TOTALLY understand what you are going through. I am in search of a florist right now and I got a quote for $3,300 all the way down to $2,200. A thousand dollar difference - are you kidding me!!!!

I worked in a florist for 10 years and you ladies would be surprised what the cost of flowers are. It is sickning of the up charge. Just to give you an idea, a rose at wholesale costs approx. .40 - 1.00 each and we buy them for what, $7.00.

It is crazy!!!!

yes! totally! I have not met w. Flowers by G*ina..She is on my list though!! I plan to hit up Pedestals, and a few others - including the house florists for all the major RH's mentioned on here...I dont think I should spend more $ than I have to on freakin' flowers!

Gina is amazing. i cant stop talking about how great she is. shes not necessarily THAT much cheaper than other places but she gives u a loooooootttttttttttttttt more for your money. and she will make u as many samples as u need until you are happy---BEFORE signing a contract.

My personal experience has been nothing but amazing. we talk EVERYDAY and she has helped calm me down when other vendors have been giving me a rough time.

i remember a few nights before my bridal shower, i went to the rh and i just happened to see the tables width..and i fliiiped out. i didnt relaize how narrow the tables were. 10 pm i emailed her crying... 11 am the following morning she was @ the hall measuring the table and tweaked my cps so they would fit the table without taking out any detail. shes just wonderful.

gina is phenomenal-for us she was price-wise about the same as flower barn/burtons, but we're getting a tonnnnnnnnn more for our money..i had an appointment with flowers by brian after her, and for the cp im getting with her he quoted me double

and she really cares about her brides-each and every one of them..ive never met a vendor like her

by far my favorite

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Posted by 20mrsc10

gina is phenomenal-for us she was price-wise about the same as flower barn/burtons, but we're getting a tonnnnnnnnn more for our money..i had an appointment with flowers by brian after her, and for the cp im getting with her he quoted me double

and she really cares about her brides-each and every one of them..ive never met a vendor like her

by far my favorite

---

Same here... LOVE Gina. Had the same experiences with other vendors mentioned and quotes were all over the place. I loved that Gina was less and gave more...more flowers, more design ideas, more personal attention, just more. I sent florists ideas of what I liked and wanted and asked them to be creative with the sample. They weren't...except Gina. Gina was also the only one who let us keep the samples and they were gorgeous. They lasted longer than the week and that impressed us. She's extremely responsive, a perfectionist and truly a real, down to earth person that I am so happy to work with. She's calmed me more than once over other issues. She's our fave vendor as well.

Just a FYI..if you want to go with Flowers by Gina meet with her quickly. I tried to meet with her but she was booked already and my wedding is in December!!!

I also went to an LIW and was shocked at what they charged, even after they gave me a 'deal'.

I went with Jen at Verbena Designs who was not only cheap, but creative and very sweet.