Florist Question...

I have a very involved centerpiece. It's a whole series of eclectic vases running the length of a 12 person 'family style' table with a different kind of flower sprouting out of each one.

I have learned from Raphael today that the woman I chose as my florist kind of just drops everything off at the hall, and Raphael has to take care of setting it up.

Is this how it works? It seemed like the woman at Raphael was discouraging using this 'kind' of florist, and suggested I go with someone who would make sure everything is done to my specifications.

Anyone have involved flowers that need lots of setup, and a florist who will actually stick around to do it? I'm not looking for suggestions for florists, just a better idea of how the florist relationship works...

TIA!

Laurie set them up...

I know cause when I got to Leonard's, my Maitre D said that Laurie had left a little while ago.

And, I remember that a few weeks before the wedding, she told me that she was going to call Leonard's to find out what time should could come to set everything up.