Florist Questions

Today we have our first meeting with a florist. I have no idea what questions we should be asking! Anyone have a list of questions for the florist?

TIA!

(PS: We're going to see Flowers by Brian)

well, i would ask the obvious questions regarding price and whatnot....

also - if you are conflicted about what colors or kinds of flowers to get, i would bring a swatch of the girls' BM dresses, or just print out a pic and bring it with you.... my florist was really helpful with picking out colors for my girls!!

Any other questions will be very helpful for me too. I'm going on my first florist appointments today also.
I'm going to see Flowers by Brian & Flowers Michele today. On MOnday I'm meeting with Designs by Rose & Flower Barn.

I didn't ask my florist anything but to make sure that they put in my contract that I could change my mind on the colors...

Ask about payment schedules...

i would make sure that the quantities of things you asked for are adjustable (they usually are) so that if you end up with less bridesmaids or less tables they can adjust your final balance.

also ask to see what prices actually reflect. I wanted to see what a $150 centerpiece looked like compared to $200. etc.

payment schedules?

types of flowers?

will the florist be there all day to set up and break down things. move things around?

is he stingy on votive candles and petals? (my guy epmisized how he puts candles and petals everywhere without extra charge).

will they make you a sample? and when?

negotiate!

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Posted by bkbaby4life

i would make sure that the quantities of things you asked for are adjustable (they usually are) so that if you end up with less bridesmaids or less tables they can adjust your final balance.

also ask to see what prices actually reflect. I wanted to see what a $150 centerpiece looked like compared to $200. etc.

payment schedules?

types of flowers?

will the florist be there all day to set up and break down things. move things around?

is he stingy on votive candles and petals? (my guy epmisized how he puts candles and petals everywhere without extra charge).

will they make you a sample? and when?

negotiate!

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What florist are you using?

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Posted by SummerBride10

Today we have our first meeting with a florist. I have no idea what questions we should be asking! Anyone have a list of questions for the florist?

TIA!

(PS: We're going to see Flowers by Brian)

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We met with them. It's good to know what you want. They were very nice but they were the highest out of all the florist we met with.

When we had an idea of what we wanted and it wouldnt work for our time of year she didnt offer any suggestions which really turned me off. I want to say they did throw a few things in for free but I really don't remember.

Good Luck!

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Posted by Princesa

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Posted by bkbaby4life

i would make sure that the quantities of things you asked for are adjustable (they usually are) so that if you end up with less bridesmaids or less tables they can adjust your final balance.

also ask to see what prices actually reflect. I wanted to see what a $150 centerpiece looked like compared to $200. etc.

payment schedules?

types of flowers?

will the florist be there all day to set up and break down things. move things around?

is he stingy on votive candles and petals? (my guy epmisized how he puts candles and petals everywhere without extra charge).

will they make you a sample? and when?

negotiate!

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What florist are you using?

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vito from Pedestals.

I didn't go with questions so much. I brought pictures of what I loved and photos of my dress, the girls dresses.

I bought my own vases so I brought that and the tall tapers to go on each side with me and I basically asked what they could do with it. It was cool because I heard different ideas and some really creative ideas.

You're going to see LOTS of pictures of different flowers, if you're watching costs I would ask what flowers can be substituted to lower things a bit. My florist ended up providing a free boutonnaire for each bridesmaid bok that was ordered, that was a nice savings. Once I had the proposals, I talked down a few of the church decorations by making the kissing balls smaller and had ranunculous added to my bok.

It seems overwhelming but this was the most fun part for me....I got lucky with awesome vendors to choose from. Have fun!

EDITED TO ADD:
My 40 inch tall CP's will consist of submerged purple orchids with white dendrobium orchids and bear grass cascading from the top of the vase. I'll post pics when I've seen my sample in a couple of weeks, but I'm paying $60....I would have never thought of these flowers but they were the most economical way to achieve the look I wanted. So ask your florist for suggestions!

Found this online:

Be Sure To Ask Potential Florists The Following:

1. Does the florist have a design philosophy? Florists love explaining their artistic sensibilities, the styles they love, their favorite flowers, the palettes they adore. Do the florists views fit with your own ideas?

2. Can you see photographs or live examples of past work?

3. How big is the shop, how many staff members, and who will work on your wedding?

4. Try to gauge the florists expertise by asking questions. What flowers will be in season when your wedding takes place? If your budget is on the small side, ask how you can maximize your options. Are there ways in which you can save money?

5. Be sure to ask them what is popular at the moment?

6. Which flowers are least likely to wilt in hot weather?

7. Has the florist done weddings at your ceremony and reception sites before? If so, ask to see pictures of arrangements done at your site and they will be knowledgeable about what sizes, shapes, and colors work in the space.

8. Will the florist deliver flowers for your wedding or spend time at the site, setting up and making sure everything is in order?

9. How many weddings will the florist do on the same day/weekend as yours?

10. Does the florist offer rental items, such as vases, potted plants, arches, trellises, candelabras or urns?

11. If it is important to you, ask if the florist preserve bouquets after weddings?


And you can also check out this link. I printed the chart

http://www.blissweddings.com/wedding_planner/florist_chart.asp

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Posted by Princesa

Does anyone know if Cherry Blossoms are expensive? I think I want soem of those for centerpieces.

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thats we want as well....for you in september they will be much more expensive bc they are out of season.....they only bloom in april/may.

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Posted by Princesa

Does anyone know if Cherry Blossoms are expensive? I think I want soem of those for centerpieces.

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we wanted some for an arch in July and every florist we went to and we went to 7 of them said it was impossible that time of year.

I just wanted to say i used Flowers By Brian and they were amazing!!!

When i went there i basically told them what i wanted and then worked around prices with them. I gave them all my ideas and we put something together

Thanks for all the help everyone!!!