Florist Visit Preparation

Hi All:

I am getting ready to visit the Florist - my wedding is in 5 1/2 months and I still don't have a florist. Am I going to have a really hard time finding one ?

Also, what do I need to know before I go ? I am totally clueless on this - What are prices like ? I am looking for bouquets for me and the girls, the groom's boutonniere, mom's, and grandma's, and also some to decorate the church. I already have centerpieces through the hall, and also have someone making the simple boutonnieres. Am I missing anything else I should be ordering ? Also, what do dad's boutonnieres look like ?

Also, any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all !

Make sure the florist has insurance...ask if they book more than one wedding for a day, if they have assistants, how many? where do they deliver the flowers? Do they charge travel fees?
Ask your RH or consult your contract to see how much insurance your Florist needs to have....some need a $2M policy or they cannot work on premises. Some florists and other vendors carry it...but some only have $1M... so check that out before you book.

Try meeting Gina of Flowers & Designs by Gina... She is a vendor on here (NYCWeddings) She beat every price quote we received from other vendors. She's really down to earth and easy to approach. She works for herself...so she really tries hard and answers questions very fast. She also gave us a sample CP which was great...it held up so nicely and we got to see how it well it traveled. If you want more info...FM me...
Flower Barn and a local florist were the other ones I considered.

I also think you should have an IDEA of what you want.

I JUST met with our florist 2 weeks ago. We told him the ideas we had and he was able to say what would work or not. He was able to give suggestions based on our ideas.

The only things we told him were classy and elegant, and high floral arrangements. He gave us ideas after that.

But look through books and start collecting ideas.

I totally agree. I sent Gina a few pics of what I like ahead of my visit with her. she had samples ready for me. Its better to do it ahead so they have the flowers... in case they have to order anything.

I looked through magazines, the Knot and Wedding Channel for ideas... and she was great about it. bring your camera too... take pictures of the sample they show you.

You should definitely have an idea in your head regarding bouquets. You may not have a hard time finding a florist, because they can do multiple weddings a day. Also, since you don't need centerpieces it is less work for them. Bouquets should be around $75-200 I believe, but am not sure. Know what colors you want and maybe even some flower options. Good Luck!