Florists-Bourne HELP!

I am getting married at the Bourne Mansion and have just started looking into florists. My Fiancée and had consultations with three florists, Flower Michele (with Rich), In Full Bloom (Marie)and Pedestals.

I liked Flower Michele, but was blown away by the price, also, we did not work with John and that seems to be who people rave about! Rich has hardly any pictures of his work to show us, just what was on the website, but his energy was great. The one thing that left us skeptical was that he gave us a price, and said that it would be the price no matter what flowers we use. He even admitted that he has lost money a few times due to underestimating the flowers brides would use!

We like In Full Bloom, but still not sure how the quality of the work. They are the house recommendation for the Bourne, and that is why we went there. We also did not like the price!

Pedestals were the most expensive, so we are not going with them.

Does anyone have any advice? We are looking for florists that have creative ideas, amazing fresh flowers and is well priced! If it helps, I am going for a romantic/enchanted whimsical feel. My Fiancée and I love the ideas of using trees for some of our centerpieces!

So far this Saturday I have made appointments with Dalsimer and Ilienne Florals, apparently she works out of her house and I have read good reviews about her. Someone told me to check out Spitz and Peck, but I was told they are pricy! Obviously, I have been thrown in many directions and would love some advice!

I personally went with Flower Michele.

I did work with John however Rich and John are co-owners and design the majority of the flowers/centerpeices together. I have heard wonderful things about Rich as well and after having spoken to him on more than one occassion while i was there to see John, I would feel just as comfortable with him and his work.

Although many florists do not admit or advertise this, most florists get the same price for most flowers unless they are super expensive or exoctic because they are bought in bulk by florists direct from the farm basically. This is actually a good thing that a florist would admit this rather than telling you that you are getting a more expensive flower so they have to charge more which is in a lot of cases untrue and they are making loads of money off of you.

Flower Michele was not the most expensive quote for me or the least expensvie (Pedastals for me was also the most expensive). I chose them because they were within my budget, although at the top of it but I felt extremely confident with them and I felt they had unique ideas and could really do different things if you wanted them to but at the same time, they would work with you on a specific vision if you had one.

good luck.

opps, sorry, just looked when you wedding date is, so I see you would have no photos!

Thanks for the advice!

I am looking to try and meet with her on Saturday. What made you pick her?
You have to share your pictures! Congrats on your upcoming wedding, you must be so pumped!
Who are you using for hair and make-up?

Do not bother with Spitz & Peck - they are overpriced and not helpful at all! I was sooooo turned off by them I left the place in tears!!!

Gina is a doll and her work is amazing!!

I have also heard very good thigns about Verbena

Good luck in your search!

What were the cost per-person for the Bourne? I recently went there and they quoted rather high prices and I am curious to know if anyone was quoted lower?
Thank you for all of your help and information!!