Help needed with decision

Morning all,

I am in the process of picking out a Florist.

I have two that I like. I went to see both Saturday and while I screwed up the appointments I was able to talk to one of them. One gave me a very very high estimate but knocked it down like a few thousand because the floral designer knew my mom. Which was really nice. However, some things I don't like is that they are charging me $100 for bridesmaids bouquets which I think is overpriced. I am getting roses and light blue delphinium and stock for the bridesmaids. My bouquet is about what I would expect to pay. One other problem is that for the centerpieces, for them to be affordable to us he would do them in these silver plastic bowls (or gold whichever I prefer) which...eh....they're OK but I'm not thrilled with them. The floral designer is really nice and because they are giving me a discount I feel weird not accepting it. I have no doubts he'd do a good job otherwise. In fact I think he would do 110% because he knew my mom.

The other florist - they are a reputable florist and have been around for years (actually both have but the first one changed hands recently but I have heard the service is still good). I am actually going to see her again this week where she'll have two samples of centerpieces made up for me. One will be a fishbowl with roses and ivy and greenery and wax flowers, or a glass pedestal bowl with same. And surprisingly they would be affordable (same price as the centerpieces above, but not plastic bowls!) I really would rather have glass bowls. I also liked how when I first went ot the 2nd florist they gave me a printout of my estimate , breaking everything down. No one else did that for me and I was duly impressed they did that. I also don't have any worries about this florist. Oh yes and the bridesmaids bouquets are half that of the first place, which is along the lines of what others on this board paid for I think, or at least what I hear is the average.

Yes I still have to see the 2nd florist's samples but the price is right (and glass bowls!!) rather than plastic The silver looks nice when it has the arrangement in it and I bet would look nice on the tables but I'm not crazy over it. But then again the glass is just clear glass...I like the idea that we'd be able to keep them (meaning I can have people take them home and they can reuse them) but I'm not sure if it would be sparkly enough.

What are you opinions? Thanks!

ETA for spelling

Re: Help needed with decision

Hi Mary! You have FM!

Re: Help needed with decision

It really sounds like you are leaning toward the 2nd florist.
You should go with the one that you are most comfortable with, esp when it comes to giving your opinion and telling them exactly what you want.
The 2nd florist seems like they have worked with you more to make you happy with what you are getting.
As long as you like the flowers you are getting and like the samples, you should definitely go with the 2nd florist.
Why pay more money for the same flowers? Don't go with the first one b/c of their name, or their relationship with your mom or b/c of the time they have already put in to help you - go with the one that you are happiest with.
Good luck!

Re: Help needed with decision

June - in a way I am leaning towards 2nd one...but I would feel soooo bad telling the first florist no thank you. maybe I'll split up the order?

Sigh...I don't know. I'll decide on Friday I think.

Re: Help needed with decision

I really would think twice about splitting up the order - that would confuse the heck outta me personally. Its up to you. You dont want to be kicking yourself in the Ar$e for trying to be nice to #1 by using them and then being unhappy with the results.

Can you have your mom use #1 for your shower flowers and then you use #2 for the wedding?