I got something in the mail today that I was not aware of...
My hall has a contract you have to sign if you use a florist outside their vendor list. Some of it makes sense that you won't use nails and stuff like that, but it also says that the florist should be on site before and during the chapel. Is that normal for florists? Or is that an extra that I'm going to be financially impacted by?
So here's their 'list'
Atlantic Floral James Cress Fleurs De Florissima Flowers by Matthew jackandrose(heard of them, but aren't they expensive) Spitz & Peck
Who is not expensive, but good. I have no experience in my immediate circle with any of these. The florist that I was 99% sure I was going to book is not on this list, but I am meeting with them in 2 weeks. If you have seen such a 'contract' for your hall and used a vendor that wasn't on the list, was there any extra charges by the florist for being on site during the ceremony. Maybe that's customary and I don't even know it.
snydl40
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Re: My hall and florists
The only one I know is James Cress-They do beautiful work but are SUPER expensive-my friend spent $6000 on flowers, and it didn't seem like there were many flowers for that kind of $$.
melissas28
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Re: My hall and florists
I've heard that spitz and peck are expensive too (though I have no personal experience with them).
I think you should talk to the florist that you wanted to use originally -about the situation. You can ask if they've done work there before and if it will cost you extra for them to be there. Good Luck!
Mrs.Ptobe
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Re: My hall and florists
Yeah - I'm not spending more that $2500 on flowers - they die! I mean, if you have a more flexible budget God bless. I have no idea how I'm going to make this work... very, very stressful. Everything is turning out more expensive that originally anticipated. This stinks!
Are there any alternatives? I'm going with low CPs to save $$$. I have my bo-k and 4 BM's 1 FG. I need corsages for the mom's, his grandmother and Godmother, and the guy's lapel flower thingie. Fortunately the hall provides lobby flowers and flowers at the cold display for the CH. The cake with have minimal flowers on it since this is way too expensive. It's the gazebo I'm very concerned about. I was expecting to just go to Michaels, pick up some netting and some artificial garlend in red roses and hang it from the gazebo, but the hall says the florist is to take stuff down... I'm so confused. I'm calling the hall tomorrow to find out if I can do the Michaels idea. Maybe one of my BM's can take it down, it shouldn't be a big deal at all. Maybe the hall is just OCD if it's real flowers b/c they don't want to be responsible for moving something and it getting ruined and we all know how delicate real flowers can be.
tara08
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Re: My hall and florists
can you call the bm and ask if there is a charge for any outside florists??? Also if you are looking to save money what about non floral cp's??
portjeffbride
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Re: My hall and florists
that's odd.... I think they're doing that to pressure you to use their affiliates... that's annoying!
MrsBrags7706
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Re: My hall and florists
thats so WEIRD! i never heard of such a thing!
ejm1219
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Re: My hall and florists
My friend used Spitz and peck and her flowers were beautiful. She told me that they weren't expensive but honestly, she didn't pay for her wedding! I saw them and fleurfina during a bridal show and they both were expensive!!!
njbound07
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Re: My hall and florists
I used Atlantic Floral and Angie (the owner) is the best... and she was not a in house vendor for my hall... I found her on my own... FM me if you want the more info... and she by no means expensive
NowAndForever2012
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Re: My hall and florists
I am using a house vendor. I think.........
DancerBride
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Re: My hall and florists
We have the same hall!!!! I was under the assumption that you CAN use outside florists, though you or they(I can't remember which) have to sign a waiver that you are responsible for any damage, etc... not a big deal...anyway, I went with Atlantic Floral and spent under 2000 for all that I need(bouquets, gazebo flowers, etc), including lots of freebies. I checked out the other florists and received prices, I found that I got the most for my money at Atlantic Floral, and I am working with Angie....she is great!!!! I don't think they will let you decorate yourself. I was told that they had bad experiences with people ruining the ceremony area. But you can call and find out, good luck!!!!
I am also a Woodbury bride....I spoke with my BM about this before booking my (non-house) florist, and was told not to worry. I was not asked to sign anything....I guess when we go out there next time I'll mention it....
ETA - I've heard very negative things about Jackandrose....As for Spitz and Peck, they are very overpriced, and their customer service is severely lacking.
Mygmans
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Re: My hall and florists
I had my wedding at WCC and used Flower Michele. There was no problem. I believe that contract is only if you use the florist to decorate the outside ceremony areas. But even so, WCC told me not to worry.
mrsh2b
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Re: My hall and florists
I can't help you with the hall requirements but I can tell you that I went to Jackandrose, Fleurs de Florissima and James Cress for estimates. Jackand rose was the cheapest estimate I got from all 10 or so florists I looked at, including Burtons. Reason being, they have had horrible publicity in the past 2 years, including a stint on Shame on You, so buyer beware with that. Check the bbb.org too. I was getting 1/2 high 1/2 low cps (25 total), my bok, 11 bms, church arrangements and then the other misc. stuff (bouts corsages, etc) and my estimate was $2900.
James Cress: Met with Gary, the son. He was awesome. Loved him. They did my friend's wedding and her flowers were absolutely gorgeous. My estimate was $4,900 *My other friend's have met with the owner, I guess James, and did not like the experience so if you go, try to meet with Gary. He was great.
Fleurs de Florissima: I was very impressed by Arlene. She did my other friend's wedding and her flowers were the most gorgeous I have ever seen at a wedding. My estimate with her was $4300.
If I had to pick, I would probably go with Florissima just b/c she has different ideas and isn't so traditional wedding, but either way you can't go wrong.
Oh, and staying below $2500 is definitely doable. Check out Flower Michele. Feel free to fm me with any questions!
Mrs.Ptobe
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Re: My hall and florists
Update:
I spoke to the BM and he told me not to worry and that I can decorate myself (artificial flowers) - it was just a liability waiver, but that they have someone on staff that can help too (guess that person is the one that the hall uses for the flowers that they give you such as for the lobby and cold display at the CH). I'm going to talk to that person this week about the gazebo and even the CP's.
I have a meeting scheduled with LA Blossom next week. So hopefully I'll get the hall person's prices and compare to what LA can offer me. LA Blossom is great, not only are they a preferred LIW vendor, they also did my sister's wedding and she did a great job for a reasonable price. I left a msg with Atlantic too since they are right near my nail salon and I have a nail appt next Saturday... no excuse not ot at least meet them and see what they offer. Flowers I think will be okay... it's that DARN photography that's going to be the end of me!
saftshe
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Re: My hall and florists
This might sound dumb, but how do you get centerpieces that you've made placed on the tables at the hall? Do you enlist friends or the hall? I am a cluless MOB thats looking for away to help cut costs.
acsm
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Re: My hall and florists
my florist will be on site during the ceremony... shes going to breakdown the arch and take it with her when we are done...
