Questions for florists

What specific flowers will be used -- make sure you are specific on what you like and want

if you want a specific flower, make sure it is in season when you are getting married. If it is not, make sure its within your budget to still have it

bring pictures of what you like

pictures of the ballroom, ceremony site, your dress, bridesmaid dresses, swatches of colors

check for a delivery charge

find out when payments need to be made and in what form -- cash, credit, check, etc.

make sure they give you in writing quantities of centerpieces, bo-ks, bouts, other arrangements

Here are some more questions..Hope it's helpful.

Floral Decorators

Your floral arrangements add to the romantic atmosphere of your wedding and create a lasting impression for your family and guests.

Listed below are questions you should consider asking your florist before making a final decision.

Are rentals available from you? Such as: plants, trees, candelabras, archways, Chuppahs, lattice screens.
Do you have photographs of some of the affairs that you have done?
Do you have bridal packages?
Can you show the centerpieces at various price ranges?
Do you also do dried flower arrangements?
Are you familiar with the reception site?
How would you recommend decorating it?
Do you do split shipments (i.e.: to hall, house and studio, etc.)?
What are the delivery charges?
Do you service the wedding (i.e.: professional set up of flowers, etc.)?
Do you do out of local area weddings?
How long have you been in business?
Can you provide a list of references?
Is a deposit required?
When is the balance due?
What is your cancellation policy?
Do you accept credit cards? If so, which ones?
How many weddings can you do in one day?

My best friend is a part-time wedding planner and she gave me some advice because another friend of hers in Mass. now works at a flower shop.

First, you are mostly paying for the arranging/labor... the more different types of flowers you have, especially in each centerpiece or bouquet, the more money you pay in labor. She had her mixed bouquet and then each one of her bridesmaid's had a different bouquet made up of one of each of the flowers in hers.... so those bouquets only contained one flower... very easy to arrange... just grab and tie with ribbon.

If you are not happy with one single flower for centerpieces... tell them not all centerpieces have to look identical... you just want to have the same flowers in each. For example, if you have three different types of flowers in each centerpiece do you think anyone is going to notice that table one has 10 white roses, 2 blue hydrangeas, and whatever else vs. table two which has 8 white roses and 3 blue hydrangeas? It adds a lot of extra labor to get each centerpiece to look exactly alike. Her friend told her they set up all of the centerpieces in a row and have to make sure they are exact... this can take an additional two to three hours depending upon how many... and just like at the mechanics... time=labor=$$$. My friend didn't have absolutely identcal centerpieces at her wedding, she saved money and no-one noticed... I didn't even notice until now and I was her MOH at her wedding two years ago.

I'm giving my auditioning florists my budget, what I want my centerpieces to look like (fishbowls) telling them they must contain baby blue hydrangeas and white flowers and each one must be under X amount. Then I'm seeing what each one will do... I'm asking them to provide a sample (a picture e-mailed will do) of what they can do for X amount of money. They all have a week and a few days after that I will make my decision.

Also stick with what is in season... ask for their opinions.

ASk which flowers tend to last through the day in a bouquet.

Also some flowers look similar but are hardier, or not as fragrant so they won't harm allergy sufferers. Best to stay away from lillies if you know anyone in your bridal party or any of the groomsmen have allergies.

Good luck.