Want to meet with florists, where to start?

So i have 4 florists that I am interested in checking out and wanted advice about in what order i should make appointments, and does it even matter?

Pedestals
Spitz and Peck
Flowers by Brian
Flower Michele

Of these four is there any I should skip? How many florists do people usually meet with?

Also, do I need to know exactly what I want or is a vague idea good enough?

Thank you very much.

Re: Want to meet with florists, where to start?

I can't speak for the other three, though I'd skip Spitz & Peck if I were you. FH and I met with them when we were looking for a florist, and like a previous poster said about them, they wanted to overcharge us by like $1000 and just have us sign the contract. Also, my FBIL used them for his wedding and they delivered the flowers wilted. Granted this was 10 years ago, but I was on the verge of tears when we met with them. I was sure that after that meeting, I wouldn't even have flowers at my wedding because they were so overpriced. Fortunately, we ended up booking a good florist who threw in some extras here and there and were within our budget also. I heard Burton's is good though too?

Re: Want to meet with florists, where to start?

i saw 4 and went with the last one i went which was FLOWER MICHELE!!!!!!!!!!!! try them out first

Re: Want to meet with florists, where to start?

I met with one and booked on the spot. Honestly, I have no idea what type of flowers I want or anything about flowers but we pretty much brainstormed...I was showed a bunch of pictures and basically said which flowers I like & didn't like, then they showed me some color combinations and put together a preliminary package including approximate number of centerpieces, bouquets, corsages, church decor, etc... (I even got a mini bouquet to take home which I took tons of pictures of so when we finalize the flowers I will be sure to include those).

Re: Want to meet with florists, where to start?

I saw John at Flower Michele and after seeing him.. I didn't even want to go see anyone else!!!

Re: Want to meet with florists, where to start?

I've heard mixed reviews about Spitz and Peck, and I have heard they are pricier than many other florists. Since they are recommended by my hall, I also saw them at a showcase and many of the flowers were wilted. Maybe it was an off night but it didn't make me want to make an appointment with them, ya know? I also went through the books they provided and I wasn't blown away, but that is really a matter of personal choice.

I have heard good things about Pedestals and don't know much about Flowers by Brian.

I booked with Flower Michele. John totally saw my vision and made it happen within my budget.

Do your research on here...check out reviews and other girls posts to find florists that sound like what you are looking for.

Good luck and keep us posted!

ETA: I also met with With All my Heart in Port Jeff. FH and I really liked Linea and her work, but decided to go with FM. They might be another one to check out though!

Re: Want to meet with florists, where to start?

i am using LA Blossom. I only met with her she is doing right by us.

Re: Want to meet with florists, where to start?

save yourself time... just go to Flower Michele. You won't be disappointed, and he has GREAT prices. I actually 'left' my other florist to go to John at Flower Michele. AMAZING work.

Re: Want to meet with florists, where to start?

IMO I would skip them all and go to Flowers Etc.. You won't be disappointed. Jola, the owner, will work with you so that you stay under budget and still get the perfect flowers. She's so nice.
She's a relatively new vendor on her, I say you should give her a try, I did and I don't want anyone else to do my flowers.

Re: Want to meet with florists, where to start?

We are using Flowers by Voegler in Merrick.

But from other LIW ladies, I've heard nothing but good things about Flower Michele

good luck!

Re: Want to meet with florists, where to start?

we just booked with Flower Barn in Seaford....Mike was great to deal with and will work with any budget....He is also a vendor here...

Re: Want to meet with florists, where to start?

I went to Flower MIchele, Flowers by Brian, and Pedestals and the only bad experience was with FLowers by Brian. I loved Flower Michele and booked with them.

Good Luck.

Re: Want to meet with florists, where to start?

I met with Flower Barn, Burtons, Flower Michelle and Signature Florist.

I went with Signature Florist.

Re: Want to meet with florists, where to start?

I can't comment on any of those but I've dealt with a vendor from here, her name is Lynn from Florisan and she is a sweet and kind individual. She came ot meet with me at my FSIL's house and went over everything with me. I highly reccomend her, she is working with my budget and is very professional. Good Luck!
XOXOXO
Kitty

Re: Want to meet with florists, where to start?

I met with:
Flower Michele (2nd highest quote, and John and I did NOT hit it off at all)
LA Blossom (reasonable quote, not crazy about sample CP, but Laurie was a gem!!!!!!!)
With All My Heart (3d highest quote)
Signature (2nd lowest quote)
Nat'l Floral Wholesale (lowest quote, but she didn't listen when I said NO pink flowers and brought out nothing but pink flowers for CP)
Flower Petaler (hated the sample)
Hengstenberg Florist (most expensive quote)
Burton's (reasonable quote, just didn't get warm fuzzy feeling)
Flowers by Fred (asked what my Burton's quote was, said they couldn't match it and to go there)
Pedestals (ok quote, NO warm fuzzy feeling)
and a few more that I can't even remember. I was completely frustrated and ready to make candle CP's for the tables and walk down the aisle without flowers when I asked the girls here for additional suggestions.

As a result I met with Nancy at Open House Country. She offered a bit more for the same general price, took my description and created a masterpiece of a sample, and was a totally wonderful person.

In essence, meet with who you want, get a feel for the floral designer and how well they listen to your ideas, and see your vision of your day, and go from there.