What to do- please advice- LONG

nferrandi Posted: Apr 13, 2004 09:42 AM

What to do- please advice- LONG

Here's the situation. I live in Westchester and a friend of mine suggested I use an acquaintance who owns a flower shop to do my wedding flowers. I have met with her and fell I got a pretty good price from her. $2300 for
my bok (clutch style red and black magic roses and burgundy callas)
MOH bok (ivory roses and callas, a little bit of red)
5 BM bok (ivory roses and callas)
10 bouts
2 small clutches for moms (roses and callas)
Chuppa decoration with seasonal flowers and tulle (which I'm purchasing on my own)
20 small round CP with votives (which I'm also buying myself)

Now here's the problem. The first time I met with her was fine and she wrote a quote that was $1800. When I made an appointment a few months later the price went up. Also, she missed the appointment and had to reschedule, very unprofessional and worked out to be an inconvenience for me. I gave her a card 2 weeks ago with the measurement of the tulle I want to order and she's yet to get back to me about how many bolts I should order. Also, I recently found out that she is pregnant, which is wonderful for her, but she's going to be big as a house for my wedding, and I'm just not sure she can handle it. In addition, since she's in Westchester it will be a long day for her. I would need all of the boks and bouts by 3p.m. for photos and they can't get on my reception site to set up for the ceremony until 5p.m., which gives them an hour to set up. I've had 2 nightmares about things going wrong with my flowers. Should I just chock it up to wedding anxiety, or should I look for a new florist? If I do get a new florist, I think I wuold like to get one in LI, any suggestions for reasonable florists?

divabride Posted: Apr 13, 2004 09:48 AM

Re: What to do- please advice- LONG

Hmmmm. This is a tough one. But considering everything else that happened, there is a pattern of irresponsiblity, and I just wouldnt feel comfortable knowing she is going to be very pregnant, and might not get the job done to your expectations. I would say to look elsewhere. Good luck, and keep us posted.

ChristineC68 Posted: Apr 13, 2004 09:54 AM

Re: What to do- please advice- LONG

I would probably switch florists. Missing appointments and not returning phone calls would make me concerned as well. And while I understand that quotes are usually good for 30 days, I think $500 is a big jump from your estimate.

If you are uneasy now, you are only going to get more worried as the wedding approaches.

I wouldn't even be concerned about her being pregnant - I am sure she has a staff that can handle to details on the wedding day.

There are tons of LI florists you could check out. Look in the vendor section here and check out the bridal review board for other recomendations.

Good luck.

september2004 Posted: Apr 13, 2004 09:59 AM

Re: What to do- please advice- LONG

I would start looking around for a backup. Once you get some quotes I would explain your concerns to her and see what she says. Check out Laurie from LA Blossom, I will be going back to her for my flowers...

JimmysBride Posted: Apr 13, 2004 10:06 AM

Re: What to do- please advice- LONG

I think you should feel comfortable and confident with all your vendors. You don't need to be worrying about her on or close to your wedding day. I understand where you are coming from and I think I would switch if I were you. Also because she is in Westchester and your wedding is on LI. The price is decent. I am getting almost exactly what you are getting and I'm only paying a little less than that. Plus that's pretty much what everyone else I saw quoted me. Good luck!

What-Now Posted: Apr 13, 2004 10:07 AM

Re: What to do- please advice- LONG

I would get another florist while there is still time! you dont want to be worring about whether or not your florist will be able to get her work done on the day of your wedding.

nferrandi Posted: Apr 13, 2004 10:41 AM

Re: What to do- please advice- LONG

Thanks for the advice. I knew going in to it that it may not be a good idea to deal with someone I know, and the more I think about it, my gut tells me to switch vendors.