A wedding florist does so much more than just design your bouquet! They can design the centerpieces to your reception tables, hairpieces, ceremony arches, corsages, boutonnieres, and so on.
Before you even contact a Florist you should have these few things already done:
- Ceremony and Reception Venues Reserved
- Wedding Colors Chosen
- Wedding Dressed Purchased
Why these things? Well, first of all, you have to tell your Florist where the arrangements will be delivered. Second, your Florist will design arrangements that match your wedding theme (if you are having a spring wedding they shouldn’t design arrangements with fall colors). Third, choosing your dress first will make it easier to decide on a design for your bouquet!
Basic questions to ask:
- Are you available for my wedding date?
- How long have you been in business?
- How many weddings have you done?
- How many weddings or events do you schedule on the same day?
- Will you be designing my arrangements or someone else?
- What type of style would you say your designs are like? (modern, traditional, artistic, European, Oriental, etc.)
Pricing and Contract:
- Are you able to work within my budget?
- Do you charge a delivery fee?
- How much extra would it cost to add on x, y, z? What would be the total cost for x,y,z? (Bouquet, Boutonnieres, Corsages, Ceremony Arches, Table Pieces, etc.)
- Do you charge for set up or break down of floral designs?
- Are there any other charges that may need to be discussed?
- What are your refund policies?
- How far in advance do I need to secure your services?
- What type of deposit is needed to secure your services?
The Flowers and Arrangements:
- Based on my color scheme and budget, what flowers would you recommend?
- What flowers are in season for the month of my wedding?
- What other decor do you provide?
- Is there a way I can coordinate all the flower pieces and arrangements?
- Is there a price difference is I chose one set flower compared to an assortment of flowers?
- If I showed you a picture of an arrangement I liked, are you able to replicate it? How close will your replication be to the image?
- What type of wrap do you use on the bouquet, boutonnieres, and corsages?
- How long do you think the flowers will last before they start to wilt?
- Do you offer organic flowers (the last longer!)?
- Can you provide a sketch, mock-up, or past images of the arrangements you will design for my wedding?
- Are far in advance to do you create the arrangements? How will they be stored?
- Will you help me preserve any flower arrangements of my choosing after the wedding? If not, are you able to refer someone that can?
Before meeting with any Florist Designer be sure to have your color scheme picked out, make a list of the flowers you really like, and bring pictures or examples of arrangements that appeal to you.
After meeting with any Florist Designer, and before you make a decision, ask yourself: Did they answer all my questions? Are they open to my suggestions or listen to my decisions? Am I comfortable with them? Do I feel confident that they will design what I am looking for?
After choosing your Florist, be sure to provide them with pictures of your wedding dress and bridesmaids dresses. Provide them with a color swatch of your color scheme. This information will help them design your arrangements to complete perfections.
