How to Choose Your Wedding Florist

When you are looking for any vendor for your wedding, word of mouth is always the first way to go for vendor referrals.  A florist is no different.  If a florist’s work comes with a high recommendation, you can bet they will do a good job for you.  If you can not find anyone through word of mouth, go to bridal shows to do your research and look at pictures online to get an idea of what you want.  You should plan on appointments to at least three different florists.

At your appointments, look at pictures of previous work they have done and take pictures as well so that you will remember the florist later when you go to make your decision.   Things you will want to take with you to your appointments are: pictures of the kinds of arrangements you want, pictures of your gown or a material swatch would be even better (the same thing applies for your bridesmaids dresses), a picture of your reception room, quotes that you have gotten from other florists, a list of all of the flowers and arrangements that you need and who they are for so that the florist can label the corsages/boutonnieres/bouquets, etc with their titles.  Plan on leaving this list of titles and what not with the florist.

Questions to keep in mind

• Do you like the arrangements you see, do you get a good feeling from them?
• Are the flowers looking fresh, or can you see brown edges along the petals?
• Do the pictures they show you look dated, or do they appear to follow current wedding trends?
• How is the designer with your ideas? Do they seem willing to work with you, or are they trying to get you to do things their way?
• Speak directly with the florist that will be actually doing your arrangements. In larger shops, you will find many florists, and it is important to meet the one who will be doing your designs.
• Do you feel comfortable with this florist? Again, what is your gut feeling?
• When you talk to they pay attention to you? Do they seem interested?

From these questions, you may be able to sort out your short list and eliminate one or maybe even choose your florist from these appointments and your questions.

When do you book?

Start looking for your florist about six months before your wedding.  The booking should be set no later than four months before the wedding date.  Your reception and ceremony sites will need to be booked before this because you will need to know how many arrangements you require, as well as the colors of the venue to match your flowers.  Your bridesmaids colors should be picked out as well.