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Wedding Favours |
How To Select The Perfect Florist For Your Wedding
By Chris Morton
Most people are not aware of the vast
difference and variety of flowers that exist until they decide to get married. It is at
this moment that the stature and importance of the florist takes on new meaning. Here are
some helpful tips to guide you through your decision process.
It Stems From References…..
The best place to start is with references. Take time out to ask family, friends, and
trusted business associates to recommend someone they have used in the past. Another
option that can be considered is attending bridal shows, the more the merrier. If all else
fails, let your fingers do the walking and use the yellow pages.
When you have received your references and suggestions, you should review these and decide
on at least three different florists. By all means, choose more, if you so desire. Then
once you’ve decided, visit the shops and take a look around.
…and a keen eye
You do not have to be a botanist or a flower connoisseur of sorts to make a good
selection. Take note of the different floral arrangements in each store. Does any
particular one stand out? How many of the floral arrangements on display actually catch
you eye? What is the condition of the flowers themselves? Are they healthy and have
vibrant full blooms? How about the store location itself? Is it well kept and clean?
Your ideal florists should have an impressive portfolio that reflects their experience,
design styles, and skills. A professional florist’s portfolio will have photographs
of floral arrangements used in previous weddings. As you review this portfolio, look for
the variety in styles and occasions. Make sure you are not looking at a lot of pictures of
the same floral arrangement or the same wedding. Make it a point to notice if the
portfolio included photos of all bridal bouquets and centrepieces used in each wedding.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Get proactive. When you plan to visit a potential
florist, make sure to carry fabic swatches of the wedding apparels for the entire wedding
party. You can even start to collect clippings of flower arrangements you find enticing
and take them along on your visit to the florist. I recommend that you develop a clear
idea of what you want.
Are they Listening?
As you present your ideas and suggestions to the florist, pay attention to their
receptiveness and the quality of their responses. Are they really listening to what you
want? In addition, make sure the individual that you are questioning so thoroughly is the
same individual that will be responsible for making your floral arrangements.
It is also recommended, by industry consultants, that you book your florist at least 6 to
8 months in advance. Not to mention, some wedding consultants suggest signing a contract
with your florist about 4 to 6 months before the scheduled wedding day. When it comes to
the actual contract itself. Ensure that you have all your desires and expectations clearly
printed in writing.
There is some information you need to have available for your florist. Your florist of
choice will need to know the location of the wedding and the reception, and how many
floral arrangements will be needed to decorate it. Additionally, every florist needs to
know what color schemes are being used at the venue, so that the final flowers
arrangements won’t clash. If you opted for centrepieces, you will need to know
exactly how many. Your florist must know the number of bridesmaids, groomsmen, mothers,
fathers, grandfathers, program participants, and special guests will be attending. Most
importantly, the colors of the wedding party remain crucial information for your florist.
Remember!
Remember to make decisions that complement the environment you will be in. Hence, if your
wedding will be outside, make sure your selected floral arrangements can withstand the
elements of nature.
In an effort to avoid last minute misunderstandings, ask your florist the following
questions:
What are the least expensive flowers that will be in season during my wedding?
What is the most successful idea you have had for a past wedding?
Do you deliver and set up the floral arrangements?
Are there any extra delivery or set-up charges?
How long does the set-up take?
Are there any additional or hidden costs I should know about?
How long do I have to add, subtract, or change floral arrangements?
Can I have an itemized estimate of the services we discussed?
What is your minimum deposit, and how soon do I have to put down a deposit?
There you have it, all the sound guidance you need to find a florist that is the perfect
match for your perfect day. Have no fear, the water’s fine. Dive right in.
About the Author
Chris Morton ran hotels and restaurants for 17 years - catering for 100's of weddings. His
wife Sue is a wedding planner with 10 year's experience. Together they have established http://www.TheWeddingWizards.com to provide
unbiased help for brides and grooms.
Article Source: www.iSnare.com |
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