What You Need to Know:
• Bring photos of your wedding gown and bridesmaid’s dresses.
• Bring swatches of fabrics and also swatches of the desired colors you wish to use in your floral arrangements.
• Be able to explain what you envision. Bring some photos from a magazine on a certain theme or visual you are trying to achieve.
• Bring a collection of flower photos from bridal magazines. If there’s a certain flower that has sparked your imagination, bring a photo along.
• Bring a list with quantities of corsages for the moms, grandmothers, godmothers, or any other special lady you may want to honor.
• The number of bridesmaids bouquets.
• The number of boutonnieres for groom, groomsmen, fathers, grandfathers, etc.
• Photos of your ceremony location. If a church, this photo should show both the pews and alter. If your ceremony and reception is going to be at one venue, ask the venue owner if you can have any photos of an altar or chupah to give a better idea of what needs to be designed.
• Tell your florist if you are having an indoor or outdoor ceremony and/or reception for suggestions of arrangements that are best for the temperature.
• The quantity of tables you will be having, as well as their shape, in order for the floral designer to suggest what might look best.
Questions to Ask:
Do certain flowers hold up better than others? You want your flowers to stay as fresh as possible, so ask the potential florist how he/she ensures your bouquets will last as long as possible.
Do you implement water-filled bouquet holders with ribbons or flowers for
camouflaging the receptacle? Let them make suggestions, as a good florist will know which flower will last the longest and still go with your desired colors and décor.
Is the type of flower I desire available at the time of year I am getting married? If the flower you want is not available, ask if there is something similar that will offer the same type of visual you are seeking.
Can I see photos of wedding flowers you’ve designed? Ask for images of the bride’s and bridal party’s bouquets, boutonnières, corsages, reception centerpieces, ceremony florals, archway, chupah, pew décor, and altar pieces.
How many weddings do you design for each weekend? Less weddings ensures your flowers will be given the most excellent attention and care. But more might mean they have a great reputation.
Is there an extra charge for delivery? Make sure the florist will service the area where your wedding will take place.
When will the flowers be delivered? You want them to be set up as near the beginning of your ceremony and reception as possible in order to guarantee freshness.
Who is in charge of set-up and removal? Think of the pew and alter pieces if in a church or at the venue where your ceremony and reception is taking place. At times, the same room is used for both ceremony and reception, so inquire as to who helps with the floral changeover. Some florists include set-up and removal in their price—but find out if this is the case or if there is an extra cost.
What percentage of the total cost is needed for a deposit, and when does the balance need to be paid? Find out the time you have to cancel an order and if the deposit will be kept or returned.
