How to Choose Your Florist Part 3

Do your research on florists by attending bridal shows or visiting florists in your area. The best way to find the florist that is right for you is to ask friends and family for names of some florists they know and trust. If you have recently attended a wedding or social event and admired the flowers, ask the host who provided the floral arrangements. You should plan on visiting four or five florists before making your final decision. Ultimately, you should select a florist whose style you like.

When visiting each florist, be sure to ask the following questions:

  • Do you have a portfolio of images from past work? Do not forget to ask if the person’s whose work you are viewing will also be the person doing your arrangements. Many floral shops have more than one person making the arrangements. You will want to make sure you know who will be making yours so you can make sure you actually like their work.
  • How many years of experience do you have in the floral industry? The last thing you want to do is choose someone who has little to no experience. Their lack of experience may prove to be a disaster for your wedding.
  • Do you have a list of references I can call? Just because you can see how pretty their arrangements are does not mean they are good at what they do. There is no better reference than previous customers. They can tell you if the florist arrived when he or she was supposed to and kept all the promises made.
  • Are you familiar with my ceremony and reception sites? If not, be sure to give them directions to each so they do not get lost on the big day. You might also want to give them pictures of the sites, if possible, so that the colors in the arrangements do not clash with the colors at the sites.
  • Will you visit my ceremony and reception sites to give recommendations for arrangements and decor? If they are able to tour the sites, they may be able to give you a lot of helpful advice on do’s and don’ts for the decor.
  • Do you rent items such as aisle and alter candelabras, unity candle holders, guest book stands, clip-on pew flower holders, etc.? They may offer a discount if you get a few things from them. Plus if you can rent some of these items instead of buying them, it will be one less thing you have to deal with after the wedding.
  • Can you work with a combination of real, dried and silk flowers? (This is very important, especially if you are on a tight budget).

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