Finding the right florist is a crucial part of your wedding planning. A florist is more than just someone who sells you flowers.. they are part of a vision. You should begin researching your options at least nine to ten months before your wedding and plan to hire your professional floral designer (with a deposit and signed contract) at least six to eight months in advance. You may need to allow even more time if your chosen designer is very popular, if you are getting married between June and October, if you live in a small town, or if your date is close to a holiday. You should start by inquiring among friends and family. Ask a bridal consultant or you reception-site manager. Other vendors can also be a good source of information. Your photographer may be one of the best vendors to ask since they spend a lot of time with the bridal party and see the flowers later into the reception and could tell you how they held up.
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Once you have compiled some prospective floral designers, start with a phone interview. Ask each of them a few questions to see if your personalities are compatible. A few good questions might be...
- Are you available on my wedding date? (If not, move on to the next prospect)
- Do you charge a consultation fee? (Some florist do charge a fee, but most don't. If they do, find out how much they charge, and if you feel it is too much, move on.)
- On average how many weddings do you book a weekend/month? (This is a big factor. Who specifically will be doing your flowers? And will the florist be available for your specific needs. You probably want a personal touch and to deal completely with one specific designer. If the work will be done by several designers, your "vision" may get blurred in the transfer of information from one person to the next.)
- How long have you been in the wedding business? ( Certainly nothing is wrong with a newer business, but the answer to this question will give you an idea of the level of the experience this florist has.)
- Are you a member of any bridal/floral associations? ( Most professional associations require proof of qualifications and experience. They also monitor their members, provide referrals, and hold periodic workshops to keep professionals updated on current trends. )
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Now that you've found a few that have potential, the next step is to schedule a consultation. The point of the consultation is to get to know the florist and their work and to discuss your ideas. Be prepared to explain the details of your wedding.
Bring anything that you may think is helpful: photos of arrangements or bouquets you like, other weddings, a list of your favorite flowers, pictures/diagrams of your ceremony and reception site, worksheet of your floral needs.
You should also bring pictures and fabric swatches of yours and the attendants gowns.
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During your consultation, be sure to get your questions answered. You should be able to view pictures of the designers work. There should also be floral books with wedding arrangements available for you to look at. The florist will ask you questions to get an idea of what flowers might work for you. Be sure your personalities and styles match and that you trust this person. Has he or she made you feel comfortable? If at the end of your conversation you have a good feeling and that you'd like to work together with this individual ask them to put together a proposal. Most florists will not give you a detailed written proposal. They will however give you a verbal quote. Keep in mind, that some florists book quickly and especially during the busy wedding months. If you are sure this is the designer you want, it is not uncommon to put a deposit down to hold the date. The details of the flowers and contract can then be done at a later time.
Now that you're ready for the contract, read it through and make sure it
includes everything.
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The contract should include:
- Names, addresses, and phone numbers for you and the vendor
- Date, times and locations of your ceremony and reception
- Itemized list of all the flower arrangements you're buying ,
from bouquets to centerpieces with exact names of
varieties of flowers and colors
- Flower substitutions (in your price range) to be used if a specific flower is unavailable on your wedding day.
- List of items the florist will supply, vases, trellises, arches, or accessories.
- Florist arrival time for setup and or delivery
- Time and location time of delivery for bouquets and boutonnieres
- Cell phone number of the florist who will be on hand before or during the wedding
- Total cost and payment schedule
- Deposit amount and due date
- Balance amount and due date
- Cancellation/Refund policy
- Florist signature
- Your signature
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