Flowers are such an important part of a wedding. They add beauty, romance, and can create mood. Tropical flowers for a modern wedding, all white flowers for an elegant wedding, mismatched vases full of favorites for an informal event. That's why it is so important to choose the right florist. Having the flowers arrive on the big day and be damaged, droopy, or even in the wrong color, can ruin everything. Below are some tips on how to shop for one.
Ask your friends and family. A referral is the best way to go. Be sure to ask someone you know personally so you get an honest referral, not one that comes from a business relationship. If you've gone to a wedding where the flowers were incredible, contact the bride and ask who she hired. She might even be able to advise you on which businesses did not make her list, and why. If nothing else, that will save you some time comparison shopping!
Look at a portfolio. If you cannot get a good referral, your next best bet is to carefully examine their portfolio. Have they done a lot of weddings? Do you like their style? Pay attention to how many you like versus how many are unattractive or okay to you. If something went wrong at the last minute and they had to throw together your wedding flowers with what they had left in the shop, could they make something amazing? If you're not sure, do not hire them.
Consider how far away they are from your venue. Flowers do not respond well to heat, and they are easily damaged if not transported correctly. All flowers do best when kept cool and delivered as soon as possible after the arrangements are made. If your florist is far away from where you plan to have your event, it increases the chances that the flowers will not be at their best when delivered.
Prepare for disaster. What is something terrible happened the day of your wedding, such as the delivery truck breaking down or vases breaking during set-up? How would they handle it? These are important questions, and you should make sure any prospective florist has answers. Make a list of all the possible things that could go wrong and then ask what kind of back-up plan they have in place for such eventualities.
Consider a wedding specialist. Some floral designers do weddings exclusively. If you have any complicated logistics, like taking the flowers from the ceremony to the reception hall, look for someone who is accustomed to organizing those situations. A specialized wedding expert will have the knowledge and likely the right number of staff members to make everything go smoothly.
Get price quotes in writing. This little step can save you a lot of time and hassle. Not only will you be able to compare prices side-by-side later on, but you can make sure they stick close to what they quoted.
Looking for the right florist can take bit of extra effort, but it is well worth it. Do not rush through it and hire one of the first ones you meet with. With just a little extra preparation, you can make certain you get the wedding flowers you always wanted.
Your favorite florist can be on the corner or on a web page. A flower shop filled with the widest possible range of blossoms always provides you with a beautiful and fresh floral arrangement.