What are some questions I should ask a florist?

I'm needing a florist for my wedding and I'm not sure what kind of things I should be looking for in a florist. Are there any traps I should be aware of? I want to sound like I know what I'm doing so that he doesn't walk all over me and try to tell me what I want for my wedding. Any advice at all would be very helpful.

What are some questions I should ask a florist?
You don't have to be a professional. That is their job. You should shop around though. Ask to see other weddings they have done. If they are good they will have tons of pics to show you and they will want to show you. Look at the bouquets they have already made in the shop that day. Ask them about how they price. Ask friends and family who they used and what they thought. Also just as importantly go to your local major chain grocery store's florist department. You will be suprised at how well they can put together beautiful bouquets. And cakes in the bakery for that matter. They tend to be cheaper (but still very nice) and you can use that to help you decide how much to pay. If they are good florists they will not want to make you something you don't want or walk all over you because they want you to rave to all your friends. Bad word of mouth doesn't help them. Mainly you should be comfortable with the person who you deal with and you should leave feeling like you will get what you want. Any doubts, don't go with them. Pick someone else. And don't pick up your flowers at the last minute. If changes need to be made you will have time. We picked ours up in the morning for an evening wedding and refrigerated them with absolutely no issues and the flowers were perfect.
Reply:make sure you ask what flowers are going to be in season when your wedding is. there are certain flowers that are REALLY hard to get in the states certain times of the year....





ask to see examples, from several differant years, right up till the weddings they did most recently. look at how many varieties there are to offer.





find out what he WONT or CANT do. like, can he put flowers that close to a candle? can flowers actulally be put up as high as you want them? stuff like that.
Reply:first, know the date and colors of your wedding. ask what flowers will be in season in yor color range. tell her how may bridesmaid bouquets and groomsmen boutineer's you want,. and consider corsages for mothers and grandmothers. if you have your heart set on something in particular and she says it won't be available at that time of year, consider silk flowers as an option for all or some of the flowers. get a price quote and do the same thing at another florist.
Reply:I would go down to the nearest flower market/auction, so you have an idea of what is in season, what is popular and how much of a mark up he is going to be putting on.


Know exactly what flowers you want and if they are in season. If they are not in season, you will pay more as they will have to import the flowers.


Tell him your budget and stick to it, dont be talked into more expense. At the end of the day the flowers will be dead, so dont waste too much on them.


Tell him exactly what you want....make sure they are in season. Maybe make a sketch or take a photo of something similar
Reply:Ask them to show you examples that are along your budget. Ask them to use flowers that are in season. Tell them flowers that you love and flowers that you hate and don't want to be used at all. Make sure the set up and break down price is included in your quote. If you do sign with them, ask them to make you a sample bridal bouquet and sample centerpiece a couple of weeks before your wedding. If you don't like something then you can change it. But if you don't see a sample you might be surprised with the results on your day. Good Luck!
Reply:Wedding Party


Bridal Bouquet


Flowers for bride's hair


Bridesmaid's bouquets ___number of bridesmaids


Different bouquet for maid of honor?


Flower girl headpiece


Flower girl basket decorations


Flower girl petals to toss


Groom's boutonniere


Groomsmen's boutonnieres ___number of groomsmen


Different boutonniere for best man?


Mother of the bride corsage


Mother of the groom corsage


Stepmother corsage


Father of the groom boutonniere


Father of the bride boutonniere


Stepfather boutonniere


Grandmothers corsages


Grandfathers boutonnieres





Ceremony


Altar, huppah, or other central arrangements


Pew or chair decorations


Candles





Reception


Entryway arrangements


Centerpieces for each table


Buffet table decorations


Bar decorations


Flowers to decorate passed trays (talk to your caterer about what they'll need)


Cake decorations