![\"florist\"](\"http:\/\/static.bridalpartytees.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2007\/12\/wedding-flowers.jpg\" "\\"florist\\"")
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Word of mouth is always your safest bet. If the florist’s service and work comes highly recommended, chances are they will do a good job for you. Do your research by going to bridal shows and looking at online pictures from your store’s website. Make appointments to visit at least 3 different florists. When To Book Your Florist What To Bring To An Appointment<\/strong> Questions To Ask The Florist<\/strong> Things To Keep In Mind
\nWhen you visit each florist, look at pictures of their previous work and look around their shop.
\n\u2022 Do you like the arrangements that you see in the shop’s displays?
\n\u2022 Do the flowers in the pictures look fresh or are the petal edges brown?
\n\u2022 Are the pictures dated or are they following the current trends?
\n\u2022 Is the designer willing to work with you or are they telling you that your idea won’t work?
\n\u2022 Make sure you speak to the florist that will do your arrangements.
\n\u2022 Do you feel comfortable with your florist?
\n\u2022 Is your florist paying attention to you while you’re talking and does he\/she seem interested?
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\n<\/strong>6 months before your wedding is a good time to start your search. Book your florist approximately 4 months before your wedding date. You need to have your reception and ceremony sites picked out before you can hire a florist because you’ll need to know how many arrangements you’ll need and that the colors you pick don’t clash with the colors of your venue. You’ll also need to know what color your bridesmaids’ dresses are.
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\n\u2022 Pictures of flowers and arrangements that you like (magazine clippings or websites)
\n\u2022 Picture of your wedding gown – swatches of material from your bridesmaids gowns – if available, a picture of your reception room
\n\u2022 If you are supplying the containers for arrangements, bring those too.
\n\u2022 Bring quotes you’ve gotten from other florists.
\n\u2022 Bring a list of all the flowers and arrangements you need and who they are for, so that the florist can label corsages, boutonnieres and bouquets, with names or titles. Example: on a bouquet a stapled piece of paper reads “maid of honour”. This way everyone gets the right flowers.
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\n\u2022 When viewing photos of past work, ask if the flowers where arranged by the same person that is doing your arrangements.
\n\u2022 After giving your florist your ideas, ask for their opinion or ideas. You don’t have to take their advice but at least take the time to listen. You never know, you might like their ideas better then your own.
\n\u2022 Is there a delivery charge?
\n\u2022 Is there a setup fee?
\n\u2022 Do they have rental supplies?
\n\u2022 Do they need a map for the different delivery locations?
\n\u2022 Can you change your order if you have another idea? What’s the cut off date for new ideas?
\n\u2022 What times will the flowers be delivered to each location? This question can be asked 1 month before your wedding.
\n\u2022 Will the florist transport ceremony decorations to the reception location? Is there a fee?
\n\u2022 Can they make a sample of your bouquet and centrepiece? Some florists will, some won’t.
\n\u2022 Will they write you up an itemized quote? Some won’t in fear that you will bring it to other florists for a better deal.
\n\u2022 Are the flowers you’ve chosen in season? What flowers are in season for your date?
\n\u2022 You’re on a tight budget, can the florist work with a mixture of silk and fresh flowers?
\n\u2022 Are there any additional or hidden costs?
\n\u2022 Is the florist familiar with your reception and ceremony locations?
\n\u2022 1 month before your wedding date, call the florist and ask them if they can get the type and color of flower you wanted?
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\n<\/strong>If your wedding date is around the time of a flower giving holiday (mother’s day, valentine’s,etc) you’re going to pay more for your flowers. The florist will also be very busy during this time and you can’t expect to be the centre of attention. Meet and speak to the person that will be making your flower arrangements.
\nA good place to start is with the bride’s and bridesmaid’s bouquet, work with those colours and flower types to create your centrepieces, alter arrangements and other floral decor.
\nYou don’t have to book on the spot. Take your quote home and think it over.
\nThe more information you give your florist the better they will understand what you want.
\nIf you choose flowers that are not in season and have to be shipped, you’re looking at a bigger expense and you don’t know what effect the shipping will cause on your flowers.
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