Start Me Up! - Part 13
Wedding Belle Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at 4:01AM 
I ADORE flowers!! While there are many brides and grooms who choose not to make flowers a part of their big day, you will likely find that most do – and in a very big way. The right flowers have a wonderful way of evoking the theme your clients are channeling for their event. Whether crisp, minimal & modern, or vintage & shabby chic, a beautifully designed floral arrangement can make all the difference in the world and truly transform a space. In your research you will most likely find that there are tons of florists out there, and to the untrained eye it can be quite difficult to distinguish amongst them. Below is the list of questions that I use to interview potential florists I would like to add to my trusted vendor network…
**Please note that there have been a few comments to my posts since we have begun and also a few questions. We will be wrapping this vendor interview series in another 2-3 weeks, at which point I plan to do a post answering all of your questions. If by chance I cannot provide an answer, I will point you in the direction of a source that can. Please take a moment in the next few weeks to propose any questions or comments on topics we have covered thus far, and also please feel free to let me know any specific topics you would like to know more about in the future. I will do my best to address the information you seek and share the knowledge I have utilized and continue to utilize as I build my wedding & event planning business.
QUESTIONS TO ASK A WEDDING FLORIST:
1. How long have you been making wedding arrangements?
2. What style do you specialize in -- modern, traditional, romantic, vintage, etc.?
3. Can we see a portfolio of your work?
4. Are you familiar with various ceremony and reception locations in the area? Would you be willing to do a site visit before the event?
5. How do you charge for their services -- a flat fee or per-item fee? (most charge per-item)
6. What is the cost of each item: bridal bouquet, bridesmaid bouquets, boutonnieres, centerpieces, etc.?
7. Can the florist also provide an aisle runner, candles, candlesticks/holders, trellises, potted plants, etc.?
8. Can you work within various budgets?
9. How far in advance will you create the bouquet and centerpieces?
10. Will you make a sample bouquet and centerpiece for me to see?
11. When will the flowers be delivered? Is there a delivery fee if we have some items go to the hotel, some to the church and some to the reception site?
12. What time will your staff return to pick up any rentals?
13. Will you make a tossing bouquet for the bride if she chooses to throw the bouquet during her reception? Is there a fee for it?
14. Do you provide bouquet preservation services? If not, can explain how to preserve my bouquet?
15. How many weddings do you typically accept a weekend?
16. Will you be able to recommend seasonal flowers to assist brides that want a certain look but have a limited budget?
17. Do you have creative and original ideas? If a bride sees an arrangement she absolutely loves in a magazine, will you be open to and able to recreate an arrangement?
18. How much is the required deposit?
19. When is the balance due?
20. How far in advance of the wedding would my client need to give you the final table count for centerpieces?
xx,
Belle
Reader Comments (4)
These are great questions to ask of a wedding florist. In my experience, most florists do not also specialize in the preservation of flowers. As the owner of All Seasons Floral Preservation, I have found that when I introduce myself (and our business) to florists and planners they are thrilled to find a company that can satisfy their bride's requests for bouquet preservation. With all of the planning that goes into a wedding, brides don't often think about preserving their flowers until they are holding their beautiful bouquet! It is ideal for planners & florists to educate them about the process prior to the wedding so that the flowers can be properly cared for until they are given to the preservationist. We press, preserve, and create framed floral art with the flowers. Our website has a lot of information about our method of preservation. Feel free to contact me (through the website) if you would like more information.
Can anyone suggest a very good Florist near Greenwell Springs Louisianna ? i prefer one who specializes in Tulips.-;:
our local florist can provide superb service when it comes to rare flowers'-;