A Floral Obsessor's Tips For Booking Your Florist

Now that you are engaged, you start to check your list of vendors off until you move down the list to your florist.  But what do you look for or start with when it comes to you wedding flowers? Sure, Pinterest is fantastic and great for getting a visual sense of what you like but how do you know what it will cost you?  This article will help guide you through the steps of inquiring with your wedding florist and how to have a realistic approach to booking your florist.

As a seasoned wedding and event florist, I cannot tell you how often I have to simply educate my clients on what services I can provide for them and the value of what it is they are receiving. So, as couples start inquiring, they begin to learn what all that may include for their wedding day. Below is a list of six simple steps to help you inquire about and book your florist.
 

Step 1

Use a Pinterest board but narrow it down to 10-15 images, at most, for flowers so you don’t get overwhelmed by options and you stay right to the point of what it is you like.
 

STEP 2

Do a little bit of research. Google and search for reviews or examples of local florists' work to ensure that they have the design look that you like and appear to have positive responses and feedback as a business. Look at the florist's “About Me" or home page to see what their experience, story and qualifications are. Know that you are in good hands with a knowledgeable and experienced florist, not someone claiming to be a florist when they don’t have any experience. You are less likely to run into surprises or any bumps along the way.
 

STEP 3

Email two florists that you are most interested in, fill out their wedding inquiry forms and schedule a consultation or meeting. This should be a complimentary service provided by the florist, however exact policies or procedures are determined by each individual florist (Personally, I love to send out a full detailed inquiry because I want to know all about you and your wedding day. That’s truly what your wedding is about!).
 

STEP 4

Have an in-person consultation/meeting with both florists and make sure you have a list of questions planned and prepared for your meeting. That’s what the florist is there for–to help inform and answer any questions you may have about their services, products and their work. Now mind you…this isn’t a criminal investigation so don’t badger your florist. Simply have an honest meeting with them. One thing that brides do too often is ask for the count through of stems used. A baker doesn’t give his recipe away and neither should your florist. However, it is a good idea to ask for images in order to see examples of design style and aesthetics to know they are up for the task of being your florist. It’s okay if you don’t know very much about flowers. That’s why you are hiring a professional! So fire away at all the logistic, design or product questions you may have (Like, if you need to cut down on cost of flowers, ask "what can I substitute garden roses with to get a similar look and color that’s more economical?" That’s an alright question to ask! Anything from domestic roses to spray roses or even local flowers can cut down a little on your expenses. Remember, if you go for the flower market’s most expensive and in demand flowers, you are going to have to pay top dollar as a bride for those flowers. Also, ask yourself are colors or the flower product used most important to you?).

Step 5

Now that you’ve met with your top two florists, hopefully you have figured out which one is the perfect fit for you! Thank them both for their time and send the "let’s get booked" email to the florist that you decided to go with. They should respond, now, with you having to officially sign and pay a deposit (that should go towards your flower bill to book your wedding flowers). Make sure there is a client agreement that both you and your florist sign and be sure you read it fully so there’s nothing that will surprise you later (If a florist does not have a contract, I would not do business with them. It is important to have a written agreement so the florist is held to their word on what they will provide for you–from their contract–and you agree that listed in your contract is what you want and that you are committed to pay for it. I guarantee nothing good will come from not having a contract.).

Step 6

Everything looks good and you have officially signed your contract and paid your deposit!!! Yay! You are all set. Just plan to send a finalized email one month prior to your wedding, sending any delivery details or last minute information to your florist so flower plans are set and taken care of for your wedding day!
 

*****

​"Fleurology Designs was created from my love and passion for flowers and botanicals. My infatuation with flowers began as early as when I could walk. My family has always had a love for nature, gardening and agriculture so, naturally, I have had florals influencing my life. After 10 years of being in the floral and event industry and with support from my loved ones, Fleurology Designs was created in May of 2016. My goal is to push floral boundaries and create new and inspiring concepts. As a flower obsessor, I love to study, analyze and experiment with flowers, foliages and plants which, to me summarized, was Floral Biology. I wanted to create a word that meant Floral Biology and this is how the fruition of fleurology was created! My mission is to spread the love, joy and education of flowers and botanicals to every client or person I meet!" ~Alyssa Ferguson CF

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