Wedding Tips: Flowers for your Wedding

This really happened to one of my good friends - the wedding couple was already at the altar when the flowers came. While the ceremony was going on, the florist’s assistant was frantically arranging the flowers. What a wreck! The saving grace was, the couple had a tenor who sounded like Luciano Pavarotti (without the Italian accent that was why we knew he wasn’t lip singing) at the wedding ceremony. His voice was so heavenly and the guests probably would have applauded if they weren’t choked up with tears and/or overcomed by the solemnity of the wedding ceremony.  I’d say the wedding would have been “story book” perfect had the florist did her job well.  Here are three tips on how to prevent this mishap or other similar calamities from happening in your wedding.

Tip Number 1 - Do your research

Do not hire a florist who is inexperienced in wedding flower arrangements and, preferably, hire one who knows the venue.  Not only so the driver won’t get lost and be late for the ceremony and/or reception, but also a florist who knows the venue will know how big the place is and what type of floral arrangements fit the place and, of course, your wedding theme.

Choose at least three florists at the beginning of your research.  Ask for referrals from your friends, relatives and the florist’s former clients.  Don’t forget to call them and have them rate the florists between 1 - 10 on their service, the final flower arrangements, and the prize; where 1 is poor and 10 is excellent.  This will make the referrals measurable and it would be easier for your to determine which florist you would go with.

Also ask who will be delivering and setting up your event. This is important, remember my friend’s almost “story book” perfect wedding ceremony. Need I say more?. 

Tip Number 2 - Ask for Samples

Once you have selected your florist, ask him or her for a sample of a centerpiece.  If you are ordering 10 or more center pieces for your reception, the samples should be free. If you did not like the sample, ask for another one and it should still be free.  However, be prepared to pay for the third sample and beyond.

Take a picture of the sample that you like. Some florists will not allow you to take the pictures, especially if flower arrangement is unique.  Mostly for fear that you might take it to another cheaper florist or to one of your friends to copy.  This is understandable, so do not push for the pictures.  You can, however, ask for a written description of what is in the center piece or any other wedding flower arrangements that you ordered.  Finally, ask the florists if they cannot get the flowers and other materials for the agreed upon flower arrangements, what will they substitute.  Insist that you get 2 to 3 days notice in advance for your approval.

Tip Number 3 - Bring your samples

In your wedding gown fitting session, ask a friend to take your picture and bring the picture to your florist. This way your florist can create a bridal bouquet that will be proportional to your height and gown. While in the subject of bringing samples, supply your florist with fabric sample of your bridesmaids’ dresses so their bouquet will match their dresses, too.

If you have pictures of bouquet or flower arrangements that you like, bring them to your florist and ask how much it will cost to make the flower arrangements exactly like the picture. If the florist hesitates to make the same arrangement, be weary, It might be beyond his or her level.

Price should not be the only factor that will lead you to decide which florist to choose. Remember that the highest priced florist is not necessarily the best. Choose one that you will be comfortable working with and read those small prints in your flower contract before signing on the dotted line.

Here’s wishing you for a fun and memorable ”storybook” perfect wedding…

Flower arrangements courtesy of: My Wedding Flower Ideas and Flowers Only