How To Choose a Florist

Explaining to a florist what you want in a bouquet can be like explaining a hair cut you want to a hairdresser when you don’t really know what you’re talking about. You could walk out of there with the exact opposite of what you wanted if your ideas are not properly interpreted.

GET DOWN WITH THE LINGO

So first things first, get accustomed to the lingo. Do some research into floral arrangements and figure out what you like – is it a pendant, a tear drop or a cascade you picture walking down the aisle with? What about for your reception centrepieces? A great place to have a really good look and figure out what you like is our flowers gallery.

While you’re looking at the arrangements, you will of course form an opinion on the flowers themselves. It’s a good idea to pick a few different kinds you like the look of before contacting some florists, as you need to leave room for the idea your favourite may not be in bloom at the time of your wedding. Make sure you have the correct name and colour to describe your favourites. Also be aware that choosing seasonal flowers can sometimes save you money.

BRING IN THE BUDGET

The cost of your flowers can really rack up. Here are some you may consider ordering:

• Bridal bouquet
• Bridesmaids’ and flowergirl bouquets or corsages
• Hair flowers for bride, bridesmaids and flowergirls
• Groom and groomsmen’s buttonholes
• Father of the bride and groom buttonholes
• Ring bearer/page boy buttonholes
• Mother of the bride and groom corsages
• Corsage or buttonhole for your officiant (very optional!)
• Ceremony floral arrangements
• Reception table centrepiece arrangements
• Cake flowers
• Decoration for bonbonniere
• A less fancy bouquet for the bridal bouquet toss (so you get to keep yours)

Figure out which of these you will require, team it up with your budget and start contacting florists to find out if your requirements and budget will realistically do the job.

QUESTIONS TO ASK

When you have had a look through our Supplier Directory and found some florists you like the look of, get calling and ask the following questions:

Are you available for my wedding date?

How many weddings have you worked on before?

Can I see some examples of your work?

Can you give me an itemised costing?

Can you work within my budget?

Can you recommend seasonal flowers to save me money?

What is the average amount your wedding clients spend with you?

Are the flowers I have my heart set on available at the time of year I’m getting married?

Can you give me some inspiration and help me come up with an idea?

What kind of arrangements do you specialise in? Modern or traditional?

Do you have a signature style?

Will you make a sample bouquet/centrepiece for me to look at?

How far in advance will you assemble my flowers?

When will they be delivered?

Is there a delivery fee?

How much deposit is required?

Can I make partial payments?

When is the balance due?

When do you need the final count for table centrepieces?

Will you set up my ceremony and reception arrangements? Is this included in the fee?

Do you hire out other decorative pieces, such as vases, urns and aisle runners? What is the cost on this?

Will you be working on other weddings on the same day?

When will you return to collect any rental items?

These questions are conveniently laid out for you with space to record your answers and any additional comments in our Planning Tools section here.

THE PERFECT ARRANGEMENT

When you have all of your questions answered, you simply need to ask yourself, “Is this the florist for me?” If you believe your ideas and vision will be catered for and feel confident the florist will deliver the beautiful flowers you expect with efficiency, then lock it in!