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 Most
of the work with the flowers is done the day before
and the morning of the wedding when the couple and their
families are at their busiest. Therefore unless the
floral displays are very simple it is wise to have them
professionally prepared.
When
deciding on a florist seek personal recommendations
from friends and recently married acquaintances. If
you are unable to decide, it is best to visit several
and look at their displays. Most florists will allow
you visit them at a time when they have prepared flowers
for other weddings so that you can see the quality of
their work.
Decisions
regarding the flowers should only be made once the wedding
outfits have been chosen. The style and colour scheme
of flowers should be in keeping with the wedding and in
particular reflect the personality of the bride.
The
florist should be given notice of the wedding approximately
four months in advance so that he is free on the day.
The florist will want to discuss precise details around
six weeks before the wedding.
A
good florist will advise, inspire and help create the
wedding of your dreams! Here are a few tips to help you
find the one right for you.
Word
of Mouth
Ask
your friends and family for their recommendations and
if you see a wedding you like, why not ask who provided
the flowers. Ask at the reception venues which florists
are used regularly and which florists they prefer.
Visit
the Florist
Always
visit a few florists before you decide - it's a great
way to get ideas and will help you compare various different
styles and prices.
Knowledge
A
florist's shop will always tell you about their dedication
and creativity. Good signs to look out for are examples
of arrangements in the shop and just how enthusiastic
they are about your needs.
Talk
to Them
It
is always useful to see how well you get on and whether
you share similar ideas. Ask them how many weddings they
do, if they know the venues you've chosen and how they
would describe your style (e.g. classic or modern and
fashionable)
A
Thousand Words
Most
florists keep photograph albums with example of their
work, so ask to see it while you're chatting. The best
florists will always be keen to show you examples of their
wedding work.
Make
a Date
Don't
leave it late to book a florist and three to four months
in advance is normal especially for the most popular months.
Always confirm in writing and expect to pay a small deposit
at this stage.
Relationship
The
run-up to your wedding can be a stressful time, so the
last thing you want is a florist who gets grumpy every
time you phone up. A real professional will understand
how important every detail of your wedding is to you,
and will share your excitement.
Help
the Florist
The
more you tell your florist about your wedding, the better.
Take along sketches of your dress and those of your bridesmaids,
as well as your veil, and a snapshot of your hairstyle
if you're having a floral headdress. It's a good idea
to take fabric swatches to avoid mistakes on the day.
Your florist should discuss a contingency plan with you,
in case the flowers you've chosen aren't available on
the day.
Budget
Make
sure your florist can work within your budget. Decide
how much you can afford, then ask your florist for suggestions
within this amount. The price of wedding flowers depends
on type and availability and the size of the bouquets
and decorations. If you are on a tight budget, use flowers
that will be in season at the time of your wedding. Or
keep things simple: a hand -tied posy of roses looks stunning
and is less expensive than an elaborate bouquet.
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