How to Hire a Florist for Your Wedding

By eHow Weddings Editor

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Floral decorations help lend an aura of elegance and beauty to your wedding. Here's how to choose a florist who can produce your vision for your special day.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

  • Floral Preservatives
  • Oasis Floral Foam
  • Floral Arrangements
  • Floral Tape
  • Floral Wires

Step1
Decide whether you need a florist or a floral designer. Floral designers will transform your entire venue. A florist will provide you with arrangements and advice on how to use them.
Step2
Ask friends, family, recent brides and coworkers to recommend florists.
Step3
Call at least five florists and ask about their availability.
Step4
Visit at least three florists with your partner.
Step5
Bring along pictures of your gown and the bridesmaid's gown, a swatch of fabric from the bridesmaid's gown and snapshots of the ceremony and reception sites.
Step6
Bring a list of your favorite flowers and any flowers you don't want.
Step7
Be prepared to frankly discuss your budget.
Step8
Describe your wedding in detail: colors, degree of formality, numbers of attendants and family members, etc.
Step9
Ask to see the florist's portfolio of weddings she has decorated.
Step10
Ask if she is familiar with your venues and whether she is willing to visit the sites with you. Ask if there is a fee for this service.
Step11
Ask if the florist rents accessories such as aisle runners and candelabra.
Step12
Get a cost estimate and ask about delivery times, payment and cancellation policies.
Step13
Compare the information and discuss the pros and cons of each florist with your partner.
Step14
Expect to pay a 50 percent deposit up front. You'll pay the balance two weeks before the wedding.
Step15
Reconfirm the details of the contract when you pay the balance.
Step16
Make sure you have a contact number in case of a wedding day emergency.
Step17
Have the flowers delivered to a specific person or an exact location.

Tips & Warnings

  • Though the groom's family traditionally pays for the bride's bouquet, mothers' corsages, men's boutonnieres and rehearsal dinner flowers, it's wise to order all flowers at the same time. In this way, you can take advantage of package or volume discounts.
  • Try making boutonnieres and corsages yourself to save money.
  • Listen to your florist's suggestions; remember that she's an expert in her field.
  • If the weather might be hot, get flowers that can hold up to heat and humidity.
  • Avoid highly fragrant flowers around food.

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eHow Article:  How to Hire a Florist for Your Wedding

eHow Weddings Editor

eHow Weddings Editor

Category: Weddings

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