How to Find a Florist for a Destination Wedding

So you've got Cinderella dreams and big plans to wed in a kingdom far, far away. Whether you're getting married at an exotic beach resort, European castle or even a chapel in Las Vegas, you can take the following steps to find the perfect florist for your fairy tale destination wedding.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Shop around. Start by asking the venue's wedding coordinator for a list of preferred florists, but also search Chamber of Commerce or visitors' bureau websites. Study the online portfolios and make sure these are recent photos of actual clients rather than generic stock photos. Look for lots of testimonials.
2. Check the florists out with the Better Business Bureau and read Internet forums to see if past brides were satisfied with their service. Find out how long the florist has been in business and if it belongs to any professional associations.
3. Narrow your list to the final few possibilities and start interviewing. Familiarize yourself with florist terminology and be prepared to ask questions. Ask the florist if it charges an hourly rate or by the project and find out what's included in the price. Also, ask about deposits, payment schedules and cancellation policies.
4. Look for signs of professionalism. If possible, visit the florist in person and see if the shop is clean, well organized and if the overall atmosphere is friendly. Also, notice how well the florist interacts with employees and customers. If you can't make an on site visit, try to get a feel for their overall attitude by the way they respond to your questions.
5. Go with your gut instinct. If you feel uncomfortable, but you're not sure why, it may be an indication that you should shop around a little more. If you're satisfied with your choice, get the florist to agree to everything in writing.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to book your florist as early as possible, especially if you're getting married at a popular location or during a busy time of year.