Ok ladies, I know that normal people would go to their local board for this type of thing but mine is a little non-active at the moment and I know that you will be super helpful, so I figured I'd come to you. :-)
I've narrowed my search down to two shops. They are both central to my reception and ceremony location. One came in right at budget (before taxes), $1500. The other is slightly over budget at $1755. I had a really good time chatting with the second florist and he also offers up-lighting in the colors that would go with our Fall Theme. (The DJ does too but he's over $1000 for the up-lighting) The second shop also has an amazing reputation with my venue and my coordinator (provided by venue) gave him a glowing recommendation.
The first shop, the one on budget, was nice. She wasn't overly friendly, very business as usual. She was the first (and only) shop to actually ask me what my budget was and do her best to stick with it. I loved that about here, however, I have a feeling that she chopped some of the ideas I had because she wanted to stay with my budget. Whereas the 2nd shop never asked, took all of my ideas and ran with them, and came out just $255 over budget.
Given all this information which one would you choose? Is the good rapport worth $255 more or should I stick to the tight budget rule and go with the one who will stay within it? I'm so confused and my FI will be absolutely NO help on this since he never met with either of them lol.
TIA!