Difference in Flower Proposals

kmorgan28

So I've shopped around for a florist, and with the exception of a few changes, I'm using the same "look/flowers"... why do some come in more expensive than others?  What makes their quote more expensive, where's the money going?  Just wondering if paying more means better flowers or what? 

Thanks!!

53hellmaae

I went to two different florists. The main difference in the two prices for me was the glassware. One place was going to charge me to rent glassware, which made it more expensive. It also made it so people could not take home centerpieces. The other place isn't going to charge me extra AND I get to keep everything. 

lindsaynewbride10

Your guess is as good as mine. I looked and met with several florists- but two of them I met with had about a $1500 difference between their quotes and they quoted me for the exact SAME thing. Beyond me. Needless to say I book with Two Little Buds out of Fairfiled Township. Very reasonable and very creative. I'd highly recommend them.

(The other florist was Jones the Florist- although their arrangements are absolutely stunning, I was NOT willing to spend over 3k for something that would be dead in a week- seriously.)

jennadietz

We went to three florists and the difference was STAGGERIING!!!!  We were upfront saying our budget was $5000 - which I think is pretty healthy. 
Ford Ellington - $15,000!!!!!   Get the heck outta town!!!!!
Courtenay Lambert - $6000 who I dearly loved and know she would've done an EXCELLENT job and would've gone with her (after the first shocker!).
But then we went to A Secret Garden in Florence.  Getting the same look with a ton of beautiful flowers and I'm pretty confident it'll be great - but came n at $3800 so we had to say yes.  Plus, got some great personal recommendations from co-workers about Secret Garden, so we went with it.  We'll let you know how it goes!  But you're right - HUGE difference.  In our case I'm pretty certain it's overhead.  Nice shop v hole in the wall.  But beautiful flowers can be mixed with  artistry in either place. 

clearheavens

I also had a similar experience.  I found my quotes varied by about $1k.

For florists, you're paying not just for flowers but for overhead and service.  If they wanted to charge hundreds to move altar arrangements from the church to the reception hall 100 feet away, they can.  You're pretty much at their mercy.  On the flip side, you're allowed to give them your business or not.

As for whether more expensive flowers mean better flowers, the majority of the ladies on the Flower Board don't seem to think so.  But I don't know for a fact.  The way I see it is if previous reviews from brides say the flowers were bruised or wilted, then that's a warning.

It helps to shop around and get an itemized quote so you can compare.  I think all brides should get at least 3 quotes in different ranges, from those who are higher end (judging from their previous clients, blog, pics, recs, etc.) to those who may be starting out or just work out of their homes.

sloanaw

I ended up going with Susan Foy, and she works from a private studio, which I think helps as well, because she was willing to help us with any budget we may have, and added and deleted items when needed. I talked to a couple others too, and the bigger named places were way higher!