Request for florist reviews

LaceyS25

Have any of you past brides used Christina O'Malley as yor florist? What about Beth's Florist in Metarie?  If so, can you provide me with some reviews. Also, is it typical for florists (and other vendors)  to request the balance be paid in full prior to the wedding date? I personally don't feel comfortable doing so. We are planning from afar and doing so basically put my full trust in people I have never even met. Just not sure if this is the norm or if it is a sign of caution.

louisianablue

Many of my vendors have requested for the balance to paid in full the week before the wedding or up to a month before.  I assume that they do it so that the exchange of money doesn't get lost in the hectic timing of weddings.

I haven't used either of those florists, so I can't comment.   I got quotes from Fat Cat, Crystal Vase and Meade Wenzel.  I decided to go with Meade Wenzel based on her fantastic reputation with brides in New Orleans.  She isn't really for everybody though.  She doesn't email and is hard to get a hold of, but her work is incomparable.  I've just decided to trust her and see what happens.

NO2012

I am using Christina O'Malley, but I can't give you personal reviews other to pass on the good reviews my wedding planner and venue coordinator have both given me (separately).  Christina, like nearly every other vendor I have, does require payment in full before the wedding (anywhere from 2-4 weeks before).  Some of them I wonder why they require it (like ceremony musicians, etc.), but with the florist I understand because she needs the money to actually purchase the flowers, etc.  I am comfortable that she will come through. 

MarcusandMelissa

We are using Christina O'Malley as well.  I've been more than happy with her flexibility and response time.  I've never met her but, because of her great reviews and my experience so far with her, I'm comfortable sending her the money beforehand.  In fact, we are paying of ALL of our vendors by about the month before.  I think that's pretty typical nowadays.

mswabacker

I am using Christina based on the reccomendation of my planner, a lot of brides on this website and a friend. I've met her and really liked her.  She has been great to work with and is a really prompt responder. I haven't actually seen the final product yet, but based on what I've expierenced so far, I'd happily recommend her.

riceowls13

Another Christina bride here! She answers emails within the week and has been really easy to work with. booked her based on others reviews here on the boards, as well as from my venue. i would absolutely recommend her! Balance is due about 3 weeks before the wedding, like the other posters have said

silverspark7

Ive decided to go with Meade Wenzel also, so I cant really tell you about any of these other florists.

However, advice was given to me that I would recommend if you are uncomfortable with paying in full before the wedding.  My cousin's florist (Kenner Florists) did a complete lackluster job based on what she told them and thought she was getting. B ased on this, she recommended to me to pay for my flowers on my credit card, that way if I am unhappy, I can contest the charge.  If you pay with a check or cash, once it is in their hands, you can't do anything about it.  So, if you're worried, just charge the flowers.  Though I think you'll do great with any of those florists, based on the reviews I've seen around here.

Good luck!

plrscott

We used Bees.  They were on  time and the flowers were beautiful..exactly what my daugther wanted.