Flowers - Vendor Question

christina1313

Has anyone used Soulard Florist?  I am going to talk to them tomorrow and see what they have.  Also, she wants a $50 deposit to even talk and hold the date... is that common?  Thanks ladies.Christina[url=http://www.theknot.com/?utm_source=ticker&utm_medium=UBB&utm_campaign=tickers][img]http://global.theknot.com/tools/tickers/tt3b6a6.aspx[/img][/url]

girliebride09

no, they should hold the consultations for free...IMO that is a bunch of BS...people should only require money to hold the date...not hold a conversation

christina1313

I thought maybe is was just me... here is the info on their deposit policy: Down Payment: A $50.00 NON REFUNDABLE deposit is required. This $50.00 will be deducted from your total. If you should later decide to cancel the $50.00 will not be refunded.Second Deposit: A second deposit of $50.00 is due at the time of the first consultation/meeting. This too will be deducted from your total balance. If you sould later decide to cancel the $50.00 will not be refunded.Payment: You will need to have your final payment sent to Jean Waters or delivered to Soulard 20 days before your wedding. Both addresses are at the top of the first sheet.  

mickylvr1

I absolutely would not pay just to talk to a vendor.  I wouldn't pay anything until you decide who you are going to use.

StLerin

I completly agree with all of the above. You should not have to PAY to speak with any vendor. There are plenty of other places to get flowers that will talk to you for free. Take advantage of them.

TaylorLee

Have you tried Petals Galore/ $100 Bouquet? We're on a really tight budget and used $100 bouquet and are really excited. I met with Sandra the owner the other day and she was extremely helpful! No deposit was required until I decided exactly what I wanted.  Once I signed the contract I put down a $100 deposit that went toward my final total. If you have more money you want to spend on flowers she also has Petals Galore which is a little more upscale. Petals Galore: www.petalsgalore.com$100 Bouquet: www.100bouquet.com

ivygrads

We used Tina Barerra from The Special Event Florist. I found her rec. on Project Wedding - and after meeting her, seeing her work, and talking to her very happy brides - I booked her! Glad we went with her - I have no idea how she gave us what she did considering we had a limited floral budget, but the flowers were gorgeous.

tinaandandy

While I don't think it is the ideal situation to have to pay for a consult, try to think about being on the other side of the table. I work with a ton of florists who have consistently been burned by brides who come in for hour long consults, then once the bride has estimates and flower ideas, she takes them to another florist. Their time is valuable and it takes a lot of time to put the estimates together. If you have questions regarding their policy, just be up front with them and try to do as much research as you can before you go so you know what to expect. Good luck! :-)