Picking a florist- need advice

roffewoods

I am trying to pick out a florist. I have it down to two men: Bill Hamilton Designs or Dale from Blossoms. Dale has given me a tentative quote with a basic idea of colors, flowers, and shapes. The discussion was mainly focused on flowers. During my meeting with Bill, he got quite personal asking about my relationship withi my fiancé, how we met, what we do for pleasure, dream wedding, favorite store, hobbies, etc. He then takes those notes and draws up a plan, but I cannot see said plan until I pay a deposit. He will work with your budget. Both come highly recommended and both have worked at my reception venue. Anyone have advice or have worked with either to help with the decision? I'm having a hard time deciding, mainly the unknown of the second florist.

rebeccamuba

We are almost in the same boat! I still havent decided on my florist either and I'm very hestitant with Bill because he won't give any indication of what the cost etc. will be.

I'm meeting with a gazillion florists this month and it should be intersting to see what happens.

Best of luck with what you decide to do, and I'd love to hear who you decide on.

roffewoods

We are!  My frustration is that I live out of town too!!  Who else are you contacting? 

rebeccamuba

Petit Fleur, PassionFlower, Bellisario, Uniquely Yours. I heard the Parsonage is great too but it's over an hour away from me, in Clarkston. If you are out of town though, it can't hurt to check into them.

zantster

I'm using Petit Fleur and so far have only good things to say about our interactions with them and their work that I've seen both in person and online.  The florist was a HUGE deal to me so I checked into Bellisario, Christoper and Company, Vivianos, Blossoms and a couple others.  Petit Fleur just gave me that gut feeling that they were the right fit.  Always go with your gut.

rebeccamuba

yes, i checked out christopher and company and wasn't as impressed as i was told to be. i've definitely enjoyed my interaction with bill hamilton but i wanted impressive centerpieces for my budget and i wish i knew what i was getting with bill.

can't wait to meet corrina though.

zantster

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_michigan-detroit_picking-a-florist-need-advice?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:88Discussion:08ff0079-263e-4072-8666-c57073c0efccPost:ac4581bd-586d-4b64-9e15-2d0a41a8c496">Re: Picking a florist- need advice</a>:
[QUOTE]yes, i checked out christopher and company and wasn't as impressed as i was told to be. i've definitely enjoyed my interaction with bill hamilton but i wanted impressive centerpieces for my budget and i wish i knew what i was getting with bill. can't wait to meet corrina though.
Posted by rebeccamuba[/QUOTE]

Right!  Exactly!  You phrased my thoughts about christopher and company exactly the way I was thinking and feeling after I checked into them.  There was nothing I could put my finger on without seeming petty but I simply wasn't impressed based on the vision I have in my head.  Corrina is a riot!  She is vivacious and forthright, which I appreciate more than some who beat around the bush.  And most importantly she's good and knows what she's doing.  She's not cheap but she's not the most expensive either and will work with you to find a reasonable price point.  I hope it works out.  But of course I'm biased since we chose her. FI likes her a lot too.  I'm sure you'll know right away if it's a good fit or not and that's all that matters.

empowder

Liz at the Parsonage is amazing.  I love her.  She's worth the effort!

KBLDC2012

I used Corinna/Petit Fleur for my wedding last February. I would definitely recommend their service. However, I would caution you that if you have specific wants/don't wants make sure it is stated in the contract. I specifically said I did not want to use hydrangeas in the bouquets. because they look summery and i wanted dramatic winter like flowers. We also had specific flowers to use written in the contract. My BM bouquets were like 40% hydrangeas (they were also used for some of the table centerpieces). Some of the flowers I was expecting were not used. However, my flowers were still very pretty and I am the only one that knows the difference but I was a little disappointed bc it's not what I expected. Her crew was great, they do the set up and take down which is so convinient! Great at communicating, answering emails, setting appointments. Price was great for what they offer.

misscapriotti

please update me with what you find! Im on the hunt as well in the same areas

crhein26

I used Michelle Nonis who is AMAZING!  She does flowers out of her house and from what I hear only does weddings if you are getting bouquets and centerpieces.  I had gone to the Parsonage and was quoted almost $9000 for flowers.  9 bouquets and close to 30 centerpieces with all roses and hydrangeas in November.  I paid $2800 for exactly the same thing with Michele.  Her number is 586-776-1201.  I talked to her about everything that I wanted and she gave me almost the exact cost of what the flowers were when I paid for them 3 or 4 months later.  I would highly recommend her.  I got tons of compliments on my flowers the day of and weeks later!  If you want pictures, email me at crhein25 at yahoo dot com and I will send you some pictures.  Good luck to you ladies either way!

SDW2013

We are using the Silk Thumb Florist for our upcoming wedding.  I met with the owner, Debby, and she was amazing!  I love that they are upfront with everything and affordable too.  Not to mention their entire staff makes me feel like I am their only bride.  We didn't want any hidden costs or surprises and didn't care for the florists that did that.  Plus we wanted a florist who had an actual store front and one who has been in business for a while.  Good luck!

roffewoods

Okay rebeccamuba,
Have you decided?  I'm between Blossoms and Parsonage now.  So glad you suggested them.