Florists!

soxgal12

How did you gals choose your florist?  It is so hard to tell who is good and who isn't just by looking at websites!  Did you set up appointments and meet several before chosing (similar to photographers?).  Any help would be greatly appreciated because I have NO idea where to even begin :-)  Thanks much!!!

kmt_cas

Definitely meet with them in person.  I was sure I was going to pick florist X, found out we did not click AT ALL.  It would have been a big mistake.  Then I called another florist, met with her and booked her.  Although you won't be working with them all day on your wedding, like you will be with your photographer, it's still important to know that you and the florist are on the same page.

jwatts23

I would also say meeting with the florist is important.  You want to make sure you click and have the same vision/ideas.  It's nice to see pictures from their past events and even check out their space (because sometimes they have samples/mockups there that you can look at- or see different types of flowers for inspiration). 

I found it helpful to ask my venue and coordinator for recs because I think it makes coordination/logistics and day of run a little smoother (although there are always mishaps it seems)-- but I don't think its a total deal breaker if they aren't familiar with the venue. 

HTH!

LexiMS

I looked at websites and then got quotes, b/c our budget was fairly small.  I found the quotes to be good because the good florists will put a pretty good description of the arrangements out there and you get a good idea of their asethetic.  Then I met the one I liked in person and we clicked so I booked her!  I am using Susan Bellanger from Bella Floral.

Galaxy8227

I met with my florist in person and I'm glad that I did cause I got a sense of who she was, if our personalities clicked, and if she was on the ball with what I wanted.  I checked out some people's websites before calling but always met them in person.  I'm using Charlotte's Designs out of Walpole, and I've heard lots of good things about Jen from the Tangled Web as well. 

abilifyme

We went primarily by word of mouth (especially after seeing my friends' and mys sister's weddings)  and of course by price, because I cannot fathom spending big bucks on something that will do soon after the wedding.  We did collect a few quotes, but this was distressing because the quotes were vastly different (even though all the flowers were the same).  In the end, we went with what was reasonable and with the company we knew would do good work (i.e. deliver on time, etc).

eeyore4771

I got recommendations from the board and then met with a few based on their websites and availability.  We used Suzanne Bellanger at Bella Floral Design and I was very happy with her and her work.  You can see my actual flowers in my bio, and my review is also in there.  I highly recommend her.  Here's her website

http://www.bellafloraldesign.com

foolforfood

I came here to get recs, and then I scoured the florists' websites.  At this point, you should already know if you're a traditional girl or a modern girl when it comes to your wedding decor and flowers.  If you see something that you like on the website, contact the florist for a consult.  At the meeting, you can ask to see their full portfolio.  If you like their work, ask them to draft a proposal. 

You should also be able to click very well w/your florist.  You'll probably be making changes up through the 2 week mark.  At that point, you'll feel the weight of the world on your shoulders and you'll want an accomodating and friendly vendor to work w/.

BTW, I ended up using Mimosa Fresh b/c they have an awesome, modern style.  The owner is very chill and professional at the same time.

GL!!  I loved this aspect of the planning process.

soxgal12

Thanks girls... all very helpful!  I for one know nothing about flowers, so this is the one vendor that kind of scares me!