Florist issues

babyblues21

So I'm wondering what kind of experiences you all have had meeting with florists? My FMIL went with me last week to meet with one. We walked into this hole in the wall shop and was reluctantly greeted by a woman who proceeded to plop a book of generic wedding flower pictures down in front of us. She offered NO information to us and we saw no pictures of her actual work. Anyways, I don't really know where to start and am wondering what a normal florist experience should be like.

augurey

Sorry that you did not have a good visit with the florist.

I've never been to a florist, but just from what you said, I'd find someone else.

She should have been informative - it's her business and she should be selling it! She should absolutely have a portfolio of the work she has done.

Just from dealing with other vendors - photographers have examples of their work; past clients, etc. Bakeries have pictures of numerous wedding cakes that they have done as well as provide a tasting to give you an idea of the kind of product they produce. The DJ we had even had videos (consent given) from receptions that he had done.

I don't think the florist would be any different. I would think she should be able to show you work she has done for other weddings. If she's never done a wedding, she should provide you with examples of other work she has done and even maybe provide you with a mock-up of what you would want for the wedding. She should be able to tell you everything you need to know in order to make an informed decision on her product - price, flowers & which season, time frame in which you should have your final floral order in, go over a contract, etc.

Sorry this is long winded lol, but based on what you said, I would look for someone else. Don't settle with this one and see what others have to offer. IMHO, there should be florists in your area that will give you a good idea of what should happen.

Annas2013

Please look for someone else.  That's not what it should be like, and I technically haven't even visited with a florist yet.  They should be willing to work with you for what you want, every wedding is different.  And she should have given you information and proudly shown you pictures of what she's done before.

We haven't met with ours yet (my mom has but that's another story since I still have to meet with her), but she's my old boss, so it's not like we've never met before.  She's still probably going to show me pictures of her work, mostly because that way I can tell her what I like and don't like.

vchan4

In my search, there have been two kinds of florist,  your mom and pop shops (sounds like the one you went to) and more weddingtype florist (who specialize in weddings or other special events). 

With your mom and pop shop, I found that you need to know exactly what you want otherwise they just show you generic pictures. Most of the ones I went to (and I mainly went to get prices) showed me the same standard wedding book that all the shops must have (since I saw it over and over again)

With wedding florist, they show you their work and can provide you suggestions based on what you want and your wedding style/colours, etc. 

I would definitely go see another florist, even if it's just to get some ideas. Also, any good florist would have actual examples of their own work, regardless of what kind of work it is. I'm not sure I would trust anyone who just shows you generic pictures from a standard book. I dont think anybody should just be picking their flowers from a book, it shouldnt really be a cookie cutter type of thing.

Good luck with your search!

tprice11

I've been to a couple of florists, and had great experiences. The first, I took my pictures of what I like, and she ran with it. She mentioned several flower types and showed pics as she talked. The other, I just told her what feel I wanted to create and again she gave several ideas. Also, I had researched them PRIOR to making appointments, so I knew their work... Which I highly recommend! Happy flower hunting!