Flowers & Florist Shopping

minsu5

This month, I want to figure out who will be our florist. I got the list of preferred vendors, got some names from my coworkers, and I asked my venue event planner her best choices. Now, I need to start making calls and visit these vendors. I've never done this before and I'm going alone (FI usually joins me, but my schedule is more flexible than his during weekdays). Besides asking how much it'll cost and telling the florist my colors, how should I approach florists? Is there anything that I must ask or should expect to hear?

At this point, I only have a vague idea of what I want (flower petals outlining the main aisle, low centerpieces, small bouquets, etc.) and I don't want to be fooled because I don't know much in this area. What do you suggest?

MissusD1116

I would suggest bringing pics of some ideas you have like from online, mags, etc. Also, it's a good idea to know a ballpark of how much you are willing to spend on florals. Do some research on flowers that are in season during the time of your wedding because that will make a big difference. I wanted Ranunculus in my centerpieces but my florist told me that they aren't in season to much in the fall and it would have cost a grip because she would have to import them from "Neverland." So she gave me other options that will look just as good for a fraction of the cost. Be open minded too! HTH!

20pearls16

The first thing you need to do is come up with a budget. You can go overboard with the flowers so come up with a budget and stick to it. Bring some ideas of what you want style wise and a count of what you want i.e. 5 corsages, 15 centerpieces etc. Once you let them know your budget, the florist can figure out what flowers will work with your budget. This is one area i saved a lot of money because there are flowers in every price range that can give you a similar look.  

[Deleted User]

considering non traditional floral arrangers may help too - from wholesalers who either ship next day or from whom you pick up.  big box stores you wouldn't associate with weddings (like costco and sam's club) have surprisingly affordable packages

http://www.fiftyflowers.com/flowers/collections/WeddingFlowersWeddingFlowersinaBox_23717.htm

http://www.costco.com/wedding-event-flowers.html

http://www.samsclub.com/sams/wedding-flowers/1256.cp

if you're feeling adventurous, try making a bouquet (even centerpieces) it's not hard at all and i'm all thumbs - we made my besties flowers for the whole wedding.  floral tape, green planters foam, pins.

if you consider that, the outfit we used is still in business:  http://www.freshroses.com/ 
not just roses.   we did 15 tables, 4 bouquets, church pews and aisle, flower girl and 4 groomsmen for $400.

minsu5

Wow, thank you the ideas. I felt lost when I began looking at florists in the area, and I might take you up on making by hand the bouquets. We could put the FI's momma to work.