this is the code for the render ad
Community› Local Wedding Boards› Louisiana-New Orleans
Louisiana-New Orleans
New Discussion

Christina O'Malley vs other florists?

lbmsrlotrlbmsrlotr member
10 Comments
in Louisiana-New Orleans
I've read plenty of great reviews about Christina O'Malley the florist. I met with her back in September & was very impressed by the quality of her work portfolio, her reasonable prices & how flexible she is about changes to the order up to the last 2 weeks before the wedding.
However, I was a little unsettled by the fact that she doesn't have a formal contract for services. I asked her to send me one to sign so that I would have her reserved for my date, but she said that she doesn't really do contracts because of all the last minute changes that brides make. She also volunteered a story of how she put a brides heirloom rosary from her deceased grandmother on a different brides bouquet. I understand mistakes happen, but that along with the lack of a contract are leaving me unsure if she will honor her obligation to deliver my order to the 4 different locations correctly & on time.
Should I "demand" a written contract, just leave things as they are or take my business elsewhere? I feel like I'm kind of limited as to the number of florists who would be willing to accomodate my order & delivery for my Sunday afternoon wedding.
SIGH! Please send any suggestions u have...they are greatly appreciated!
Report Reply to Post

Re: Christina O'Malley vs other florists?

  • BrideinNOLABrideinNOLA
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I just booked Christina for my May wedding. I actually read the story that Christina mentioned to you on this board, but that didn't stop me from booking her. it's true, mistakes can happen. And for all we know, we could be the first bride that a vendor makes a mistake with. 
    Christina's not the only vendor that I booked that doesn't have a formal contract. By giving her a deposit, you are in essence "booking" her. She does provide a written proposal that outlines the delivery schedule, so that should make you feel more comfortable. Ultimately, you should go with your gut. I spoke with other florists but felt the most comfortable with Christina. From what you've said, it sounds like she's the most accommodating. That would be more important to me than a formal contract. Best of luck!
    Report Reply
  • lbmsrlotrlbmsrlotr member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Thanks for ur input. I really appreciate it. I was thinking the same thing, but needed some reinforcement. Thanks for giving me what i needed!
    Report Reply
  • allisoncwhite_2381901allisoncwhite_2381901
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    That was my concern as well. I tried to contact her and it took an entire month to get a response. Ultimately, being an out of town bride I just couldn't risk it. I don't care how inexpensive she is.
    Report Reply
  • lhtmlhtm
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I'm using Christina for my flowers, and she has been great!  There is no initial contract, but everything is written in lots of detail in her proposal(the proposal includes flower dropoff and setup details).  She is always very quick to respond, which is great because I had to make a lot of changes to my reception flowers.  And thats another thing you can change your flowers up to a couple weeks before the wedding.
    Report Reply
  • mags0607mags0607
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I used Christina for my wedding on 10/16, and I can say that she was wonderful to work with, the flowers turned out perfectly, and we couldn't have been happier with her.

    Here is what I will say in terms of proposals from her, when you reserve your date with her, she will send you a tentative contract, stating that you have booked her services for x date. She will then put the tentative prices/flowers if you have decided on any at all. The only thing I did not have was a total price because we were waiting until closer to decide exactly what we needed. She did have the items each priced out so that I would know how much everything cost. As the wedding approached, she would update the contract and give me more pricing information. She did not furnish a fully outlined contract until 3 weeks before the wedding to get final prices in.

    I will say that she was up front about costs, different options and I never felt like she was withholding any information. I actually was extremely happy with how she handled everything, for I did change my mind from 6 months out to a month out. Heck, I changed and added to the order two weeks before the wedding, and she accommodated it with no problem.

    Oh, and she delivered to 4 locations for us as well, and I didn't have to worry with one thing. She was one of the best to work with, and like I said, everything was perfect. If you want pictures, I will gladly show you some.
    Photobucket
    Report Reply
  • hollybee92hollybee92 member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I went through the EXACT same thing! I even made a google spreadsheet with every flower, the quantity, the price options, and the total.

    Turns out, she was right, and I changed things a million times. We ended up going with the nicest options, and everything was perfect!

    Funny story: I almost died when we went to take pictures with the wedding party, because the guys' flowers had these horrible bows on them. So after thinking through actually taking off the bows, and getting back to the hotel, I see Christina and it turns out they were the corsages!! My planner had accidentally given the guys them at first, so then they looked gorgeous on my female family/inlaws. I am very type A, and at first was a little scared, but I just trust her and everything was gorgeous!
    image
    Report Reply
  • caramia1500caramia1500
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I hired Christina last year for my wedding and everything went without a hitch.  She did give me a proposal and a contract once I gae her a deposit.  She gets her business from the local wedding planners, by recommendations and word of mouth, so she is not going to screw you over.  Plus, she's a really nice person.  Her prices are significantly lower than most of the other vendors in the area because she works from her home.  The quality of our flowers were beautiful and she worked with my budget.  Email me if you have any other questions or want me to send you some pictures.
    Report Reply
  • skatoryskatory member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I agree with the above posts. She was my favorite vendor and went over and above with little details I didnt even think of like a mini coordinator. We even stay in touch and last time I was in town we met for coffee to share my wedding pics. She's such a sweet person and funny to talk to. I love her bridzilla stories and the attitude she has about her business. Laid back but professional.
    Report Reply
  • Brklyn2LABrklyn2LA
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    How do you get in contact with her? I don't see contact information on the web. Does she have a website?
    Report Reply
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards