Floral Questions (kinda long...)

Re: Floral Questions (kinda long...)

• sparklingdiamond member

  

  July 2011 edited December 2011

  A florist should be able to work within whatever your budget is.  Can you come up with a price you are comfortable with? 
  
  When I met with the florist, she had a list that we went through together and she asked me if I needed those particular things.  Bouquets, centerpieces, etc.  I brought a swatch of the color of the bridesmaids dresses and we discussed the colors of the flowers and the types.  She didn't actually prepare anything for me and I didn't see any of it until the wedding, but I was okay with that.  I trusted her and it was something I just wasn't worried about.  They should be able to make something for you if you ask though.

  
  
  
  
  

  Report0 Reply
• ssarangi member

  

  July 2011 edited December 2011

  I agree with PP, but in general, here's an estimate of how much certain flower items cost (at least this is info that i received).
  
  Bouquet: $100 - $200
  MOH/BM bouquets: $50 - $150
  Centerpiece flowers: $25 - over $300 / table (depending on the type of flower and quantity)
  
  In regards to the meeting, yes, it is a good idea to bring pictures...the more information the florist has about your tastes and preferences, the better...it might at least help to have a theme/feel in mind (i.e. formal, modern, casual, etc) and maybe also your thougths on colors

  

  Report0 Reply
• fallbride1109 member

  

  July 2011 edited December 2011

  In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_floral-questions-kinda-long?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:102Discussion:75ca7278-ba37-4224-9645-0e475ca4dccfPost:b0fd07ac-dc4a-4eed-a5c2-ac581450ed37">Floral Questions (kinda long...)</a>:
  [QUOTE]Hey ladies. I know I haven't been terribly active, but this summer has been intense. Hopefully going to get back into the swing of things here! Anyway, I had some random newbie questions about florists... First, and most important, <strong>what is a general range of pricing</strong>? I know it depends on the florist's experience, season, type of flowers, etc. I'm focusing mainly on the bouquets, with flowers only on specific tables, as our centerpieces will be mostly around candles, but I haven't even set a budget price, because I honestly have no idea what would be fair pricing. If I could get some idea from you guys and maybe hunt down some pics of what you got for what range, it would be a great help :) Second...the meeting with the florists/deciding on the vendor. <strong>What is the normal protocol for this?</strong> I know to bring inspirations- pictures, etc.- but that's about it. Do you just call asking for a wedding consultation? How in-depth is the consultation? I figure you get to look at their work, but do they prepare anything for you, specifically, or does that come later once you've decided on your vendor? I'm not freaking out, I have lots of time...I'm just genuinely clueless, haha! TIA!
  Posted by AuburnAggie[/QUOTE]
  
  Most budget calculators will tell you to plan to spend around 10% of your overall total budget for flowers (thus, if your budget is $10K, then $1K for flowers).  I came in around 8% on mine.  Your personal flowers (bouquets, bouts, corsages, etc.) can run anywhere from $200-$500 and up alone, centerpieces can range from $20-$100 and up each depending on whether they are simple to complex, etc.  Buffet and altar arrangements are around $150-$250 each.  These are just general guidelines and will vary greatly and there are certainly ways to save, as well as ways to spend tons!  It just depends on the look you are going for.
  
  I met with 3 florists.  I brought pictures of what I was thinking, explained what flowers I wanted used, etc. and just generally discussed my vision.  I picked my florist because I just clicked with her and she just seemed to "get" my vision right away.
  
  Once you explain the specifics of what you need, the florists will present you a price proposal (this can take days so prepare to be patient).  This can be changed of course to get the price lower, add things, take away, etc.  Once you pick your florist, you sign the contract and at that point you are locked in, although florists will work with you on changes, additions, etc. right up until about 2 weeks before your wedding.  HTH. 

  Planning the Meal
  With All the Trimmings
  

  Report0 Reply
• MLandCJ member

  

  July 2011 edited December 2011

  I met with three florists too. I brought pictures in and explained what I wanted. They all brought me proposals over my budget. When I finally picked, my florist I explained I only wanted to spend $XXX on flowers. She worked within my budget. In fact she purchased what I wanted and split it between my order and her store. She even opened up on Sunday for us to pick up the flowers and borrow her containers.

  Warning No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml

  Report0 Reply
• juliebug1997 member

  

  July 2011 edited December 2011

  I found my boquet on TK so be sure to look through their boquet galleries for some great ideas. 

  Possible Infestation

  Report0 Reply
• AuburnAggie member

  

  July 2011 edited December 2011

  Thanks guys! Stephie, that helped a lot, just as far as getting things straight in my head. And having even a general number (the 10% of the budget) will help me narrow it down. You've all been a big help!

  "Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired." ~Robert Frost
  

  Report0 Reply
• fallbride1109 member

  

  July 2011 edited December 2011

  In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_floral-questions-kinda-long?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:102Discussion:75ca7278-ba37-4224-9645-0e475ca4dccfPost:ee2b6d22-8687-4acd-bd24-53af7f5a009a">Re: Floral Questions (kinda long...)</a>:
  [QUOTE]Thanks guys! Stephie, that helped a lot, just as far as getting things straight in my head. And having even a general number (the 10% of the budget) will help me narrow it down. You've all been a big help!
  Posted by AuburnAggie[/QUOTE]
  
  Glad I could help.  I hope those numbers are still accurate--my wedding was in 2009 so pricing may be a little higher.  But the main thing is--you can spend as little or as much as you want.  A good florist will work with any budget.

  Planning the Meal
  With All the Trimmings
  

  Report0 Reply
• Jen6862 member

  

  July 2011 edited December 2011

  I was just looking back at my flower quote and I'm spending just under 15% of my total budget for my flowers. But, that includes all personal flowers, church flowers, reception flowers, candles, votives and delivery fees.
  

  Report0 Reply