"How To Hire A Florist: Must Knows "                                           (From WeddingChannel.com)

H O T   T I P


Florists can often make napkin treatments and set them up for you with matching linens. In fact, we've found that sometimes a florist can offer you a better deal on ribbon for napkin ties and party favors than a rental vendor, since the florist purchases in such large quantities. Ask what a florist can get for you beyond the flowers. 


1. Interview and get bids from at least two (but no more than four) florists. Otherwise you'll be counting daisies in your sleep.

2. Do you like the florist's portfolio? Does her work reflect different styles, or does each wedding look mind-numbingly the same?

3. Since you're about to spend more time with your florist than with your fiancé, do you like the florist personally? Did she spend enough time with you? Is she a good listener? Did she respond to your photos or dismiss your ideas?

4. Did the florist have creative ideas that appeal to your sensibility, taking into account your tastes and style? Did she show you how to get the most for your budget with less priced blooms, or tell you about flowers that will survive a summer wedding?

5. Will your florist personally do the arrangements and be on site the day of your wedding to make sure all goes well? Or will he merely drop off the blooms and burn rubber? How many staff members is your florist planning on bringing with him to set up your wedding? Don't be grabbing your father-in-law to help move the terra cotta pots!

6. Does the florist own interesting containers such as stone urns, silver bowls or linear glass containers or will you be billed extra for these specialty items?

7. Will they be able to order, rent or coordinate special items? Candles, lanterns, torchieres (wrought-iron, freestanding candle holders), ribbons, plants? Are these extra charges?

Talk to your florist about your ideas for wedding flowers

Bring swatches of bridesmaid dresses, pages from magazines with bouquets and floral arrangements that you like, the type of container you'd like to use, and any ideas you may have. Make sure that the florist is receptive to your ideas, and that they are willing to listen to your vision. You'll want to feel comfortable with this person – make sure that they are the one who will be personally responsible for your arrangements. You'll also want to make sure that they think your budget is realistic for your ideas.

When to book your florist

This depends on how long you have to plan your wedding, but a general guideline is to start talking to your florist about 6 to 8 months before your wedding, and sign a contract with them about 4 to 6 months before the big day.

Wedding Party
___Bridal Bouquet
___Flowers for bride's hair
___Bridesmaid's bouquets ___number of bridesmaids
___Different bouquet for maid of honor?
___Flower girl headpiece
___Flower girl basket decorations
___Flower girl petals to toss
___Groom's boutonniere
___Groomsmen's boutonnieres ___number of groomsmen
___Different boutonniere for best man?
___Mother of the bride corsage
___Mother of the groom corsage
___Stepmothers corsages
___Father of the groom boutonniere
___Father of the bride boutonniere
___Stepfathers boutonnieres
___Grandmothers corsages
___Grandfathers boutonnieres
___Hostess, Soloist, Other

Ceremony
___Altar, huppah, or other central arrangements
___Pew or chair decorations
___Candles
___Other

Reception
___Entryway arrangements
___Centerpieces for each table
___number of tables
___Buffet table decorations
___Bar decorations
____Cake decorations
___Other