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finding a
fabulous FLORIST
Like all wedding professionals, a
creative florist will be able to offer invaluable advice on how to build a
signature style that’s all your own.
To find a
great florist, first consider companies that advertise for weddings.
Surprisingly, many floral shops do not solicit weddings because they would
prefer not to do them at all. Why? Floral jobs, particularly for weddings, are
time and labor intensive projects. Wouldn't you rather choose a florist that
specializes in wedding celebrations and appreciates the grandeur that beautiful
floral arrangements represent than one that doesn't?
You can
begin researching potential florists up to a year in advance, and generally you
will want to reserve your florist three to six months in advance. Allow even
more time if the florist is very popular, or if you're marrying during high
season (June through October). The location of your ceremony will influence the
number and size of your floral displays, you will want to choose a venue before
working with a florist.
INTERVIEWING
FLORISTS
After
doing a little homework, set up an introductory meeting with a few different
florists to see samples of their work and photographs of weddings that they've
done in the past. Pay particular attention to the florist's style. It's also
very helpful if you bring along pictures from books or magazines illustrating
your ideas, as well as a picture and swatch of your gown. This will allow the florist to create a
bouquet that will complement instead of compete with your dress. Also bring a
picture of the bridesmaids' dresses (or a fabric sample) for this same purpose.
In
addition to your binder full of photos & ideas, it’s important to bring a
sense of how much you want to spend. Honesty is the best policy, and you will
save yourself a lot of grief if you know your bottom line. Not only will it
make it easier for the florist to help you, but also by declaring your budget,
you signal to them that you're a girl who knows what she wants and sticks to
it.
When interviewing
a florist, you will need to ask certain questions. Find out when the flowers
will be delivered, and if there is an extra charge for this service. Also, find
out how involved the florist will be at the ceremony and reception site -- will
he or she stay to arrange the flowers and light candles, or just drop your
order off and leave? Will the florist transfer the arrangements to the
reception site after the ceremony?
It will
also be advantageous if the florist has done weddings at your ceremony and/or
reception site before. He or she may have pictures of arrangements done at your
site and will be knowledgeable about what sizes, shapes, and colors work in the
space. If your florist hasn’t worked your site before, photos of the ceremony
and reception locations will be helpful.
CONTRACT
POINTS
So you've
found your ideal florist and you're happy with his proposal. Not only does he
have great ideas that fall within your budget range, but he has not dismissed
your bouquet fantasies. Before you sign on the dotted line, be sure all the
details are in writing, including total costs and payment schedules, the
deposit, and when it's due, your first choice for flowers and unacceptable
substitutes, and even the number and color of each flower that is to be used in
bouquets, centerpieces, garlands, wreaths, and pew markers. Although a contract
may seem unnecessary, this step actually protects the florist as well as
yourself. With the amount of decisions you are making, no one wants to be held
responsible if certain details are forgotten.
ON
LOCATION
Once
you’ve told your florist he/she has the job, you should revisit both the
ceremony and the reception site. Try to obtain floor plans for your floral
designer. Also at this time, find out about any decorating restrictions at
either of these locations. For example, many churches do not allow anything to
be placed on the altar or pews, and often churches request to keep the
decorations after the ceremony. Ask the officiant what time your florist is
able to get into the church to set up before the ceremony.
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