Choosing your Florist

When choosing your flowers and florist, there are many things that you should keep in mind. I had a very eye opening experience the other day when I was with my soon to be sister while choosing her flowers and I wanted to inform you of some things that it brought to my attention.

First of all, my (soon to be) sister in law was very set on her colors and came well prepared with many pictures of arrangements that she liked. However, the florist had something else in mind. We told him the wedding was going to be a Moroccan theme and the colors were orange, fuchsia, and burgundy. He (and I promise I am not lying) turned his nose up at this and said, "Can I ask why you chose those colors?"

Obviously that was what the bride liked, but he began to bring in flowers of other colors saying that they would work out better. The dresses were already bought, so changing the colors was not an option. To make matters worse, when my sister in law showed him the pictures of the arrangements, he informed us that those flowers were not in season, and therefore unavailable.

So to make a long story short, he recommended numerous flowers that did not really match the color pallets and was off on the styles of the bouquet. But after a long conversation about the theme and style of the wedding, all turned out well and the florist finally caught on. And with that I will leave you with some words of advice before deciding on your florist...

1. Do not pick out a florist until you have met them personally.

If a florist does not mesh with your personality, you may find it difficult to come up with the right arrangements. Let them know up front what your wedding theme, style, and colors are prior to your meeting.

2. Know what flowers are in season.

Even if price is not an issue, it is important to know what flowers are available during the season of your wedding. If you have your heart set on a flower, other than the basics, check to find out what season it is in bloom. (Another good question to ask is how well the flower holds up?)

3. Bring pictures.

If you find a flower or an arrangement you like in a magazine, bring it in with you. This is kind of like the hair dresser. If you know what you want, you have a better chance of getting it with a picture as compared to a verbal description.

4. Be strong.

Florists are salespeople. If they suggest something that you don't care for, be honest and say so. If at any point you feel that they are being too pushy or not on the same page as you, just remember that you can leave at any time. Meeting with a florist does not mean that you have to purchase from them. This is your wedding; you should get what you want.

5. Shop around.

You will be shocked when you see the price tag attached to the flowers for your wedding. It will be in your best interest to compare prices. Don't forget silk flowers are an affordable new trend or look at wholesale florists for amazing deals on fresh flowers.