 |
 |
Get ideas.
Look everywhere for inspiration. Consult books for flowers, party planning, as well as bridal magazines. Visit parks and botanical gardens. Note the décor at any events (especially weddings) that you attend. Be conscious of the season! Tulips in November may not be attainable. Look for flowers in season. They will be plentiful and economical.
|
|
|
|
Choose a florist carefully - and start early in the planning process.
The key to making your floral dreams come true is to hire the right professional and establish a solid working relationship. To find one, ask recent brides and friends for recommendations. Look in the Yellow Pages under "Florists". Write down names from bridal magazines and bridal newspaper supplements. Search bridal sites online. Also check with your reception facility for florist recommendations as well.
|
|
|
|
Establish a budget.
Inquire about specific costs. Every good florist can work within any budget, so even brides planning to spend very little on flowers can make a splash.
|
|
|
|
Make an appointment.
Don’t expect to walk into a busy flower shop and start discussing ideas. Choose a time that will give you a chance to interview the designer. Is she open to your ideas? Does she have interesting suggestions? Has she handled a wedding of your size before? Ask to see photographs of floral designs she has created for other weddings.
|
|
|
|
Reserve your date early.
To avoid disappointment, book the florist up to a year in advance, especially if the designer or your wedding date is popular. If you have a large budget for flowers, start specific floral planning at least three months in advance; you’ll want time to refine all the details. Less formal weddings are easily managed in eight weeks or less.
|
|
|
|
Sign a contract.
The contract should include the following: the date and times of deliveries; the delivery sites; the amount and color of each type of flower, along with acceptable substitutes within your budget if first choices are not available; the numbers and sizes of arrangements; the expected condition of the flowers (i.e. fresh and in bloom); the name of the person responsible for on-site setup that day; the total cost and payment schedule; and the refund or cancellation policy.
|
|
|
