The 4 Most Important Questions That Most Brides Don"t Ask Their Florist - But Should
1.
This is my budget and this is what I like, can you work with that? This question should happen very early in your first meeting.
A lot of times the florist will go through the entire meeting showing you pictures from their portfolio and offering suggestions based on what you like, but not ask about what you want to spend until the end of the meeting.
If you aren't well versed on wedding flowers and what they cost, your florist may offer suggestions on how to get the look you want for the price you can afford.
It might be as simple as swapping out an expensive flower for one that may be in season.
By having this conversation early on, you will help to keep the floral inspiration on track for your wedding.
2.
Am I purchasing the glassware that my centerpieces are in or is this price to rent the vases? It is typically a better price option to rent the glassware or vases that your centerpieces will be arranged in.
If you always envisioned giving your centerpieces away at the end of the reception then make sure to discuss this with your florist ahead of time.
Whether your wedding centerpieces need to be left, or you are giving them away to your lucky guests, make sure that your DJ or bandleader is informed.
They will facilitate the gifting of centerpieces so if you need the centerpieces left it's important that they skip that part of their announcements.
3.
Can you tell me about the process of how my centerpieces will be built? This is SUCH an important question because it will give you insight on really how complicated the process can be.
In my experience, brides are typically surprised at the price of their flowers.
I find myself constantly explaining to brides is how much is involved in getting your flowers from delivery onto the table.
The process involves ordering the wedding flowers and then going through the delivery to ensure quality control of the bloom and color.
The florist then has to clean the rental glassware and all of the flowers (they don't just arrive that way).
Just like when you receive flowers from your fiancé, leafs and branches have to be taken off and stems need to be trimmed to the appropriate size.
Depending on the centerpiece, it is either assembled in the flower shop or at the reception site, to ensure exact flower placement.
Constructing the arrangement usually involves an intricate framework to create the shape of the arrangement.
Then, either at the end of the reception or the next morning, the florist has to return to your venue to pick up the rental items and clean up.
The glassware then needs to be cleaned again and put back into the inventory.
So no, you are not sure paying for the flowers in the centerpiece.
You are also paying for the process.
4.
When is the latest I can change my order? Bare with me for a minute.
Your wedding centerpieces are based on an estimated amount of tables which are based on an estimated amount of guests who RSVP at least two weeks before your wedding.
This timeline may or may not be within the same time as your florist will be able to change your order.
Most of the time florists will be able to increase your after this deadline, but won't be able to decrease your order.
I have seen florists who have policies of making changes up to two weeks (in line with your RSVP and seating chart deadline) and others who have a one month deadline.
Make sure to have a reminder in your calendar to ensure that you communicate with your wedding florist before the deadline.
If you have extra centerpieces there are plenty of places around your venue and reception area to dress up with a beautiful arrangement.
Having a strong relationship with your florist is really important.
They are bringing to life a big aspect of your wedding day vision.
The cost for your wedding flowers is one of the biggest expenses (usually behind food/venue and photographer) so these questions will help ensure that you are informed about what you are paying for.
Happy planning!
This is my budget and this is what I like, can you work with that? This question should happen very early in your first meeting.
A lot of times the florist will go through the entire meeting showing you pictures from their portfolio and offering suggestions based on what you like, but not ask about what you want to spend until the end of the meeting.
If you aren't well versed on wedding flowers and what they cost, your florist may offer suggestions on how to get the look you want for the price you can afford.
It might be as simple as swapping out an expensive flower for one that may be in season.
By having this conversation early on, you will help to keep the floral inspiration on track for your wedding.
2.
Am I purchasing the glassware that my centerpieces are in or is this price to rent the vases? It is typically a better price option to rent the glassware or vases that your centerpieces will be arranged in.
If you always envisioned giving your centerpieces away at the end of the reception then make sure to discuss this with your florist ahead of time.
Whether your wedding centerpieces need to be left, or you are giving them away to your lucky guests, make sure that your DJ or bandleader is informed.
They will facilitate the gifting of centerpieces so if you need the centerpieces left it's important that they skip that part of their announcements.
3.
Can you tell me about the process of how my centerpieces will be built? This is SUCH an important question because it will give you insight on really how complicated the process can be.
In my experience, brides are typically surprised at the price of their flowers.
I find myself constantly explaining to brides is how much is involved in getting your flowers from delivery onto the table.
The process involves ordering the wedding flowers and then going through the delivery to ensure quality control of the bloom and color.
The florist then has to clean the rental glassware and all of the flowers (they don't just arrive that way).
Just like when you receive flowers from your fiancé, leafs and branches have to be taken off and stems need to be trimmed to the appropriate size.
Depending on the centerpiece, it is either assembled in the flower shop or at the reception site, to ensure exact flower placement.
Constructing the arrangement usually involves an intricate framework to create the shape of the arrangement.
Then, either at the end of the reception or the next morning, the florist has to return to your venue to pick up the rental items and clean up.
The glassware then needs to be cleaned again and put back into the inventory.
So no, you are not sure paying for the flowers in the centerpiece.
You are also paying for the process.
4.
When is the latest I can change my order? Bare with me for a minute.
Your wedding centerpieces are based on an estimated amount of tables which are based on an estimated amount of guests who RSVP at least two weeks before your wedding.
This timeline may or may not be within the same time as your florist will be able to change your order.
Most of the time florists will be able to increase your after this deadline, but won't be able to decrease your order.
I have seen florists who have policies of making changes up to two weeks (in line with your RSVP and seating chart deadline) and others who have a one month deadline.
Make sure to have a reminder in your calendar to ensure that you communicate with your wedding florist before the deadline.
If you have extra centerpieces there are plenty of places around your venue and reception area to dress up with a beautiful arrangement.
Having a strong relationship with your florist is really important.
They are bringing to life a big aspect of your wedding day vision.
The cost for your wedding flowers is one of the biggest expenses (usually behind food/venue and photographer) so these questions will help ensure that you are informed about what you are paying for.
Happy planning!
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