Floral Tips

Flowers have graced weddings since ancient Roman brides carried herb bunches to ward off evil spirits. Today, brides and grooms use wedding flowers to decorate their big day with personal style. The following are some tips for searching for and selecting the right florist, a list of questions to ask each perspective florist and a checklist that includes all of the essential flowers that most brides order for their wedding ceremony and reception.

Allow Time

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 September).

Research

If you're no expert in flower types and terminology, visit your local bookstore or library and look for books about flower arranging. Also try looking through bridal magazine to find arrangements that you like. Pinpoint designs you like and flowers you favor. Bring these books (or color copies of specific arrangements) with you when you meet with your florist.

Smaller is Better

The bigger the shop, the less likely it is that the person you talk business with will actually do the arranging. This leaves you open to yet another person's ideas and design sense. Sometimes a smaller florist shop can be advantageous.
Cut to the chase. Tell her roughly what your flower budget is. Regardless of how much or how little you're spending, a good florist will have plenty of ideas on how to make the most of your dollars. If she just keeps suggesting that you spend more green, move on.

Sample their Wares

Want to be sure that what you get is what you want? Ask the florist to make a sample centerpiece for you.

Get Specific

Put every fee, from labor to materials and delivery, on the contract, along with delivery locations and times. To cover your bases, include the color, type aof flowers in the arrangements, along with acceptable substitutions, should your flowers of choice be unavailable