Dec 15 2006
7 Steps to a Great Florist
The flowers are the first thing people see when they enter both the ceremony venue and reception site so having flowers that look like the wildflower section in the middle of the interstate probably isn’t the look your guests are expecting. I offer some advice to finding a florist that’s right for you:
1) 6 - 9 months before the wedding date you will want to have your florist selected. I always recommend that you see photos of past work. Look at their website and any sites that offer third party reviews of vendors. (examples: WeddingWire, For A Better Wedding, Atlanta Bridal)
2) You will need to decide on whether to have fresh flowers, silk, dried or a combination.
3) Since you should have decided on your color theme by now, bring samples to the florist when meeting to ensure the colors match properly. Have photos of the ceremony and reception sites available in case they haven’t worked at those venues previously.
4) Be sure to ask if there is a deposit.
5) Ask your florist if they provide floral preservation or recommend one that you can contact in case you want to preserve your bridal bouquet.
6) Cover your bases. Let your venues know who the florist in case any last minutes to arrival and setup time are necessary. Chances you may want your flowers in your pre-ceremony photos.
7) Make a schedule of when, where and what to delivery, setup and pick-up, to give to your florist. Keep a copy for yourself 
Have a budget before you set foot in any florist’s door!
Where you’ll need flowers:
- Bride’s Bouquet
- Attendants’ bouquets
- Groom and Ushers’ boutonnieres
- Flower girl’s basket
- Ring bearer’s boutonniere
- Corsages for mothers
- grandmothers flowers for helpers
- Boutonnieres for fathers, grandfathers
- pews/chairs, alter, archway, candelabras etc.
- tables, cake table, gift table, guest-book table
- Don’t forget the throwaway bouquet!
