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| Late spring flower selection |
Here's Part 2 - how to find a florist.
Now that you've decided on your the overall style and theme of your wedding, trying to find a florist that is on the same wave length as you can seem like a daunting task. So here are a few tips to get you started on the right track....
Do some floral Miss Marple style investigation first!
Poirot style moustache - check!
Newspaper with eye holes cut out - check!
Columbo style cigar in hand - check!
Sherlock Holmes style hat complete with ear flaps - check!
Go and research and do a bit of investigation on florists in your area, look at their website, Pinterest boards/blog/facebook page etc, if they have a shop pop in and have a look around, go to local wedding fairs and meet local florists, get recommendations from friends and family and so on. Whichever way you go about being a 'flower dectective' you will instinctively know whether a florist has a similar style/vibe to you.
Florists are like artists - and all have different styles and tastes.
Start and look for a florist well in advance
Many florists are booked many months and even years in advance especially during popular times of year such as Christmas, Valentines and the summer wedding months.
Have a few flower ideas/inspiration
Flick through a few magazines, photos from friends weddings or draw some sketches of the sort of thing you're after for your wedding flowers. They say a picture says a thousand words... so when you meet a florist take along any photos of flower styles you like as they will help the florist understand your style and tastes and also give them an idea as to how 'flowery' you like things. It sounds obvious to state this but consider how flowery or foliagey you like things - the more flowers in a vase/jug/container, the more things may cost.
Don't be too set on certain ideas or flower types
When considering flower types it's best to bear in mind the time of year. Peonies are glorious, romantic flowers but alas they have a very short season and are unavailable at certain times of the year. A good florist will recommend flowers that are in season but will give you the same sort of bloom look. For example, if you're getting married in Spring but you have your heart set on Peony flowers, then you could have some wonderful Peony flowered Tulips instead. You'll achieve the same sort of look but with flowers that are in season.
Also consider your venue: hanging flowers from a high beamed ceiling may just not be possible, especially if your venue is a listed building.
Try and be flexible with your wedding flower ideas. It may be that things cost more than you had imagined: your idea of having flower garlands wound around the staircases, an archway of flowers or buttonholes for every guest may well blow your flower budget out of the water!
There will always be some compromises when turning your wedding day dreams into reality. A good florist will help and guide you as best they can so it's important to bear this in mind.
What's your budget?
Have a rough idea of your flower budget before you meet with any florist. Ask about any additional costs that may be involved such as delivery charges, set up costs, and things such as ribbons, container hire, etc.
Meeting a florist
Most importantly of all is that you get along with your florist! As in life in general, you'll know if you'll like and be able to get on well with a florist.
Ask about things such as how many weddings a year they cater for, how big the team is, will the person you have met be the one doing your flowers or will it be an assistant, are they local to you/your venue.
When considering seasonal flowers ask the florist what flowers will be in season at the time of your wedding and if you have a colour theme then ask if certain flowers will be available in your colours or not.
Once you've found a florist you get on with and who you think understands your wedding day dreams and ideas then ask the florist for a written quote based on the things you've discussed. This not only helps you with budgets etc but it also helps to make sure that you and your florist are 'singing off the same hymn sheet' so to speak.
TTFN
Cathy
www.breconblooms.com
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