3 Steps to Hiring a Wedding Florist

Flowers play a significant role in making your wedding day memorable. Contracting a wedding florist is an excellent way to create a wedding few will forget.

Step 1 - Prepare

Preparation is key to getting what you want. Spend time with your partner discussing the specifics of where you are expecting flower applications. These areas could include:

• alter
• reception tables
• cake table and cake
• corsage and boutonnieres for parents or important elders in attendance
• bridal flowers including maid of honor and bridesmaids
• flower basket of petals for entry
• reception inner

Determine what types of flowers to incorporate into your ceremony. Are they seasonal or easy to find any time of year? Are you expecting large extravagant arrangements or soft understated favorites. If you are undecided about any aspect of flower choices, now is the time to browse through wedding magazines, flower arrangement books or any other related publications to identify specifically what you imagine.

Determine a budget as you browse. This will fine tune your desire to what is realistically affordable. Tradition states that the groom pays for the brides bouquet, boutonnieres for the fathers and groomsmen. The corsages for mothers are also traditionally included on the grooms "to buy" list.

The bride's family pays for all the reception flowers, bridesmaid bouquets and any flower girl arrangements.

Discuss these traditions with all parties involved to avoid any misunderstandings or over looked expectations.

Step 2 - Shop Around

Armed with the specific information, it's time to shop for the florist that will best meet your special day's needs. Begin your search by asking your friends, coworkers or family for referrals. This is always the surest way to find quality service providers. Plan on interviewing at least 2 referrals. If no referrals are available, the next step is to visit The Better Business Bureau's web site for local florists to view their professional reputations through this credible non profit rating service.

6 to 8 months before the wedding it is time to begin the interview process. Make a visit to the wedding florist's studios or shops. Without revealing why you are there, observe the store looking for displayed arrangements, organization habits and indications of wilted flowers or neglected plants. Place a small order to see if it is delivered promptly and to your expressed specifications. If you feel comfortable with the results, it's time for the next step.

Step 3 - Schedule an Interview

This should be the final step in hiring process. The point of contracting a wedding florist is to relieve all parties involved in the planning to relax in this area of arrangement and direct energy and attention to other preparations.

Once you sign the contract all you need do is not be late to your wedding because the right wedding florist will:

• work within your set budget parameters.
• will inform you as to seasonal flower availability and will provide options.
• will listen closely to what you want.
• will provide a portfolio of previous contract work.
• will guarantee in writing, the flowers will arrive on time and in the condition in which they were ordered.
• will not hesitate to work with the cake designer to complement her work.