Allure Floral Design is more then just a florist...PART II

1.Narrow your florist options to those that you LOVE

Do they regularly design bouquets and centerpieces that either look like what you have in mind, or just generally have the look you what for your own wedding.  Florists don't magically adopt new design styles or design and flower selection methodologies, and some underestimate the amount of flowers needed to create magazine worthy designs that you may have brought them an image of. Make sure you can see past work that is similar to what you want. Some floral design studios account for a greater amount of stems per design, increasing the amount of flowers over their competitors to create those jaw-dropping designs. If they regularly do magazine worthy work, this probably why...more flowers = more fabulous.

2. Read their past reviews

Of course check out past reviews for an idea of what their clients have to say in the end. It's one thing to see pretty pictures, but reviews from brides that have had their expectations exceed is something you need to look for. This goes back to the cautionary tale -did the final product live up to what the client expected? Or did it look half the size of what the bride was asking for that maybe Florist Y (me, let's say) was actually quoting that client thought she was getting from Florist X. In the end, (and of course IMO) there is no way she got what she was envisioning based on my previous conversations with her. 

3. Never. Ever. Ever compare quotes, ever ! Please just don't! 

Unless you have an exact breakdown of how many flower stems (how many roses, how many orchids, the exact container types to be used), then it really is like comparing apples to oranges.  Using my own business again as an example - if I quote you $3,000 overall for your wedding and the other florist quotes $2,000 - it's not because my flowers and labor are actually that much more expensive. It's most likely a situation of MORE flowers than the other quote you got. If one florist comes in higher than other, and this concerns you, simply ask the florist if there is a way they can help you understand either the amounts of flowers stems being used. A florist that wants your business should be able to do this for you (but don't hate them if they won;t break it down for you). If 
the stem counts are the same amongst both florists, then yes, you are getting a more accurate flower comparison. But, other things to look for that could differ from florist to florist would be delivery, setup/installation, breakdown, rental charges. 

We all use different stem counts than each other - you simply cannot compare apples to oranges unless you know how many stems each florist is using!

If wedding florists were charging for the same amount of stems, then yes, by all means price compare. But, if you have no idea how many stems Florist X is accounting for vs. Florist Y, then you are doing yourself a disservice by even bothering to compare quotes. 
I know everyone has a budget, but keep i n mind that you may be comparing apples to oranges. If the florist you LOVE is charging $3,000 for what seems like the same flower types and pieces as the other florist that is charging $2,000, think about the finished product - don't focus on that end number. You'd be better off asking the 3k florist to help you meet $2,000, ensuring you get fabulous designs as opposed to settling for the one that 'seems' cheaper.

4. Are they a full time or regular wedding florist?

Simply using any flower shop on the corner does not ensure a smooth wedding floral ordering/delivery process. Wedding setups involve very small setup time frames, that sometime include strict schedules of ceremony, reception an other such time schedule as first looks. If you're using a standard flower shop, they may have any member of their staff 'drop off' the florals. They also mau not entirely guarantee they'll have everything where it needs to be and on time. Make sure you feel comfortable with their reputation as a wedding florist. Some things you acn do to check on this are asking fellow wedding vendors that they tend to work with (venues, photographers, etc. ) or if you're feeling bold, investigate some of their past brides to ask their feedback - don;t ask for a list of their past clients, or you'll probably get their favorites list. Wedding setup time frames are often short. 2-3 hours prior to a ceremony start time - smaller times for church deliveries that often overlap into the reception setup time. A non-experienced wedding florist could have a number of unexpected/unprepared events happen - they forget something vital to a pergola setup, they don't realize how long it's supposed to take for setup and guests arrive before a display is finished etc. !An experienced wedding designer has these things down to a science, and also has backups. Human error does happen, but it's about using the professional that is prepared with backup materilas, tools or staff for any last minute mishaps.    


More is coming! 





Send us your comments, questions, suggestions... 


Call us at 917 603-8973
info@weddingflowersdesign.com
allurefloral@ymail.com


www.weddingflowersdesign.com
www.allurefloraldesign.net