Detroit Area Wedding Guide
Choosing a Florist
Choosing a Florist
Flowers add life and gaiety to any celebration. They seem to offer hope, new beginnings and warmth to a room. Their bountiful colors, sweet aroma and unique patterns make them extra special and hence, the perfect compliment for a wedding ceremony and reception.
Throughout the wedding day, flowers are used in many places. There is no requirement to use flowers at any specific part of the wedding, although you very rarely go to a wedding and not see fresh flowers somewhere. In fact,
flower arrangements may be used at the altar in the church;
flowers are used by the bride and her bridesmaids in hand bouquets or hand baskets to carry down the aisle;
the petals or single flowers and stems may be used as walkways for the bride;
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small mum-like flowers are used as the boutonniere in the men's tuxedos;
flowers such as orchids are most likely used for corsages for the mothers;
tables at the reception make use of flowers as centerpieces;
flowers may be used around the dessert table to make it fancier;
and edible flowers may be used in the treats that are served.
Normally the bride chooses flowers that compliment her colors, specifically the colors of the bridesmaid dresses and male cummerbunds. She also chooses flowers that she most likes. Lastly, she generally chooses flowers that are in season, otherwise the flower bill may be horrendous by flying in the flowers especially for the wedding.
Before choosing the florist for a wedding, first decide where you want to use flowers. This will help to get more accurate information when requesting quotes. Make a list of alternate flowers as well. Even if something is not in season, a good florist will be able to suggest a substitute that will be equally as lovely.
Start your search for the florist by asking friends and family who they have used for special occasions. If there are no recommendations, go to the internet and look for websites owned by florists in your area. And if that is not possible, the yellow pages will do.
Once you have a few names, start by calling florists and setting up appointments. In order to guide you at the appointment, we have composed a checklist to help you to decide which questions to ask and ultimately which florist to hire.
It is recommended that you book a florist six to twelve months in advance as good florists are in demand and stay busy.
Do not order your flowers during peak seasons such as Christmas or Mothers Day as they are generally more expensive because of the huge demand.
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Will the florist deliver and set up? If the answer is no, it may be less expensive for you to have someone responsible for the setup but it is also an added task on the to-do list.
Do not make a deposit on the first visit. Compare notes, make your decision, then sign the contract and leave a deposit.
Get quotes or estimates from all florists you visit.
Ask if the florist will make a sample arrangement for your review.
Ask to see pictures of previous events or weddings.
Bring along swatches from the gowns so the florist can match the texture of the fabrics and the colors.
Do not choose a florist "site unseen". Even if someone in your family previously used the services, make an appointment to see if the "fit" is right. You and the florist must be able to work together.
The florist has an advantage if he or she has set up your particular location before. He or she may have tips on how to make the location look better.
Look at books in the florist's show room to get ideas but do not just request "item 3 on page 5 in the green book". Make sure the florist can provide what you need.
Request a contract before making a deposit and make sure everything is listed in detail. The written agreement should include terms such as:
total amount, deposit amount, date balance due
the quantity of each type of item ordered - for example 10 boutonnieres, 1 bride's bouquet, 5 bridesmaid hand baskets, 2 dessert table centerpieces, etc
list number of flowers, colors and type of flowers for each and every item
any other decorations such as pew ribbons, candles, lace, greenery, archways
is the florist permitted to make substitutes without your knowledge
is the deposit refundable and under what circumstances
the date, time and location of the church and reception and any other locations where flowers must be delivered - for example, the bride's home
any relevant phone numbers such as wedding coordinator, parent's home, maid of honor, bride, groom
will the florist provide a sample arrangement for your review
do the costs include transportation, delivery and setup
will the florist transport flowers from the church to reception hall if needed
Moreover, it might be possible to ask the floral department in the grocery store to make your order in your desired colors and preferred flowers. Grocery store or wholesale flowers may be just as nice as a private florist but less expensive. After you have received quotes and made your inquiries, decide whether you would prefer to have the full service from a florist or whether you do not mind doing the extra work involved for a less expensive price by ordering at the grocery store.
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