Before we get going, we should check where you’re at. Keep reading if…
1. You’ve booked your wedding venue
2. You’re working on securing the VIPs (the suppliers that work only one wedding per day).
You’re still with us? Great.
Today we’re chatting all things floristry. Just to be clear, your florist will 100% fall into the VIP category but no, they do not want to hear from you if you’ve not got a firm date – how they can check if they’re available!
We’re not alone in today’s musings. We’ve joined forces with Shrewsbury based Wedding Florist Wendy Shaw to bring you her top tips and the questions that you really must ask your florist before signing on the dotted line.
Wendy has worked with us for more years that she would probably like for us to share. She has a coveted place on our recommended suppliers list and for good reason; she is a wonderful florist with a wealth of experience and is quite frankly one of the nicest people that you could ever hope to meet – who wouldn’t want to work with that!
Top Tips
Start your search early, secure your florist but don’t confirm your floral choices until much closer to your wedding date (around a year out).
Share as much as you can about your day; obviously, your florist will want to know where you are getting married and if you have a colour scheme but it is also useful to know how you will use the space at the venue and whether you are thinking of having round tables or long.
Be honest about your budget; we can make suggestions and show you how to best allocate your budget for maximum impact.
Save photos of the florals that you like and don’t like; as a florist, we’re not expecting you to know the names of all of the flowers nor be able to describe the exact colours and textures that you are hoping for, photos help.
Questions to Ask
Have you worked at our venue before?
This is helpful to know as the florist will be knowledgeable as to what looks good and where – they will likely be aware of any spots that can’t be dressed for whatever reason. It is also nice to hear how other people have transformed the spaces.
Which flowers will be in season when we marry?
Similarly to fruit and veg, you can now get most flowers at all times of the year, but that doesn’t mean to say that we should. Choosing flowers that are out of season may mean that the blooms are smaller or that they come at a higher cost. There may also be a shipping cost to consider.
What would you recommend?
You may have your heart set on a particular flower or set of arrangements for your day, and that is great. A florist will be able to suggest blooms that will complement your chosen ones or arrangements that will enhance the overall look and feel at your venue. If budget is a problem, then a florist should be able to recommend similar alternatives or show you how to repurpose arrangements to make the most of what you are spending.
Do you offer any additional services?
It may be that the florist that you are considering has both practical and decorative items to hire (from furniture to candlesticks). Knowing this ahead of time will not only relieve the stress of working will multiple suppliers, but also makes things more straightforward.
What happens with delivery?
Your wedding venue will need to know when your flowers are being delivered and who by. Make sure you allow enough time for each arrangement to be set up and bouquets/buttonholes to be distributed.
Can I change my mind?
If you are booking your florist far in advance, it may be a good idea to set a deadline for changes to be made. Wendy tells us that she can usually accommodate changes if they are made no less than 10 days before.
Can I see your contract?
Do not assume that all floristry contracts are the same. Most florists will ask for a deposit to secure the booking, but you should also take note of minimum order requirements, and payment due dates.
If you’re interested in Wendy’s floristry services, then we know she’d love to hear from you. You can get in touch by calling 01743 350843 or by filling out the form on her website.
