So you’ve finally found your florist for your wedding day. You’ve put down a deposit to keep your date open and have given them the vital information. You still have time left before your wedding, but it’s never too early to start getting flower ideas to show your florist during your follow up appointments.
Florists usually like to meet with their brides four to five times before the wedding. During the first few meetings, the florist gets an idea of flowers you like and don’t like and gives suggestions on flowers that are available during wedding month. Florists also like to see pictures of the ceremony and reception location to get an idea of the size of the area they will be working with. If you are decorating your cake with flowers, give the florist a picture of the cake and also the name and number of the baker so they can work with them. Florists also like to have samples of fabric of your dress, the bridesmaid dresses and dresses of the mothers to match up the flower colors to them. The last couple meetings are set aside to go over the last minute details and make sure all the plans are correct. Florists need to know what time to arrive at the ceremony location, if you need the flowers for pictures before the ceremony, and how long they will have to set up the ceremony location. Find out who will be servicing your wedding, what kind of attire they will be wearing, and what the actual servicing entails.
What can you do to help? First, find pictures of flowers and bouquets that you like. You may want to borrow a book from the florist or search online for them. Figure out flowers that go with your color scheme and print out pictures to show your florist at your next meeting. After you get an idea of what you would like to use, ask the florist if they can give you samples of the flowers or make up a sample bouquet for your next appointment. Most florists will do this free of charge to help you make a final decision.
If you’re still not sure of what you would like to use, stop in the store on a weekend to look at other weddings that the florist has done. Don’t forget your camera in case you fall in love with the flowers. The florist won’t mind that you are getting ideas from their other weddings. Not only do you get ideas, but you also get a sneak peak at how florists work during wedding crunch time.
Before your meetings, don’t forget to make a list of everyone who will need to have flowers at the wedding. Aside from family, readers will need boutonnières, as well as soloists and any special persons in attendance. Also make a list of how many arrangements you need at the ceremony and at the reception, and the locations of these arrangements. If you are using a centerpiece container that you will purchase yourself, bring in a sample for the florist to work on and make a sample for you to see. You may also want to send an arrangement or plant to your officiant or wedding coordinator as a thank you, so don’t forget to order these special arrangements during your last meeting.
Before your wedding, don’t be afraid to call the florist to check up on your order and to let them know of any changes in the wedding. Florists are more than willing to accommodate the needs of a bride. If you want flowers for your rehearsal dinner, ask the florist if they are willing to make a few centerpieces for you with the wedding flowers. Make sure to ask beforehand so they can order extra bunches of the flowers.
After the wedding, don’t forget to send a thank you note to the florist. Stop in and show them pictures from the ceremony, and offer any extra pictures you have of the bouquets for the florist to keep. Who knows, maybe someday some other bride will fall in love with your flowers and use the same style. If you enjoyed working with them, honor the florist if you need to send flowers for other occasions, such as birthdays, holidays or anniversaries. Working with a florist for just one day can develop into a lasting relationship with that shop.
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