America's Love For Flowers Visually stunning and elegant are these beautiful flowers

Questions Every Bride Needs to Ask Her Florist

Article by Amanda Meyer

Flowers are one of the many ways to represent your wedding theme and color palette on your special day. Finding the right flowers for your wedding- from the bridal bouquets to Dad's boutonniere - will make each of your other wedding accessories stand out! Before a florist begins assembling the flower arrangements of your dreams, be sure both of you share the same vision for your wedding day, as well as your vision for your budget. Flowers can be one of your most expensive wedding supplies, but they do not have to overwhelm your wedding budget.

Here are a few of the questions every bride-to-be needs to ask her florist before she signs a vendor contract:

1. How long have they been doing wedding arrangements? Just like your DJ or band and caterer or reception hall, you want to make sure your florist is experienced in creating wedding arrangements. This may also give you an early indication of the florist's price point.

2. What style of wedding does the florist specialize in? You want a florist whose style matches yours. When you picture your dream day, is the theme romantic or modern? Traditional or unique to you? Matching your style to your florists makes it easier to turn your vision into a reality.

3. Can I see a portfolio or live samples of previous wedding arrangements? This will give you a clear picture of what the florist puts together for weddings. The portfolio - or any arrangements the florist is currently working on - will reflect different bridal styles, but you should be able to spot a trend in each of the pieces. You can expect this trend to be mirrored in your arrangement.

4. Is the florist familiar with your wedding ceremony and reception locations? Having a florist who previously worked in your space is a definite plus! This means the florist is familiar with the halls and it may inspire them to create unique arrangements to complement the particular architecture in your wedding ceremony or reception location.

5. Does the florist charge a flat fee or a per-item fee? If the florist charges a flat fee, be sure to ask what this includes - how many boutonnieres, wrist corsages, etc? Does it cover a bridal bouquet and a tossing bouquet? If you want to add on to the flat fee package, how much does each additional item cost? These answers will immediately reveal if this florist is in your budget range or if you need to keep looking. It will also let you know if the florist rents items, such as aisle runners and wedding candles or candle holders that you may not need. Some wedding packages include a lot of wedding day extras you may want to personalize by purchasing elsewhere or use family heirlooms. Other financial questions to consider include the required deposit and when the remaining balance is due.

6. Can the florist work with a tight budget? This is a great insight into your florist's creativity! If they excitedly show you in season flowers that will perfectly complement your wedding colors and theme - then you've found your florist! Do not feel awkward about asking this question, the florist knows you have a budget - and whose budget isn't tight these days? - they don't want to drain your bank account any more than you do.

7. How far in advance will your arrangements be made? If the arrangements are created too far in advance, they may wilt during your ceremony or reception. You want strong blooms that can stand up to the test of photo flashes, hot lights and a long day.

8. When will the flowers be delivered and is there a delivery fee? You want to make sure the flowers will be delivered before the ceremony begins so someone will be available to receive the arrangements.

9. How many other weddings is the florist doing that weekend and what is the maximum number of weddings the florist will commit to in one weekend? This question gives you insight into whether the florist will overbook and how much time he or she will probably spend on your arrangement.

10. When does the florist need a final table count? When creating centerpieces and other wedding table decorations, the florist will need to know the final number of tables in your wedding reception hall. With late RSVP-ers and other last minute changes, your table numbers may be fluid for a while. This will give you a good idea how flexible the florist will be.

Answers to these questions will give you a good idea about the florist's abilities, flexibility and price point. Most important of all, have fun - and dare we say - take time to smell the flowers!