HOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT WEDDING FLORIST

Do you want a cascade, posy or hand-tied bouquet?  Want to know what the flowers are for the season?  Not sure of the type of flower that would complement your wedding - then look no further.  Read below some helpful hints and advice you need to consider when choosing your wedding florist.

TIPS SUPPLIED BY FEAST OF FLOWERS - www.feastofflowers.co.uk

• Look for a Reputable florist, one that maybe a friend or your venue recommends, meet with them and ask to see their portfolio of work.

• A good florist will guide you through without taking over, show you examples of their work and give you ideas, they will tell you what is in season at that time of year.

• Get a quote, ask if this includes V.A.T, delivery on the day and any hire costs.

• Remember Flowers are a very personal thing, they express your personality, they also need to fit in with the style of venue, your colour theme and time of year etc.

• Don’t follow everyone else, be expressive, be different, your flowers are more likely to be noticed, commented on and be a talking point around the tables.

• If you are on a tight budget, don’t try to dress everything with flowers, concentrate on the areas used most and remember if you are having your ceremony and reception all at one venue, floral arrangements can be moved around. Re use the Registrars table arrangement again for the top table, Any large floor standing arrangements used on the entrance look good placed opposite the seating plan especially if they contain fragrant flowers

• Most of all build up a relationship with your floral designer make sure you are on the same wavelength and have fun choosing your flowers!

TIPS SUPPLIED BY CREATIVE WORKS UK - www.ckworks.net

• There any many ways to find the right florist/designer for your wedding including recommendations from friends and family, wedding magazine articles, wedding internet directories and bridal shows

• You can ‘check out’ your short list of florist/designers by looking at their website gallery in the comfort of your own home or work (when the boss is out!) which will provide you with a ‘snap shot’ of their style of work and  also a cost indication

• When you are happy with your short list arrange to meet them for a consultation which is normally conducted at their place of work; workshop, studio or shop etc (would you be happy handing over a deposit to someone you have never met before in Starbucks for example!). This is an excellent opportunity to view their portfolio and past testimonials in more detail and also to view the sundries they have to offer at the same time. If you have any images/swatches of fabric of your/bridesmaids dress/s always take them with you and allow at least one hour for the consultation to take place

• After the initial consultation expect to receive their quotation within 48 hours which should provide a full indication of all designs discussed  and include any delivery, waiting time, clear up charge and VAT etc.

• A good florist will always provide inspiration and technical knowledge and be able to interpret your own style, personally and theme of the day into your floral designs whilst working within your particular budget. At the end of the day ‘people buy people’ and if there is no rapport then you might be onto a non starter!

• If you are happy with your quotation then expect to pay anything from a 10 to 30% deposit to secure the day, remaining balances are normally due 14 to 28 days before your wedding day depending of the particular florists terms and conditions of business – any minor changes to the quotation for example buttonhole and table centre numbers can be confirmed just before the final balance is paid. If you are organized and planning your wedding day flowers 12 to 18 months in  advance you can ask to pay a ‘secure the day’ deposit which is normally £100 – this means you are entered into the florists diary and can  then meet at a later stage to finalise your exact requirements – a ‘secure the day’ deposit should always be deductible from your final balance

TIPS SUPPLIED BY FIRENZA FLORAL DESIGN - www.firenzafloraldesign.co.uk

• A florist will be able to understand your vision better and quicker if you have a mood board of some sort, or pictures to hand of what you like and don't like. 
• Don't worry if you don't know much about flowers, we are the professionals and will advise the best flowers and foliage, taking into account variety of shapes and textures where appropriate - often using unusual flowers that you may not necessarily have thought of. 
• We often get asked about convention and what is acceptable, my usual advice is to do what you want to do (within reason obviously!), it is your day and if you want something unusual or different from the norm - just do it! 
• There is often a decision to be made about table centrepieces, should they be low or high - why not try mixing both styles on alternating tables, getting the best of both worlds? 
• If you have a limited budget for flowers, consider having one or two large and stunning displays rather than a lot of smaller, possibly insignificant ones.  Concentrate also on the areas you will be spending the most time in.

TIPS SUPPLIED BY EXCLUSIVELY WEDDINGS - www.exclusivelyweddings.co.uk

At Exclusively Weddings we have gained a reputation for providing the “wow” factor with wedding flowers. Our expertise is weddings, we do nothing but weddings and we know what works. Pay attention to the final details, whether that be decorating the napkins with a single rose, or mixing little white lights with crushed organza ….it is the little details that your guests will remember.

It is important to keep things simple, elegant and stylish. Flowers play a massive part on your wedding day. They can truly transform a room and the effect can be breathtaking.

A simple bouquet against a dramatic dress will work beautiful in your photographs. Your flowers need to withstand the test of time. If they are classically beautiful (clean lines) you will still be admiring them in 20 years time.

A few points to remember when planning your wedding flowers:

Think about ….

Booking the date well in advance – most of our brides tend to book about a year in advance and once the date is secured we meet again closer to the day.

Think about …..

Budget – everyone has one and they vary. Be honest with your florist and they will not give you unrealistic ideas. If your florist has a good imagination they will be able to design the perfect wedding flowers, whatever the budget. If your flowers do go over budget be prepared to compromise using less expensive flowers.

Think about….

The shape of the top table – in terms of flowers it can be more cost effective to have a round top table. A top table in general is about 18 foot long (x3 6ft trestle tables), which will mean you require a long centre piece; approximately 8ft. If you have a round table you will only need x1 vase.

The advantage of having a long top table is you can dress it with an elegant table runner and a long line of fairy lights. You do not have to have a traditional long centre piece; alternating church candles with several small arrangements can be just as effective.

Think about…..

Your dress - the bouquet will need to compliment your dress, not overshadow it. It needs to flow with the lines and not cover any detail.

Think about…..

The height of the ceiling – small arrangements can get lost in a room with a very high ceiling. This does not mean you have to blow the budget by having tall arrangements on every table, it is better to have a few really stunning displays to catch they eye as your guests walk in and alternate with smaller displays.

Think about….

Props – mirror tiles, lights, bay trees, table runners ….

Finally ….think about….you!

Choose a florist you feel you can trust. Once every final detail has been planned you will be able to relax, let go and enjoy your day!!!