10 Questions to Ask A Wedding Florist | Love & Sex

The right wedding florist can transform your space into the romantic vision you have dreamed of since you were a little girl (No Pressure!). So how do you select a florist, let alone, the best florist for your perfect day? For the wedding-savvy woman, this particular task might be the easiest on the list—easier than finding the one-in-a-million dress or the photographer to capture it at your best angle. However, for the rest of us wedding-challenged-women, finding THE wedding florist can make us crawl into bed, pull the covers over our heads, and hibernate until our fairy godmother appears to ease our frantic minds.

Although no wand-wielder, Anja Winikka, the Senior Editor at The Knot, works her magic for brides everyday. She says before you dive in,  you need to do your homework. First, research and locate the wedding flower shops in your area. Once you have selected a few options, call and make appointments to go visit. This is your opportunity to make sure that the florist is someone you will feel comfortable with, so be sure to ask questions!

Here are her 10 KEY SUGGESTIONS for things to consider ---and questions to ask--- to make sure you hire the right florist for you. 

1. Who will actually CREATE the arrangements? How many other weddings will the florist be working on around your wedding date?

2. Has the florist done any events at your venue before? It is important that the florist be familiar with the type of venue (interior designs, space, temperature, etc.), so that he or she can craft your vision to perfection.

3. How many weddings has the florist done? Can she provide you with photos of past weddings she's done? You should have an idea of what types of arrangements  she can create.

4. Will the florist drop off or pick up from your wedding?

5. Ask if the florist has the option of shopping a wholesale market nearby where he  can examine each bunch of flowers and choose just the right one. Most local flower shops in small towns and cities are required to pre-order all of their flowers unseen.  Does the florist have the ability to call a wholesaler with last minute requests and have them delivered within a few hours?

6. Can the florist provide flower alternatives (in your price range) should a specific bloom be unavailable on your wedding day? Make sure to include unacceptable substitutions, if you have any, so as to prevent any surprises on D-Day.

7. Will the florist supply the centerpiece vases, trellises, and/or other accessories?

8. Is the florist willing to coordinate with your other wedding vendors? You may want to add fresh flowers to your cake. Make sure to ask the florist, if she would be willing to work with your cake designer.

9. Make sure to ask about the “DAY of” flower delivery. Does the florist provide the transportation if needed to move the flowers from the ceremony to the reception? Does he charge extra for home deliveries of bouquets and boutonnieres, if you wish to have them at home and not at the ceremony site?

10. Make sure you have all payments straightened out before your wedding day. Does the florist charge overtime? How much? Will she provide and itemize the flower arrangements you are buying (bouquets to centerpieces) with exact names, amounts, and colors? Does she offer a payment plan? Before signing, ASK about their CANCELLATION/REFUND policy!