Planning ahead

By: Jessica Robinson

I've always been a planner.  I have an excellent memory.  I pretty much can recall every inquiry, the details of that wedding and can tell you from looking at photos the names of our clients and where their wedding was.  Details are so important to us, which is probably why we are so good at what we do!

When planning a wedding, it's a good idea to plan ahead.  Know that during certain times of the year (i.e. Mother's day, May and June, fourth of July weekend, September and November we are crazy busy) dates fill quickly.  Because we only book one or two major events per weekend and we strive to give our clients the utmost perfection as well as elite customer service.  So, call ahead and schedule a consultation with us to at least discuss the initial ideas.  Even if you don't have a clue of what you want, we'll help you figure it all out!

We've been swamped with new inquiries over the last few weeks.  I think as the new year approaches everyone starts to think wedding again.  They are ready to spring clean, take the tree down and get everything in order for their wedding.  I LOVE meeting new couples and having to be challenged to come up with fresh design concepts.  It keeps me on my toes!  I'm thankful that each weekend is something different.  That we're NOT designing the same cookie cutter wedding every weekend!  I LOVE that each wedding is a true representation of each amazing couple we get to work with! 

(above photos by JCF & Jamie Collins Photography) 


A few great questions to ask any wedding floral designer:
How many events do you design per weekend?
Do they exclusively design for weddings and events?
Do they design holiday arrangements?
How many years have you been in business?
Do they have reviews you can see from past clients?  (ask for references)
Do you have business insurance?
How many times can you meet with them prior to the wedding?
Will they design samples of your bouquet and centerpiece/table setting? **Is that an additional charge?
What happens if you (the designer) gets sick or is unable to design the wedding?
What types of flowers are available at the time I'm getting married?
Will the designer deliver and set up on the day of your wedding?
Is there an additional fee for delivery and set up?

**I also find it's helpful that you understand the difference between an event floral designer vs. the traditional florist.  An event floral designer is someone who specializes exclusively in weddings.  They have tremendous experience with weddings and situations that can happen with designing wedding flowers.  Because they are exclusively designing for weddings/events, they many times have more time to devote to you as a client and know other fabulous wedding professionals.  Many times an event floral designer is by appointment only and is more flexible for meeting times.  We, as event floral designers have access to more containers, fancy ribbons and unique rental items.  We can custom create pretty much anything.  You might pay a little more (for their years of experience, customer service and so on), but the fact that you won't have to worry about a single thing is well worth every little penny!

A traditional florist, designs everyday flowers, fruit baskets, funeral flowers, has walk in clients and cash and carry customers.  Their time is focused on everyday happenings of a busy floral shop.  They don't design exclusively for weddings, so they probably haven't designed as many weddings as an event floral designer.  If your wedding falls during a busy time of year, it might get lost amongst the hustle of the rest of the business.  I've found over the years, clients have told us they inquired with their local florist, but after learning they design 8-10 weddings a weekend they got really worried.  What are the chances that you'll get the correct flowers you ordered?

I usually recommend you meet with three different companies.  Compare their pricing, how you click with the designer (it's a working relationship, you need to be happy with who you work with), see which one offers the most creative ideas.  Remember, compare apples to apples.  It's hard to go strictly by pricing, since it's all custom work and you are paying for more than just flowers.  But, remember to compare an event designer to another event designer, not an event designer to an everyday florist.  There is simply no comparison.