Wedding Florist Shopping Tips

Before you can choose a florist, gather the following information to take with you to your appointment:

• the time of the wedding
• the location of the wedding
• any restrictions that your ceremony and/or reception site may have
• the color scheme of the wedding
• a picture of your gown
• a picture of a bridesmaids dress
• a swatch of fabric from the bridesmaids dress
• magazine photos of flowers and bouquets that you like

How Do I Find A Florist?

Get Recommendations From Everyone
You can find lists of local florists through this Web site and many others on the Internet. You can also look in local wedding magazines for recommendations. In addition to checking these options, ask for recommendations from your married friends and other wedding professionals such as your reception hall.

How Many Florists Should I Meet With?

As Many As It Takes...
First, choose the two or three florists that have been given the highest praise from your friends, other brides and wedding pros. Call each florist to find out if they are available for the time and date of your wedding.

If the florist is available, schedule an appointment - and don't forget to ask if they charge a consulting fee before you hang up the phone. Plan to meet with the florist for at least an hour - you want to be sure to allow enough time to ask a lot of questions, look through portfolios and see as many samples as possible.

If you don't like (or can't afford) any of the first three florists that you meet, go to your list of recommendations and start over with the next most highly recommended florists.

Portions of this article were reprinted with permission from BRIDAL BARGAINS by Denise & Alan Fields (Copyright 2000, Windsor Peak Press, 5th edition, $14.95). Available in bookstores nationwide or online here. For more information, please see the Fields web page at www.BridalBargainsBook.com.