FLORISTS AND FLOWER TIPS
EVENT PLANNING HOME
FLORISTS AND FLOWER TIPS
WHEN TO START LOOKING
If your needs are minimal there is no need to start looking far in advance.
However, if you are in need of a number of bouquets, table centerpieces, and the
like or if your event will be held during a high flower demand month you will want to
select a florist well in advance of your event since depending upon the size of the
florist there is a limit to the number of events a florist can effectively service.
Due to fluctuating flower prices you may be able to save a significant amount of money by
selecting your florist and placing your order in advance as well.
WHERE TO START LOOKING
Recommendations from friends, relatives and associates are usually a good place
to start. Additional resources can be found in your local yellow pages, in local
special event publications and on the Internet.
HOW TO START LOOKING
First determine what you need relative to approximate sizes and numbers of items and their
general appearance. Clip examples from magazines or other publications if the design
strikes your fancy. Also carefully consider the colors of your event and the dominate
colors in the facility, i.e. carpet color, wall color, etc. where the floral arrangements
will be displayed. It is also advisable to have a good idea of what you want to
spend or can afford to spend on the project. Then make a list of local florists to visit
and call them in advance to make an appointment.
SELECTING A FLORIST
Price, quality and service should be the determining factors when selecting a
florist. Keep this in mind when visiting each florist. Most florists will have
sample books that will help you make your general selection relative to size and color
much easier. Some florists have photos of their completed work while others have stock
photos provided by associations. Don't assume that what you see in a stock photo is
exactly what you are going to get since the level of artistry varies between floral
designers. It is much better if you can look at photos of their work. When speaking to a
representative from a floral company be sure you are speaking to a designer rather than a
salesperson. A designer can usually give you creative alternatives relative to
appearance and price while a salesperson may not have the practical experience to do so.
The Visit
Be sure to take along something to take notes with, the list of the items that you need
designed, photo examples of designs you have seen and liked and samples of colored
materials, i.e. table cloth, skirting, dress fabric, etc. to help with color decisions.
When visiting the florist, look carefully at the items in their display cases. If the items in the display cases look fresh and of good quality it is usually a good indication that they take pride in providing a quality product. On the other hand, if the flowers look wilted or damaged it may be a really good indication that you need to look elsewhere. Also look at the floral arrangements to see if they appear attractive and tasteful. If the composition of the arrangements do not appeal to you it may be possible that the florist has a style that will not fulfill your expectations.
Ask to see photo examples of their work so you can get a feel for their design style. Provided the examples of their work meets with your expectations, breakout your list and the material color samples and explain what you are looking for. Tell the designer about the type of event, the type of mood you want to set, the colors and other factors that may affect the type of flowers used. Since flowers are relatively fragile and some weather much better than others be sure to explain any special temperature conditions that may affect the flower selection. For example, an event held in a tent in potentially hot and humid weather will require a different flower selection than an event held in an air conditioned facility.
SMART QUESTIONS
Following are examples of questions you may want to ask the florist during your
visit...
Is the person you are speaking to the designer who would be supervising the design of your floral items? If not, it is advisable to request to speak with that person so you can get a true feel for the experience level of the designer.
How many larger events does the florist do annually?
Does the florist have any recent client references or letters of recommendation?
If a summer event - Do they have refrigerated delivery vehicles? This can be really important.
Does the florist actually place the floral items where they belong when they are delivered? Some do the actual placement and "touching up" of flower arrangements while others simply deliver door to door and leave the actual placement up to you.
What costs are involved and what do the costs include? Are delivery charges included? Is there a gratuity involved?
If you are planning on ordering seasonal or exotic flowers - What happens if there is a flower shortage on the specific type of flower you order? Do they substitute? If so, what will be substituted and what will the cost be?
If the cost per item is too high - Can they recommend less expensive alternatives?
THE CONTRACT
There should be an agreement outlining what you ordered, what you are being
charged for and how you are being charged. In addition, the agreement should also
indicate the name of the specific floral designer, delivery locations and times, and
anything else you discussed with the florist that you want included in the agreement. If
you want to get extremely detailed and drive the florist nuts, you can even list the
number of each type of flower in each type of arrangement and put that in the contract
too. (I would! Heck, I would even attach photos of the arrangements if picked from a
sample book.) Since it is possible that designers may change between now and the date of
your event, the more you have in writing now means the less possibility that something
will be misunderstood then.
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