One of the items in the bride and groom's to do list is to make an appointment with the florist. Basically, it is to discuss what the arrangements will be, how much it will cost and what options you have. Ideally, there are two instances when you have to meet with a florist. First, you have to meet with more than one florist to see what they can provide you, how competent they could be and how much they might be charging. Then when you already have a bunch of florists in your list, pick and choose the one that you think would be able to give you the service that you want.
In both occasions, you should always be ready with questions and ideas.
KNOW WHAT YOU WANT
You should already have an insight of what floral requirements and arrangements that you want to see and have in your wedding. Remember that it is your wedding and you are paying for it, so you can sketch out what you want and get it. Having an idea of what you want before going to the florist would allow an easier task of narrowing down your wide list of florists to the few that you think could put your idea into reality.
Tell the florist:
a. The type of flower or flowers that you want to use
b. The colors that you have in mind
c. The type of floral arrangements you want to see in the ceremony and reception venues
d. The style and kind of arrangement you want to see in your bouquet, the posies, the boutonniere, flower girl's flower basket, corsage and the likes.
e. The date and time of the wedding and when you are planning to pick up or inspect all the things that you have ordered.
RESEARCH
Not every single person (not even every woman) is into flowers or knows what flower is what. It would be good to do your research as well.
Some places where you can pick ideas from are:
a. Bridal websites
b. Bridal Expos (if there is a current one in your area)
c. Friends or family members who just got married or still remembers their wedding planning days
d. Bridal Magazines
e. Flower shops
An additional thing that you can do is waltz in to several bridal flower shops (without talking to the florist). Just look around.
ORGANIZE YOUR THOUGHTS
Make a list of questions that you want to ask the florist. This would allow you to be organized and lessen the risk of leaving out any unanswered questions.
Possible set of questions that you have are (that is, after you tell them what you have in mind):
a. Are my ideas doable?
b. Would you be able to accommodate me to the schedule that I proposed?
c. How much will it cost me?
d. Would you be able to provide the flowers that I want in my arrangements?
e. Is there a package or discount that you can offer me?
LISTEN TO SUGGESTIONS
Being the "experts" that they are with floral arrangements and the various portfolios of arrangements that they would present you, there is a possibility that you could be distracted from the idea that you already have in mind. But then again, don't close your mind from their suggestions. After all, flowers are their expertise and you would only want the best for your wedding.
ASK FOR VISUALS
Floral arrangement is something that is tangible. Therefore, it is just proper that whatever your florist can speak about they should be able to show. They could go on and on saying that they've arranged something like this and that but always keep in mind that pictures are sometimes deceiving.
Obviously the best place to meet your florist is in their shop where all the flowers are. I bet they wouldn't mind you ask for some samples that you can have a look. And when I say samples, I don't mean pictures. I bet it would be alright for you to walk around the store and see the different arrangements that they have in display. Perhaps, you could also push a bit further and ask for a simple arrangement be done in front of you.
BOTTOM-LINE
Your willingness to ask questions and throw ideas with your florist can make or break how your wedding floral arrangement would fair. Nevertheless, keep in mind that an astounding bridal floral arrangement doesn't necessarily means expensive. With the right florist and heaps of imagination you can never go wrong.