by Heidi Delane

Created on: July 04, 2008

Meeting with and choosing a florist for your wedding day is an important and sometimes stressful event. In order to make the choice easier for everyone involved, there are three major points to consider. It is your responsibility as the bride to be clear in your wants and needs, and the florist's responsibility to deliver the beautiful arrangements based on your vision.

You should plan to visit three florists and ask to see their portfolios during the meeting. If you like what you have seen in their book, ask for a couple of references. You will call these later. Begin tearing out photos of arrangements that you like and keep them in a scrapbook or envelope. Bring your top picks to the meeting in order to take the pressure off the designer to read your mind. There is nothing more frustrating than a bride who does not know what she wants and then changes her mind a dozen times prior to the wedding date.

Remember these three steps to make your decision a breeze!

First, pay attention to personality. Do you feel at ease with the florist? Do you have a good rapport and are able to communicate well? Does he or she "get" you? Then make certain that he/she will be the person you are working with. Sometimes larger florists will outsource to less experienced staffers once the wedding is booked. Be clear that you expect the person you are meeting with to follow the wedding through personally.

Once you feel comfortable with the florist, the second item to convey is your personal taste. Your wedding flowers should be a reflection of your personality. Assuming you have already chosen your wedding gown, take a photo with you to each florist you visit. A photo of your gown speaks volumes to designers regarding your personal taste and the overall style of the ceremony. Additionally, the flowers will need to work with your gown and general theme of the wedding and reception. It is also a good idea to take swatches of your bridesmaid gowns, or in a pinch, go to a home supply store and pick a paint swatch closest to your wedding colors for reference.

Thirdly, it is important to have a budget in place. Always set a budget with about 15-20% "padding" allowed for unforeseen circumstances. You should know that you may have to sacrifice certain flowers that are in or out of season depending on your location and time of year. Shipping costs may be passed along to you with exotic or specialty blooms. You may choose to use ribbon or filler flowers in lieu of some of the more expensive blooms. There are many alternatives to introduce color and flow to a bouquet without going over budget. Ask your designer for suggestions.

Overall, as with most business relationships, it is important to feel confident in the skills of the person that you hire, and to feel that they listen, understand and will fulfill your desires. You can afford the flowers you want for your wedding if you are working with a professional who is able to accommodate any budget and any design. Most florists will accept the challenge and want to exceed your expectations. Ask for a photo of similar designs the florist has created, and alter based on the photo. Try not to micromanage, but you should have the ultimate say. After all, you are the bride!

Learn more about this author, Heidi Delane.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.