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When selecting a floral
designer for a wedding or
special event, meet with at least three florists
and do your homework before your meeting. Provide
as much information as you can. Be prepared to
discuss your ideas, details about the event, color
schemes,
flowers that you love, (and any you hate), as well
as your budget, etc. Bring along any photos that
you have of your dress, the bridesmaids' dresses
and any floral designs you like. With this information,
a good florist should have a clear idea of the
event and floral designs, and be able to provide
a detailed
cost estimate.
Even when you've provided all the information that
you can, comparing cost estimates may prove difficult.
A true "roses to roses" comparison may
not be possible, since each designer will have their
own vision of what they will provide, and some designers
provide more detailed cost estimates than others.
In order to help sort through the proposals and select
a floral designer, consider the following:
- Was the florist willing to spend the time you
required during your initial consultation?
- Was
he/she professional, prompt, and courteous?
- Did
he/she listen to your ideas?
- Did he/she "get
it"? And did he/she
make suggestions that you liked?
- Was he/she
knowledgeable, for instance did he/she suggest
which flowers would
be in
season?
- Did he/she have a portfolio of
flowers that you loved? If you didn't like anything
you
saw in their portfolio,
chances are you will not like what
you see on the day of your event!
- Were the photos
of the designer's actual work?
- Were they willing
to work within your budget?
- Were they able to
provide references?
- Were they familiar with your
event site, and/or willing to visit
it prior to your
event?
- Did they provide you
with a detailed cost estimate and
contract?
- Are they able to
provide all of the services that
you require?
For instance,
can they
provide linen
rentals, arches, urns,
etc.?
- Will the person that you
met with be your contact
(and designer)
throughout the entire
process?
- Will your florist
deliver and set up the flowers?
Or, do
they use
an outside
delivery
service?
- How many events
will the florist book on
the day/weekend
of
your wedding?
- Did
you enjoy speaking with him/her, and
would you feel
comfortable
working with
them?
Thinking through these questions should help you
to select a floral designer that will create the
look you wish to achieve, while working within your
budget and providing professional service.
By Karla Ramirez
Owner, Karla
Ramirez Floral Design, Wilton, CT Karla is the owner of Karla
Ramirez Floral Design,
a floral design studio offering distinctive flowers
exclusively for weddings and special events, serving
Connecticut and Westchester County, NY.
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