Whether it was for a gift or for yourself, you’ve most likely purchased flowers in the past. But probably didn’t have to many questions when you did so. However, purchasing flowers for your wedding there are more details that you need to consider.
In this episode, we have Andie Muller of Events by The Flower Studio to go over the top questions you need to ask your wedding florist and why they are so important.
Andie is the owner of Events by The Flower Studio and named a Master Floral Designer by the Florida State Florist Association. She takes prides in creating beautiful arrangements for her couples but also educating them to help them make the right decisions for their weddings.
Are you available for my date?
This may seem like an obvious question. Often couples inquire requesting information for flowers for their wedding without providing their wedding date.
This is so important because many florists will only book one wedding per day/weekend. If the florist is not taking any other weddings for your date, there is no point in continuing a conversation for their services. Many times, however, the wedding florist will recommend other local florists that may be available on your date.
Do you have a Plan B plan in case it’s needed?
Sometimes weddings do not go as planned. In many cases, this is due to weather so a backup plan is always needed. Your wedding Plan B should be discussed with your venue and wedding planner prior to your wedding but also with your wedding florist. This is because they will have other logistics that need to be considered before the wedding day.
Do you have a minimum to provide services?
Many florists do require you to spend a minimum amount on your wedding flowers in order to take you as a client. If you are looking to elope and only want a wedding bouquet, a florist with a $2,000 minimum isn’t going to be a good fit.
When you go to inquire, let the florist know exactly what you are wanting. This way they can get a better idea of if you will meet the minimum so they don’t waste your time.
Do you provide setup and breakdown if needed? Is there a fee?
When it comes to booking a florist you are not only paying for the flowers. You are also paying for their time. This means if they need to set up and breakdown your florals there will be an additional fee that is added. These fees will be in your contract but make sure that you thoroughly understand what you are paying for prior to signing the contract.
Do you offer a payment plan?
Depending on the amount that you spend on your wedding flowers, some florists might offer a payment plan. Regardless if a payment plan is offered, they will most likely require a retainer to hold your wedding date. Again, all of this will be listed in your contract. Each wedding florist, well every wedding vendor for that matter, do their payments differently. You want to understand your payment plan prior to signing.
What is your policy about postponing or if we have to cancel the wedding?
Prior to 2020, all wedding vendors had in their contracts the procedures/fees if a wedding had to be postponed or canceled, which thankfully was rarely used. With the number of weddings that were canceled or postponed numerous times in 2020, wedding vendors have tightened up these policies in their contracts.
It is important to understand that a wedding florist is a little different when it comes to postponing or canceling due to the fact that flowers are perishable. If your wedding flowers have already been ordered, almost always you will be required to pay for them whether you are having a wedding or not.
Does your company has liability insurance?
Liability insurance is a must for all wedding pros. So much so, that most wedding venues will not allow a vendor to work at the venue without it. Asking this upfront prevents any surprises closer to the wedding. Insurance is the cost of doing business for a wedding pro. However, it also shows you that they are a professional and are willing to invest in their business to give you the best service.
