On occasion we like to let guest bloggers that have relevant material to the floral industry post here on the Cedar Grove Gardens blog with the intention of keeping the content fresh and new and also from a different perspective. These words by Ayn Bernos, Content Manager for Wedding Favy are sure to enlighten you when you are in the beginning process of planning your big day.

 photo credit Jim Canole Photography

There are people who take flowers for granted, but little do they know, deciding which flowers to have on your special day is hard work, considering the variety of options available in the market. Your favorite flowers may or may not be in season, or it may not be fitting for your chosen theme or venue. This is why coordinating with your wedding florist is so crucial to the successful and beautiful wedding reception of your dreams.

So before anything else, here are five questions to ask your wedding florist:

• Would you be willing to work with our budget?

1. • First off, identify your budget. Be transparent about the kind of spending you’re willing to make, and discuss the terms and conditions with your florist. You must confirm that they will be willing to work within your budget to avoid any miscommunication down the road.
   • Additionally, your florist may have more and/or extra services, such as partnerships with other vendors and wedding coordinators. The wedding industry is a small circle after all, and you can always use this to your advantage.

• What’s your specialty?

1. • If you still have not decided on a theme and the flowers, relying on your florist’s expertise might just make it easier for you. They certainly have experienced various wedding events that required different designs, arrangements, and motifs. Moreover, they might also give you a fresher take on what suits you more as a bride. Which leads us to the next inquiry…

• Is there a compilation of your previous projects and sample arrangements?

1. • If you don’t already have an image in mind, why not try checking your florist’s portfolio and events from the past? It will give you the idea whether or not your vision for your wedding and their style match. In any case they don’t, you could start compromising and make the necessary adjustments to achieve your desired arrangement.

• Do you accept more than one wedding on the same day?

1. • Expectation management is always key to a good working relationship. Clarify the scope of work beforehand so you can keep track of how things are going to work out on the big day. Are they simply dropping the flowers off? Or are they setting up flowers at the venue? If that’s the case and they’re handling another wedding on the same day, would they have enough manpower to deliver the services they promised? Just some things to ponder upon.

• Have you had an event at our wedding site? Are you familiar with the place?

1. • Your florist may or may not have had projects at your wedding site. While that shouldn’t be a major consideration for selecting your vendor, such information would still help as your florist might be able to estimate and make the necessary adjustments according to your design agreement. Familiarity, in this case, is a bonus, since your florist already knows the measurements and ambiance of the place. Otherwise, be sure to take extra steps to fill this info gap! Show pictures, schedule a visit — those kinds of things. At the end of the day, the flowers and the quality of service are the top priorities.

Author Bio

Ayn Bernos is a writer, a Youtuber, and an advocate of happily ever afters. As a real life bride-to-be and the Content Manager for Wedding Favy, an online haven for themed and personalized wedding favors, she spends her days living and breathing wedding celebrations. She loves to write about all things bridal — from fun bachelorettes and intimate vows, to catering expenses and stationery ideas.