8 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF BEFORE BOOKING A FLORIST

My goodness! There seems to be so much discrepancies around the cost of wedding flowers. How many times have you heard and read  comments such as:
"as soon as you mention wedding the price doubles"
"negotiate with the florist on the price of your wedding flowers",
"this is how to d.i.y your wedding bouquet and cut the cost of your arrangements"

The impression we are left with is that wedding florist tend to rip you off and you can really get what you want for so much less or even do it yourself for a fraction of the cost.

So as you consider ordering  flowers for your wedding, I suggest you ask yourself the following:

1 WHY DO I WANT THAT BOUQUET?

• People are going to notice two things, your wedding dress and your bridal bouquet. You want them to make you look fantastic. You have seen a bouquet or have imagined just what it looks like.
• Does the shape compliment the style of your dress or your stature?
• Do you know how much a fifty rose bouquet actually weighs?
• Do you realise that those orchids will need to be imported from Japan and they are not in season?

2 WHY DO I WANT THOSE ARRANGEMENTS?

• Your venue holds twenty tables and you want two tall arrangements and chandeliers covered in flowers with candles per table. They looked spectacular when you attended a wedding at the same venue.
• Did you realise that you could cut the cost by reducing the number of tall arrangements to one per table and alternating tall and low arrangements?
• Similarly, tea lights along the tables could give a beautiful, magical effect, creating the ambience that you think only a central chandelier can achieve.

3 WHY DO I WANT THOSE FLOWERS?

• The bouquets and arrangements in the photos use specific flowers and those are the same ones you have set you mind on using.
• Do you know that some flowers look very similar but don't cost the same?
• If a particular flower is out of season, it may be unavailable or have to be imported.
• Some foliage, such as Dusty Miller, which appear in a lot of bouquets on Pinterest, are far more expensive than flowers.

4 WHY DO I WANT THAT PROP?

• A temporary wooden archway covered in flowers has become associated with many outdoor wedding ceremonies. Large urns flanking the entrance to the church overflowing with large hydrangea heads and garden roses is another popular floral display for many weddings.
• Does the floral props you want to use fit your theme?
• Can the same props be transported and use to decorate the entrance to your reception venue?
• Will those props be able to withstand adverse weather such as strong wind or snow?

5 WHY DO I WANT TO D.I.Y?

• The bridal magazine and blogs have some great tips and easy to follow photos for creating a wedding bouquet, boutonniere and jam jar table arrangements.
• Do you have the time and access to a flower market to get the best price?
• When will you prepare them?
• Do you have a team to help or do you plan to do the job with your mum the day before the wedding?

6 WHY DO I WANT THOSE PLACE SETTINGS?

• The wedding table scape looks gorgeous with an orchid on each plate and the menu completed in calligraphy.
• How will you keep the flowers looking fresh till the reception?
• Are there flowers that last longer out of water than others?
• Would it be better to use foliage rather than fresh flowers?

7 WHY DO I WANT FRESH FLOWERS?

• For some brides the attitude to flowers is similar to Marmite. Some would never use silk flowers and others view fresh flowers as unnecessary drain on their wedding budget.
• Flowers are a wonderful accessory to your wedding. They create ambience, add beauty and compliments the regalia of the wedding party.
• No one can take away the beauty of fresh flowers.
• Neither can the advantage of faux flowers be dismissed, especially where the weather plays an important role.

8 WHY DO I THINK MY WEDDING FLOWERS ARE TOO EXPENSIVE?

• Your wedding flowers like all the other elements of your wedding are negotiable.
• You both decide on the necessity and budget.
• If you have followed your commitment to a wedding theme or overall vision, then you will know whether you want flowers, if you prefer fresh, faux or a mix of both and if employing a professional florist is among your choice of vendors.
• Let your florist offer advice and guidance in regards to flower choice, seasonal variations, getting the best from different types of arrangements and displays.
• Aim to come up with a cohesive vision and clear plan to achieve a wedding decorated beautifully with flowers.
• Staying open-minded and flexible will enable you to find  the best solution and alternatives where you have budget and other constraints.
  
• Remember the choice between fresh and faux is not primarily cost but preference and the pros and cons of each type.
  

As with most things, there are no hard and fast rules and by keeping the end result in mind, you can achieve your vision.