Finding a Florist You Love (And Who Loves You Back)

What do you think are the two most common factors for choosing a florist? Referrals and location, right? But while these are important aspects to consider when planning a wedding or other event, don’t make the mistake of basing your decision solely on them! For events in your life, from big to small, be certain that you have confidence in the designer of your florals.

The flower shop closest to your venue may be able to get there in five minutes, but that doesn’t mean their flowers will be top quality. And your mother-in-law may want an exclusive name to impress her friends, but why let her visions of cascading orchids trump your dream of buckets of wildflowers?

So what’s the most important factor? Communication! Don’t you just want someone you can talk to?  Sure, they should have good reviews and a strong track record in the style you like. But after that, pick a florist who “gets” you!   

"Barbara spent a considerable amount of time with us during our first meeting. We reviewed the questionnaire she had asked us to fill out and made notes about what flowers we needed to avoid (lavender gives me a headache) and which we were really drawn to (herbs turned out to be a really great addition). If you're having a rustic chic wedding I highly recommend working with Derby Farm - although I'm sure they'd also do a great job with traditional arrangements too because they really listen to their clients."

That personal fit will be worth every extra minute or dollar you might spend and will most likely save you time and money in the long run. Then get the first meeting off on the right foot by coming prepared:

• Bring pictures of flowers you like, as well as swatches or pictures of preferred colors, fabrics, or decorations being used. 
• Think about your overall vision. Will it be rustic and fun? Vintage and cool? Modern and sophisticated?  

Photo: Ashley O'Dell Photography

• Focus on seasonal flowers. Many of the flower arrangements on the Web are from photo shoots, not from real events, so they often include flowers that are not in season at the same time. For example, a mix of peonies and dahlias would be tough because peonies are spring flowers, and dahlias bloom in fall. 
• Choosing seasonal flowers will often be less expensive and can give your florist a greater selection and often the best quality, too.
•  Ask your florist for a wedding planning worksheet that you can fill out before meeting. This will help you think through many details, such as the number of pieces you’ll need and the relative sizes of different arrangements and bouquets. 
• Be aware that you will pay delivery costs, but that doesn’t mean that you should choose a florist based solely on proximity to your event location. For one thing, you will be meeting with the florist one or more times before the event, and the cost of your time might offset the price of a distant delivery. At Derby Farm, we have delivered event flowers up to two hours away. It’s worth it to us to work with clients who love our work! 
• Don't be shy about asking questions. Part of communication is the back and forth to be sure you get what you want. Don't be disheartened or think that you’re asking too much if the florist doesn’t get back to you immediately. During wedding season, florists will have several jam-packed days in a row followed by a quieter time when they can return your calls. 

"We have been talking about how amazing your flowers were!

In us you have customers for life."

Working with a florist should be part of the pleasure and excitement of planning your big day, not another stress factor. Choose wisely and let the fun begin!

-Sara McCabe