YAY! You've found a florist that meets your design preference, and can bring your flower vision to life on your special day. Before planning is in full-effect, prevent mis-communication from asking these key questions:
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Do you provide anything other than flowers?
Some florists will rent candles or other decor and some don't.. We don't have "packages" for floral listings, as each couple dreams of a unique flower vision. But we do have a full-service or drop-off package. In addition to our available pieces for renting. This list is ever growing, as our workshop space increases. However, popular items like mini-bud vases, floating candles, sweetheart vases and traditional cylinder pieces we rent out.
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Do you have an exclusivity agreement in your contract?
About half of event florist have in their contract that if you hire them for your event you can't have anyone else bringing in other flowers. This protects their image, reputation, and time. SO if you're planning on doing half DIY or having Aunt Betty do your bouquet and the florist doing the rest, you'll want to be upfront about this.
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What is the delivery charge and can I skip that by picking up my flowers?
For smaller weddings that don't have any arrangements that need to be installed on site (ie an arch, chandelier or complex sweetheart table) you may be able to skip the delivery fee by having someone pick them up. Keep in mind, while your party is planning a timeline and intends on being prepared by picking them up "early" -Arrangements are made hours before the delivery time, with hours of work. So picking up two days before or earlier than intended may not be the safest option. Especially if they'll be placed in a room temperature house all night, It might be safer to have the florist keep them in their care.
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Am I renting these vases from you or can I give them to guests after the party?
Most florists rent out their vases with the expectation of giving them back at the end of the night or future set-up plan. If you haven't set up an agreement to take home or purchase, you could get fined for taking the vases. When booking with us, Our Proposal and agreement will outline all expectations and items provided/rented.
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About how long do you anticipate needing to set up before the ceremony?
Please please please make sure you've rented out your venue space long enough to give your florist time to set up that big arch and 20 centerpieces. Having your venue open to them 1 hour before people arrive is not enough time for design and clean up. Especially since florists design the tablescape after the Caterer has the room and napkins set.
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Determine if your booking a full-service florist or drop-off style..
The agreement outlining services with your florist should professionally include all the details, rented items, as well as items not included. Discuss with your Caterer the tablescape design (ie, floating candles and weaving votives or linens) as this mis-communication can be a disaster the day of. While your vendors are setting up, Your friends and family will be arriving, your party will be getting dressed and enjoying photos. Full-service packages often include setting up any additional decor left with the venue staff or coordinator to accomplish your intended table centerpiece designs. However, the Caterer crew is typically busy laying down hundreds of napkins and cutlery while setting the floor with tables or chairs for the florist to begin designing. Our full-service packages include venue visits, a set-up window for designs, tablescape design, and all the associated between delivery, set-up and clean-up discussed.
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Do you need extra blooms for those extra special details on this once-in-a-lifetime moment?
Whether your party is designing loose florals onto the cake, or you'd like flowers for the photographer when capturing intimate details between your stationary and rings. This is a must to ask and definitely worth the added dollars!