Questions to Ask a Wedding Florist
If you're reading this, I'm guessing you have been searching for a florist, comparing reviews, looking at websites, and booking calls. But how do you prepare for an initial meeting with a florist? How do you know what questions to ask a wedding florist? What should you make sure you cover? And what do you need to know before moving forward? Today, I want to help you know exactly what questions to ask a wedding florist. Of course, some of these questions are part of your homework, as a way to prep for your meetings. Other questions you may need to ask each wedding florist directly. However, we make sure to cover all of this with our clients before moving forward with booking.
Before the Initial Meeting
Your first set of questions to ask a wedding florist can usually be answered by researching online. Before your initial meeting, you should get very familiar with your florist's portfolio, reviews, and overall aesthetic. You can find this info on their website, review sites like The Knot and WeddingWire, and on social media like Instagram.
- What kind of work are they putting out into the world or promoting?
- Do they care about sustainability?
- Can you trust them to execute your vision?
- What are other couples saying about what it's like to work with them?
These are all REALLY important questions, but only you will be able to tell whether they seem like a good fit for you. So please, do a little homework so that you know - before ever meeting - that you feel good about moving forward. If you don't like what they are all about, don't waste your time meeting with them!
Make Sure You Click
First, my biggest tip: use the first meeting to make sure you "click" with your florist! When you choose vendors for your wedding, you are building a team. Essentially, you are "interviewing" people who will make your wedding day a smashing success. For this reason, making sure y'all are on the same page is so crucial! For example, you should feel like your concerns are being heard by your potential florist, and that they have your back. It should be a fun and exciting process, where you can bounce ideas off of each other and talk candidly. We do this work because we are excited to bring your vision to life! Naturally, if you are not feeling those vibes, you should keep looking.
Ask About the Experience
We often work with our clients for more than a year during the wedding planning process. So, make sure you understand what to expect when working together. Fundamentally, is this person someone you will enjoy working with, even in stressful moments? Here are some questions to ask a wedding florist to understand whether this will be a good working relationship:
- How does this florist like to work with their clients?
- What communication methods do they like to use?
- Do they have a specific process that you will go through, so you know what to expect in every stage?
- Who are their favorite clients to work with?
- What is their favorite floral style to work with?
- Are these answers aligned with what YOU want?
Ask About the Details
In addition, you should ask a wedding florist about the more logistical details. These questions might include special requests, what to expect when they send a proposal, or how to get more clarification. However, no two florists structure their proposals the exact same way. This is especially true for things like setup, delivery, and teardown. To know what you're getting, you'll need to dig a little deeper! Here are some questions to ask a wedding florist about the details and next steps:
- Can they honor any special requests you have? (For example: specific flower choices, taking flowers home, or donating them?)
- Do they offer rentals or other services besides florals?
- Will delivery, setup, teardown, and rental dropoff/pick-up be included in your proposal?
- Are there limitations on contract changes, additional meetings, or other extras?
- What is required to hold your date?
- Do they have a minimum? What do couples typically invest for their services?
- What does a typical payment schedule look like?
- What are the next steps?
Three Dealbreaker Questions
Lastly, I want to share three questions to ask a wedding florist that might be deal-breakers. Imagine this: your initial meeting is going wonderfully, every question ticks your boxes, and you are basically ready to book. But one of these questions might reveal that this is NOT the person you want working for you! Here are the three dealbreaker questions to ask a wedding florist:
- Have you worked an event at my venue before? (If not: will they do a site visit? How else will they prepare?)
- Have you worked with my wedding planner before? (If so: did they enjoy doing so? You want a good working relationship there!)
- Will my wedding be the only wedding you do that weekend? (If not: is your wedding being handed off to another team member? Who will be onsite supervising at your wedding?)
These three questions might be dealbreakers for you, or not. But you deserve to have transparency about your florist's expertise and level of effort.
I hope this has been a helpful post! As always, post in the comments if you have other questions we can help answer. Finally, if you are currently looking for a wedding florist, in Seattle or for a destination wedding, you can inquire below!