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Floral Tips
Do you have any tips for choosing the best florist?
Try to visit at least 2 or 3 different floral shops. Ask for estimates and
pictures of actual events. And of course, recommendations from your friends are
always good.
How do I know my florist will deliver what I ask for?
1-Bring as many samples as you can. If you have time, cut out pictures of
arrangements and color schemes from magazines.
2- Bring swatches of the bridesmaids and mothers outfits to make positive that
the bouquets and corsages match. A picture of the bridal gown can also be a big
help.
3- Get a written proposal of exactly what flowers your getting, and how they are
going to be used.
Are There any hidden costs?
Some florists charge an hourly fee for setting up on your wedding day and others
charge a percentage for delivery, removal and installation. Ask your florist
what their fees are.
Another hidden cost could be the amount of time that the
florist stays at your wedding. For example, if they stay to pin the corsages and
boutonnieres on your wedding party.� Make sure you know how much they charge for
their time.
Do I need a� contract?
Yes...Make sure your contract spells out absolutely everything your paying for.
Check that the Date, Time�and Places are correct. Also, if you make changes at
any time prior to your wedding, make sure they are reflected in your contract.
How do I know if a florist is good?
Ask to see pictures otherwise you'll have no idea.
Also here are some other helpful questions to ask...
1- Do you use Plastic Bouquet Holders? These are very cheap looking and not very
elegant. If your florist uses these, they might not be appropriate florist for
your wedding. (A special note--Flowers sometimes fall out of these plastic
holders!) A Gorgeous bouquet should always be wrapped with ribbon, in my
opinion.
2- How many different designs can you create? This might seem like an absurd
question to ask a florist, however, you'd be surprised how many "typical,
cookie-cutter" florists there are. If you want a unique and personalized touch,
make sure you explain that.
How creative can I get with flowers for my wedding?
As creative as you dare. Nowadays, There are no rules. Do as much as you feel
comfortable with. Here are some ideas you might want to approach your florist
with...
1- Try using fruits and vegetables mixed with flowers for
arrangements. They can make very colorful and creative centerpieces especially
for buffet tables.
2-Cover an entire basket with flowers and lay party favors or cookies in it.
3-Instead of glass vases, try using terra cotta pots, ceramic pottery, unique
teapots or even your families best silver or china bowls.� Mix and match, use a
different "container" for each table.
Just remember, you are limited only by your imagination!
If I make fresh flower arrangements myself, how many
days in advance do I need?
2-3 Days before your wedding day. You'll need at least a day to pre-condition
them and depending on the size of your wedding, will determine how many hours
you'll need to create your arrangements. A good rule of thumb is to allow at
least a 1/2 for each table arrangement creation.
Make sure you have at least one of your wedding party
members helping you. Making your own fresh flower arrangements can be a huge
undertaking because you have to prepare them so close to your wedding day.
A helpful hint to calm your nerves...try planning a
working sleep-over for your bridal party. You'd be amazed at how much fun you
can have.
If I make fresh flower arrangements myself, how do I
prepare them?
Once you have your flowers home, prepare the water first. In large plastic tubs
(do no use metal containers), mix a solution of 1/2 bottled water and 1/2 tap
water with the appropriate amount of floralife. Make sure this sits for an hour
before you place your flowers in it. Then prepare your flowers.
Cut the stems at an angle under 1/2" of water. Remove
thorns from your roses and rid any unwanted leaves. Make sure you get rid of any
leaves towards the bottoms of the stems--you don't want them sitting in water.
Once your flowers are prepared, place them in the
floralife solution and store them in a dark, cool place (no direct sunlight) for
at least 6 hours or overnight.� Your flowers are then ready to arrange.
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