Party Pros: 10 Questions to Ask Florists

Want to say it with flowers? Lock in your floral designer early in the party-planning. You'll want a designer who is gifted, knowledgeable, and agreeable. Most importantly, your florist should delight in providing you with the most beautiful flowers your budget can handle. Be sure to check with the local Better Business Bureau before hiring. Here are the questions you need to ask potential florists:

(1) What is the florist's design philosophy? Minimal? Traditional? Elegant? Edgy and modern? Florists love explaining their artistic sensibilities -- the styles they love, their favorite flowers, the palettes they adore. Do the florist's views fit with your own ideas?

(2) Does the florist's style -- and the overall look of the shop -- match yours? (This is common sense. Go with your gut.)

(3) Can you see photographs or live examples of past work? (Real arrangements will give you a better sense of the florist's abilities than photos -- especially photos that aren't of the florist's actual work but show things the florist says he or she can do.)

(4) How big is the shop (number of staff), and who will work on your party? Make sure the floral designer you're interviewing will actually create the arrangements.

(5) Try to gauge the florist's expertise by asking questions. What flowers will be in season when your party takes place? If your budget is on the small side, ask how you can maximize your options. What are some less expensive alternatives to blooms beyond your price range?

(6) What are the hottest floral trends of the moment? Why do they work or not work? What's the most innovative concept the florist has recently brought to a design project?

(7) Has the florist done events in your party space before? If so, he or she may have pictures of arrangements done at your site and will be knowledgeable about what sizes, shapes, and colors work in the space.

(8) Will the florist deliver flowers for your event or spend time at the site, setting up and making sure everything is in order? You'll pay more for a full-service florist, but you get what you pay for.

(9) How many events/parties will the florist do on the same day or weekend as yours? The florist's answer determines how much time will be spent on your gig.

(10) Does the florist offer rental items -- vases, potted plants, arches, trellises, candelabras, urns -- or must you contact a rental company?

 

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