Everyone expects to see flowers at weddings, and why not? They are beautiful to look at and lovely to smell. No matter how grand or how simple, flowers have a great impact on the visual presentation of your wedding. When used creatively, they are an effective means to enhance the environment.

The Florist

When you meet with professional floral designers, they should listen to your concerns and wishes. Bring fabric swatches and tear sheets from magazines to convey the look you are trying to achieve. They can also offer advice on the types of florals that fit your budget and season and give you their perspective on trends and colors. When you hire a florist, you should receive a detailed contract and proposal highlighting the number of flowers you need, as well as the types, colors, and pricing, and setup and delivery schedules.

Questions to Ask

After you have researched found a couple of florists you want to interview, make an appointment to discuss your needs. Use this list of questions to assist you in your selection process.

What is your specialty or style?

Do you have arrangements that will fit my budget?

Do you have a portfolio of previous weddings and events we can review?

May I have a list of references?

Can you match or complement the color scheme of my wedding? (Bring your color swatches.)

Will you visit the ceremony and reception venue to get a feel for what type of flower décor is needed?

How many weddings do you handle on a given day/weekend?

If we reuse flowers from the church at the reception, can you help transport the arrangements?

What is the cutoff date for making changes to our order?

Is there a delivery fee?

What is the cancellation policy?

Floral Checklist

Who needs flowers? Where and what type of flowers do you need? These are simple questions to answer if you use the following checklist.

FLOWERS FOR THE WOMEN

The Bride

Bridal bouquet

Toss bouquet (optional)

Floral headdress/flowers for hair

Going-away corsage

Other:

To be delivered to:

Time:

Cost:

Bridal Attendants

Matron/Maid of honor

Bridesmaids

Flower girl basket

Floral headdresses/flowers for hair (optional)

Other:

To be delivered to:

Time:

Cost:

FLOWERS FOR THE MEN

Groom's boutonniere

Best man's boutonniere

Groomsmen's boutonniere

Ring bearer's boutonniere

Other:

To be delivered to:

Time:

Cost:

FLOWERS FOR THE FAMILY AND HONORED GUESTS

Bride's mother

Bride's father

Groom's mother

Groom's father

Stepmother(s)

Stepfather(s)

Grandmothers

Grandfathers

Mothers' roses

Aunts, cousins, special friends, godparents

Other:

To be delivered to:

Time:

Cost:

FLOWERS FOR WEDDING HELPERS AND PARTICIPANTS

Officiant

Soloist

Readers

Instrumentalist

Guest book attendant

Gift attendant

Hostess

Other:

To be delivered to:

Time:

Cost:

Ceremony Site

Aisles

Aisle runner

Altar floral spray

Arch/Canopy

Candelabra

Petals for aisle

Pews

Other:

To be delivered to:

Time:

Cost:

Reception Site

Bar

Cake (if desired)

Cake table

Centerpieces for tables

Cocktail tables

Drapes, garlands, or greenery

Flower petals for tossing

Gift table

Head Table

Miscellaneous tables (place card, gift, and guestbook)

Plants, trees, shrubs

Restrooms

Sweetheart table

To be delivered to:

Time:

Cost:

Rehearsal Dinner

Centerpieces

To be delivered to:

Date:

Time:

Cost:

The Florist

Company:

Contact:

Phone:

Address:

Deposit made:

Final payment due:

Last day for changes: