How Do I Choose My Florist, & When Should I Book? By Willow and Blossom
Let's be honest, there a lot of florists out there, so choosing your Florist may seem a bit overwhelming. But in reality, no two florists are the same. They all work differently & have different things they can offer you.
Firstly, you want to start by finding a florist who's work you love the look of! If you absolutely love what they do, you know you're going to feel confident that they are going to provide you with those amazing, dreamy florals you're after. Of course, also make sure to check out their reviews on Google, their website etc.
Florists tend to have different processes when it comes to getting a quote. For me, every proposal is unique, which means pricing is also bespoke to a couples requirements. I send out a lookbook initially with lots of info & ballpark pricing and then create a more detailed proposal after an initial consultation, typically via video call. A video call is a great way to see if you click with your suppliers & get a better feel of their personality.
My personalised proposals have a mix of mood boards, inspiration photos, detailed descriptions & visual mockups so couples can really visualise what I can create for them.
I completely understand that pricing can be a factor for couples when choosing their florist, however comparing quotes based on price alone isn't the best way to pick your florist. Proposals won't be like for like. What one florist will create for you, won't be the same as what another will create. One may have a focus on more luxury florals, while one may be scaled back with cheaper flower types so would naturally be a cheaper option, but wouldn't achieve the same wow factor.
I will always take budget into consideration when putting together a quote, & can show alternative offerings for different price points so you can see what is achievable.
When should I book?
There are a lot of different wedding timelines available out there and these tend to differ a lot! If flowers are a priority for you, then it's never too early to enquire with a Florist who's work you love. If their diary isn't open yet, they can keep your details and contact you when they are.
It's typically best to have your venue & date confirmed before enquiring, so a florist can check their availability & make sure it's an area they cover.
For me, most couples tend to book between 8-12 months in advance, but I do still get some last minute enquiries & some enquiries further ahead. It will also depend on how long you have to plan your wedding.
Most florists will require some form of deposit to secure the date. Once this is paid it will come off of your final balance. I typically do a final consultation around 8 weeks before the wedding, so you don't always have to have everything set in stone before securing the date. The initial proposal will give you an idea of costs & designs achievable within budget, and then if this needs to be amended along the way, that’s completely fine. We want to make sure everything is exactly what you are looking for.
I am based in Hertfordshire, but love to travel all over for weddings.
Ellice x
