Choosing the RIGHT Florist for your Wedding

So, are you in the midst of wedding planning and still haven't booked a florist? Let me share some insight that may help make things go a bit smoother. Recently, I met with a florist at a networking event that was explaining her wedding business to me. She offered packages (which I do not) and said how she will let the bride pick the number of bouquets or boutounnieres needed, but because its a package deal, the bride can't choose colors or flowers. She said she uses whatever is left in her cooler at the end of the week. Im sure my face went from a pleasant expression to horrified. Please, please, please don't choose someone who will do this. This is where you hear horror stories later and have photos to remember potentially horrible dead flowers forever. As a professional who takes great pride in my work, because it is truly a form of art, please don't put your trust in someone who has no appreciation for your needs, or who doesn't treat floral design as art. Anyone can play with flowers and call themselves a designer. Its a particular few who appreciate the actual art of designing with colors and texture, and will take notice of the small details that will make you treasure your flowers for years to come. I am a firm believer of "You get what you pay for". If you have a tight budget, which 99% of brides do I am sure, don't let that sway you from meeting with a professional. If you decide to make your flowers yourself, you can purchase higher quality flowers at bulk rates from a good florist. I always make that option available. Lastly, choose a florist who does MANY weddings in a year, not 2 or 3 in an entire year. They won't be up on trends and may talk you out of something really cool that you've seen in the latest issue of The Knot or Martha Stewart Weddings. A professional floral designer can utilize flowers to create anything and not tell you "That can't be done". In the world of "floral designers", I can honestly say I have met a handfull who are truly talented. So please be careful when someone offers wedding packages for your flowers, but then said "It's a Surprise" when you ask what they will look like. Just had to share this before it kept me up at night...