I want to share with you tips for selecting a florist. Why? Well, at some point, you will be celebrating a significant event in your life and considering using floral arrangements from a professional florist to add a decorative touch. I know so many of you love flowers, especially those freshly picked from the garden and I also understand how scary it is to think about the potential expense of selecting a florist and incorporating fresh flowers in your event. “Why do they have to be so expensive?” you may ask. Deep down you understand the appeal and know that they are an enchanting touch.

 

My tips for selecting a florist:

Know where to look

You might worry a bit about where to turn when you’re selecting a florist, especially if you’ve encountered some floral arrangements that appear to have been haphazardly plopped together. “What if I get a florist like that?!” you gasp.

A talented florist can be tricky to find. But if you do your homework, they are often a phone call, referral, or click away. Look for a florist that captivates your eye and your inner emotions.

Do you both share the same style? Do you like their portfolio on their website? Remember that their website is a calling card. A robust online presence is often the first opportunity for a florist to make an impression. If they make it easy for you to find the information you need and their previous work and color combinations speak to you, then you both share similarities. Chances are you both have a connection through color and aesthetics. Are their attention to the little details encouraging you to explore their site? If it’s a yes, then you may want to put them on your short list and contact them as soon as you have set your event date. It’s never too early to start planning!

A quick guide on where to look for a florist:

• Ask friends, family, and coworkers for referrals. This can happen online or in person.
• Have you already booked your venue? Ask them if there are any florists that come highly recommended.
• Do an online search for florists in your area and spend time researching. If it’s important to you to support your local community, this is time well spent.

Ask questions

Before you reach out to a florist, make a list of your most important questions. Let them know you are planning an event, tell them when the event date is and what type of occasion it is. Let them know your budget. (you must have a budget, and they must stick to it) Also, be ready to share your ideas and ideal color range. Even if you don’t know a thing about flowers trust yourself to know what you like. Once you’ve spoken to a potential florist, really reflect on a few things: How can they help you? Are they available on the day you need them? Are you a do-it-yourselfer that wishes to buy flowers to assemble yourself? Do they ask you plenty of questions and make you feel like you’re understood? After your initial conversation, it’s okay to be inspired and have more questions. Remember you are looking for someone that helps you achieve your look.

Sample questions to ask when selecting a florist:

• Are you available to create arrangements on/by X date?
• My budget is X. I want X style and X quantity floral arrangements. Do you think we can work together?
• Do you have a portfolio or website that I can visit to see your previous work?
• What can I expect when working with you?
• Why do you like working with flowers?

Take a deep breath

If you are worried about your knowledge of flowers and feeling a bit overwhelmed by the process of selecting a florist, don’t worry! A professional florist should not only help answer everything on your checklist but put you at ease by providing you with the information you need to make your decisions. My job as a florist is to guide you and help bring your vision to reality.

Now, I do not have a storefront that you can visit, but I have invested in my online presence so that before you even pick up the phone or send me an email, you know what I can offer you as a florist.

Get to know your Florist

Once you’ve done your research and have had your initial consult, it’s important to spend some time getting to know your florist. Often these relationships will develop into lifelong collaborations. Follow their social media and comments explore their response with others.

I am proudly a slow flower florist that specializes in growing seasonal beauties in my cottage style garden. My arrangements often have that ‘just picked’ look that brings a natural elegance. My style is beautifully relaxed, organically flowing, natural and not a bit fussy. It’s also important to me that I buy the bulk of flowers for your event from local farmers to support our growing New York agriculture.

Hopefully, this post will help you select a florist for your next event. Remember that I am here to share my expertise so that your event is not only beautifully elegant but within budget.

If you’d like to see more of my cottage style garden, receive tips on how I grow my flowers and use them in arrangements, I invite you to follow me on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, or sign up for my monthly email newsletter.

If you have any questions, I invite you to contact me directly. I’d love to hear from you!