I’ve been talking with couples for 2012 over the past few weeks so it feels like a good time to answer some frequently asked questions that tend to come my way. There are a lot of steps involved in planning your wedding and I am happy to help take some of the mystery out of the process for you!
Q: How do I book you as my wedding florist?
A: Once you fill out my Wedding Query Form I will contact you about my availability for your wedding. From there we usually schedule a phone consultation to get the ball rolling. Our first conversation is a mutual interview to see how our styles and personalities match up. If it feels like we’ll be a good match I will create a preliminary proposal for you which includes an estimated total cost for your wedding flowers.
After you review the preliminary proposal a signed contract and deposit will reserve your date.
Q: How far in advance should I book my florist?
A: Couples planning a wedding in Vermont from May-October should secure a florist as soon as a location and wedding date have been decided upon. I usually start booking events about 9 months to 1 year before the wedding date. If I happen to be booked for your date I will try to offer a referral to another florist.
Q: I have a budget of {fill in the blank}. Will that be enough to do what I want?
A: This obviously depends on your total floral budget as well as all the details you have in mind, but I will offer you a clear and honest assessment of what a realistic budget for your flowers will be.
Q: We are planning from out of state. Can I book with you without meeting in person?
A: Absolutely. A majority of my clients book with me after our initial phone consultation and preliminary proposal. We can schedule an in-person meeting at my home-studio in Jericho when you are in the area and I try my best to be accommodating to your schedule.
Q: Can you help me with other design elements/details of the day?
A: Flowers are my main priority, but I am more than happy to offer suggestions and guidance in any way that I can to help the overall flow of your day go smoothly. Linens, stationery, wedding attire…you name it and I’ve probably got an opinion, a suggestion, or a referral for you.
Q: Can you recommend a photographer or a caterer?
A: I’ve been fortunate to work with some fabulous VT talent and can offer referrals for just about any vendors you may need.
Q: How many weddings do you book in a weekend?
A: I prefer to book only 1 wedding per weekend, however, there are occasions when I will design for up to 2 events. Couples may reserve the entire weekend for your exclusive event.
Q: What should I bring to our consultation?
A: It is often helpful to see any fabric/color swatches, stationery samples, inspiration boards and pictures of the bride’s dress. If you have a clear idea of the number of tables you’ll have at the reception, the number of boutonnieres and corsages you’ll need, etc. that can also be helpful. If you don’t have anything to bring along that’s OK, too. You don’t need to have all the details sorted out before our consultation.
Q: Will you travel for an on-site consultation?
A: The short answer is yes, but there is a charge which includes travel time. The average rate is $250.
Q: Are local/seasonal flowers available?
A: Local flowers are most readily available in Vermont from mid-June through August. If you have a particular color palette or favorite flowers in mind it may be more (or less) difficult to source specific blooms for you. I personally think that July is the best month to find local, in-season varieties.
It’s important that you work with vendors that make you feel comfortable and that suit both your style and budget. I don’t believe you should be left wondering what the final bill will be or if your florist “gets you”. Planning the flowers should be one of the fun parts of the wedding process and it’s my pleasure to assist you along the way.
If you have a “Q” that I didn’t “A” please leave a comment or shoot me an e-mail and I will get back to you with an answer asap!
