When selecting a florist for your wedding there’s a number of factors to keep in mind. Not all florist shops are equal. I’m impartial as I own Bel Aire Flowers in West Allis & Menomonee falls so what I’m about to offer you is based on my own stores quality and level of service. However, having been up front with that, I still have many years experience in dealing with countless brides that can be helpful to anyone planning a wedding or other special event.
Selecting a florist
Wedding consultations typically last about an hour maybe less depending on your needs. Schedule your consult 6-12 months before your wedding. You can schedule it closer to the wedding if it’s a smaller wedding. At the time of scheduling you should have your ceremony & reception venues along with your wedding colors or theme chosen. Firstly, who you book with is the most important decision you will make in creating the wedding you’ve always dreamed of. There are many options today for brides so do your homework and look thoroughly before signing the dotted line. In looking for a professional wedding florist take the time to meet with the shop in person and have a consultation. If the consult is not going as planned or you feel they will not be a good fit for you cut the appt early, politely thank them for their time and move on. Time is precious for both you and the shop so spend it wisely. Look around how’s the store presentation, is it clean and well organized? It should be how you envision a flower shop to be. How’s the service? Did your phone call or email get answered promptly and courteously? Again, you should feel well taken care of and important. Your dealings with anyone you have contact with is a representation of that company good or bad to be taken into consideration. We pride ourselves on treating every client with professionalism and attention. We strive to respond to all wedding inquiries or questions promptly. Being a small business sometimes it hard to respond quickly when it’s busy but we do our best always. Ask to see the shops portfolio or past client pictures so you can see their work first hand. Pictures of others work are a nice reference but it’s important the hired professional you chose have the skills to create your vision. As you know you don’t always get what you pay for in looking at a marketing pix. With that in mind choose someone your comfortable with and confident in.
Getting ready for your consultation
Be prepared have your list handy of the flowers you’re thinking of having. If you’re unsure what you’ll need ask for a planning list or find one online, they’re very handy. Do some surfing, web surfing that is and copy or bookmark wedding color schemes or design themes you like. You can also use apps like Pintrest to organize your information. During your consult you can show your florist things you like which gives them great insight as to recommendations they should make. During your time in your consultation discuss what your vision is and give the florist your likes and dislikes. Communication is key in getting what you want and not leaving anything to chance. If you have a wedding budget, disclose it. In doing so you’ll give your shop an idea of how to make recommendations. If your budget doesn’t hit the mark you can always decide to adjust it accordingly. Keep an open mind to suggestions. A good florist can help you get the biggest impact utilizing their experience and creativity. Sit back, relax and let the planning flow.
Have any questions for us? We would love to hear from you. Please let us know if we can help you with your wedding or special event.
Your local florist with locations in West Allis & Menomonee Falls 