12 Questions To Ask Before Choosing Your Florist

From poppies to pansies, your florist should know above and beyond the basics. You'll want a designer who is gifted, knowledgeable, and agreeable. Most importantly, your florist should delight in providing you with the most beautiful flowers your budget can handle. Here are 12 questions you must ask before choosing a florist:

1. What is the florist's design philosophy?

Minimal? Traditional? Elegant? Edgy and modern? Florists love explaining their artistic sensibilities -- the styles they love, their favorite flowers, the palettes they adore. Do the florist's views fit with your own ideas?

2. Does the florist's style -- and the overall look of the shop -- match yours?

This is common sense. Go with your gut.

3. Can you see photographs or live examples of past work?

Real bouquets and arrangements will give you a better sense of the florist's abilities than photos -- especially photos that aren't of the florist's actual work but show things the florist says he or she can do.

4. How big is the shop and who will work on your wedding?

Make sure the floral designer you're interviewing will actually create the arrangements.

5. Try to gauge the florist's expertise by asking questions.

What flowers will be in season when your wedding takes place? If your budget is on the small side, ask how you can maximize your options. What are some less expensive alternatives to blooms beyond your price range?

6. What are the hottest floral trends of the moment?

Why do they work or not work? What's the most innovative concept the florist has recently brought to a design project?

7. Which flowers are best for your wedding season?

If you're marrying in the summertime, what are some hot weather no-nos?

8. Has the florist done weddings at your ceremony or reception site before?

If so, she may have pictures of arrangements done at your site and will be knowledgeable about what sizes, shapes, and colors work in the space.

9.Will the florist deliver the flowers to your wedding or spend time at the site, setting up and making sure everything is in order?

You'll pay more for a full-service florist, but you'll get what you pay for.

10. How many weddings will the florist do on the same day or weekend as yours?

You'll want to know that your florist won't be rushed on the day-of.

11. Does the florist offer rental items?

Do they offer vases, potted plants, arches, trellises, candelabras, urns....or do you need to contact a rental company?

12. Does the florist preserve bouquets after weddings?

If this is important to you, find out now if he will do so, or if you can be referred to someone who does. You may have to make an appointment before the wedding to ensure that your bouquet can be preserved directly afterward.