I love your comment about ” being that attached to a certain flower and being willing to pay for it” and I appreciate that sentiment.

I am a professional florist and I know I am supposed to SELL flowers, but I always tell my brides to remember that while it is an important day, it’s still just one day. Some brides could put a down payment on a house for what they spend on flowers. I prefer a bride to set a realistic budget, and then my job as a professional is to come up with the best that I can for the money you give me to work with. Don’t be afraid to tell your florist up front, how much you want to spend. And be realistic, don’t expect diamonds if you are only willing to pay for rhinestones. lol! If you tell her up front, that you’re not that into flowers, and that you have a small budget in mind, she’ll appreciate that and she won’t waste her time trying to show you things you’re not interested in, she will like the fact that you are being up front.

As for a florist inflating the price, if you feel they are doing that, find someone else to deal with. Florists are some of the nicest people around, and we do this job because we care and we love it. It’s true flowers aren’t cheap, but they add so much grace to life!

Good luck with your wedding, it will be lovely, I’m sure.

Patty
Brittany Flowers of Kirkland
Kirkland, WA

You are right that flowers do die, however they are just as neccesary as jewelry for accents. Your pictures will be more memorable with the flowers. They add color, texture and interest to them. At the reception they add ambiance and fragrance which adds to the whole felling of your wedding.

When you are shopping for a florist, make sure your work with a real, professional florist that you hit it off with. You do not need to get exotic flowers flown in from rare parts of the world. Your flowers can be understated and elegant, but need to be there to complete the decorations of the day. They will complement your beautiful dress, just as icing and sugar flowers make a cake exquisite. I wish you luck in finding the perfect florist for you. Be honest about your budget and how you feel about flowers and they will help you through your choices.

Lori Kunian
Affairs to Remember Florist
Melrose, MA

I am a professional florist. Most florists I know conduct themselves in an honorable manner. They will offer fair prices and good service.

You just have to find one.

Be careful selecting a “florist” who works out of their home. They have to purchase flowers in bunches and will charge you for the full bunch even if they only use 2 flowers out of a pack of 25.

Also, note if you choose certain flowers like Asiatic or Oriental Lilies, some home based florists may need to purchase a lot more bunches just so you have open flowers for yoru bouquets.

That could easily add and extra $200 to your wedding bill.

Go with a reputable, established locally owned flower shop for your wedding flowers. They won’t overcharge you flowers that aren’t used.

respectfully
Joe Mioux
Mioux Florist & Greenhouses