Wedding Flowers

I just want to scream!

I've spent the last two days talking with florists. I've gotten referrals, talked to my married friends, consulted my budget. I armed myself with pics of what I like and got pics of my dress, swashes of colour from the BM dresses, and added other photos to the file for a general feel. I got a general idea of what I liked.

I was ready to choose a florist.

There were two places that came highly recommended. One is just outside the city, so I would need a special bus trip out there, and a lot of time. Yesterday I went to the other place.

The florist was nice, and professional, and had lots of ideas. She couldn't give me pictures of past products, and they didn't have a portfolio or catalogue of sorts. She seemed to pick up on my theme and worked with what I did want, though. However, she couldn't give me prices.

I left there confused. I was a little frustrated, but she was helpful. I had taken the bus there because I don't have a car. I decided that I would call the other florists, because the lady barely looked at my photos, and it would be easier on me.

I called every single florist in the Yellow Pages. I got virtually no information. No one in this city has a portfolio. Most places want to charge me 25.00 or 50.00 to sit down with me and design something, BEFORE I book with them.

I feel like I'm going to have to make an uninformed decision when booking a florist. If they don't provide guarantees, or photos of past work, then I highly doubt they'll provide references.

Is this normal?? Is this the reaction everyone else is getting with their florists?



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Added note: looking at pics of sunflowers, I found a blog with the best photography. This is my inspiration for my wedding pics:
http://www.galinawalls.co.uk/wordpress/?m=200606

I like "Emma & Jon @ Weston Park, Norfolk" June 2006