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Check Out The Store
If the store looks overstuffed and old fashioned, chances are the floral designs will as well. If the store is bright and modern chances are the florist is up on current trends and styles. While this does not always hold true it is a good guideline to follow. As well, look for a store that looks taken care of and put together. I am a big believer that if the store is well cared for, they care for their flowers as well, and that is what you want.

Check Out The Florist
Is the florist friendly? Do they welcome your ideas? Do they seem knowledgeable? Do they seem honest and reliable? Do they seem passionate about what they do or are they just going through the motions? Really go with your gut instinct here. While the person may not reflect your personal style judge them on their work and their passion for flowers not appearance. That is not to say that appearance does not count, if a person can not be bothered to brush their hair for your appointment it does not bode well for their commitment to your wedding. I have said it before in my other articles and blog posts and I will say it again, is not all about the price. Quality and creativity count!

Do They Have An Area Set Aside For Consultations?
A flower shop that is serious about wedding and serious about providing quality wedding work will have a designated space for you to sit down and chat. You don`t try and plan your wedding flowers while leaning against their front counter do you?

Do They Have Pictures Of Their Work?
By this I mean actually THEIR work, not just a series of published magazines or books. You want to see work they have done. It is well and good that they say they can create anything, but you need to see it. Now while they may not have created your exact bouquet, do they have designs that you like and is the quality of workmanship there.

Do They Have Thank You Notes From Other Brides?
This is a big one. You want to know that other Brides have been happy with the work that they have done. With all the other thank you the Bride has had to write it really means something if she took the time to write a note to the florist. Remember that if you love your flowers, we florists love to hear that we did a good job, who does not?

Do They Ask Questions?
Above all you want a florist that not only listens to you but hears you as well. You do not want to be steam roled because they have their own agenda as to what flower will work for you. That being said to be open to their ideas, they do this for a living and may have suggestions for something that will work better or last longer or is more available. Tell them all about your dress, the Bridesmaids dresses, your invitations and the avenues. This gives them a really good picture of the feel you are going for and helps them make appropriate suggestions.

Do They Know The Venues?
Now while they may not know every church in town, they should probably know most if not all of the major churches and reception venues. This can be very helpful as they will then know what works and what does not. If your venue is smaller or little known bring pictures with you to the consultation, then you can work together on the best plan of action.

Do They Know Their Stuff?
This is probably the largest point of all. You want a florist who knows what flowers are available and when and you want a florist who knows what to do and is confident in their skills. This should not come across as arrogance, as the florist we have to know every flower out there, you do not – it's not your job, it's ours. So do not let your florist talk down to you because you do not know the flower names or design terms. A good florist will have a book that shows most of the flowers available and will point out flowers you do not know or explain an uncommon design style. Keep in mind that many of the wedding publications showing stunning floral bouquets come from other countries (USA and the UK are big) and they have access to different flowers then we do. Wedding magazines are notorious for featuring flowers that do not grow readily in the same season or they use garden variety flowers in bouquets. So yes, while it is lovely, is it practical? Well, all I can say is that if money is no object then yes, pretty much everything is available all the time, but if you are like the rest of us, stick to flowers that are readily available and listen to your florists advice on what is or is not realistic.

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Source by Monica Petryk