Flowers are an important part of any wedding. They help set the tone you've selected for your wedding. They can be used to transform your wedding reception site. They may also represent a significant part of your wedding costs - up to 20 percent.

You want to be sure to select a florist that has experience with weddings. You'll not only be relying on them to provide the perfect flowers for your wedding, but to prepare and deliver them on time. It's a good idea to view some of their work, whether its photographs of past weddings or going to visit a site that they've prepared. You want to select a florist that listens to you and offers suggestions that are appropriate. You may want to check how many weddings they plan on doing that day. Questions to ask a Florist Does the florist specialize in weddings? How long have they been in business? How long have they been doing wedding flowers? May you have a list of recent wedding customers? Are they familiar with your ceremony and reception sites? How will the bouquets be assembled? Where and when will the flowers be delivered? Is there an extra charge? Can you see samples of your floral designer's work? Be sure to see work from the floral designer that will be working on your wedding. What flowers will be in season when my wedding takes place? If you have a specific budget for your flowers, ask the florist how you can get the most for your money. What is the current trend in wedding bouquets? Is it something you're interested in or would you rather a more traditional bouquet? How many weddings will the florists be doing on that day - or even that weekend? You want to be sure that they spend the time on your floral arrangements without feeling rushed. If you are looking for arches, trellises, vases, potted plants, can they rent them to you? Or do you have to go to a rental agency? If you would like to preserve your bouquet after the wedding, can she do it? If so, how will she do it? ã 2004-2008 Wedding How To. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission