Finding the Perfect Florist
by Gayle Sidney - WinnipegFlowers.com

Your florist is one of the most important people helping to plan your wedding. Your wedding flowers set the tone, a mood that can transform a church or reception hall into an enchanting wedding location.

Before you confer with a florist you should:

• select an overall colour theme
  
  
• have your gown and attendants' apparel chosen
  
  
• have your ceremony and reception location booked

You are now ready to choose your florist. Ask people you know for references. If you don't have referrals, you must find a florist for yourself. Make a couple appointments. Making appointments allows the florist to reserve time for you without interruptions. Ask how long the meeting will be, so you are prepared.

When you start your consultation with each florist, discuss:

• the style and mood of the wedding
  
  
• the season, the setting
  
  
• the budget you have to work with
  
  
• express your personal taste and preferences
  
  
• take fabric swatches or pictures of the clothing and locations, this way you can point out areas you would like to decorate.

Remember not to divulge information from florist to florist. You want to see the vision each establishment has for your wedding. You should also request photos of work they have done. If photos are not available, ask for referrals from previous weddings.

If you have expressed your budget upfront with each florist during the initial consultation, cost should not be the issue in choosing your florist. The florist who best exemplifies your wishes, and the one with whom you feel most comfortable, should be the one to win your business.

Once you have chosen your florist, the real planning begins??