Fridays in January 2009 will be reserved for a five-part series on choosing your florist. There will be great tips and ideas to help you plan well, be more efficient, and save time and money!

"Reading & Comparing Quotes" Part Four

At this point, you may have 3 or so quotes from different florists. The most important advice is to make sure to
COMPARE APPLES WITH APPLES!!!!!

I had a Bride once call me up a month before her wedding and tell me that I was coming in 20% higher than another florist her future Mother-In-Law had found. This Bride had already booked me with deposit, so I asked to see the other florist's quote - I smelled something fishy! Sure enough the other quote did not list the % of green to be used in the Ceremony florals (mine were 15% greens and 85% flowers), the approx. size of the bouquets was not listed, and the actual flowers to be used were not listed. I pointed out the huge risk the Bride would be taking in that there was NO indication of proportion, actual flowers or materials. The other florist did not include for taxes either. There is no way to compare these quotes based on price alone, which is the point I am trying to make.

Just because a quote comes in high, does not mean that the florist is best, nor does it mean that the florist is out to gouge you.
A quote is simply the written description of the scope of work and price that that particular florist can do for you.

Here's what you need to have included in your quote;
1. Description of style, feel and design.
2. List of flowers in the floral designs - this may be a list of "maybes" OR it can be an exact list.
3. Approx. size of the dimensions. For instance, bouquets are best estimated by approx. diameter, NOT by number of roses used.
(You may ask for 24 roses and get the small ones!) Ceremony and reception designs should also have an approx. measurement given for the flowers and the vase.
4. All your contact info, wedding date, venue address etc. should be on the quote, NOT on another piece of paper.
5. Prices should be listed - either exact price or a range (depending on your final decision, or in-season availability etc.)
6. Taxes - are they extra or included?
7. Set up and delivery - how many staff members and hours do they include for? What is the extra fee incurred if the florist has a delayed set up due to a problem at the venue?
8. Late night pick cost of any design items such as pedestals, urns etc..
9. A clear indication on payment schedule, deposit needed etc...
10. A contract that protects both sides, and gives some sort of guarantee to you.

The last thing to consider is the overall experience with the florist. Did they get you the quote on time? Is it professional and well-written? Do they follow up the quote with a phone call? Are they approachable and willing to discuss the quote to do any tweaking before you send the deposit? Does the quote accurately reflect the discussion that took place during your consultation?

Check back next Friday for Part 5 "Booking Your Florist"