Story time!
I once had a couple reach out to me, and then… ghost me. And honestly, that’s fine – it happens!
Months later, I’m sitting on my sofa after dinner, around 7 pm on a Tuesday, when I get a DM from a wedding venue asking if they can give me a call.
I answered, and they explained they had a bride who was set to marry that weekend… but had no florist. How did this happen?
The florist they’d booked – who seemed fine at first and was much cheaper than me – had completely stopped replying to the couple. Weeks leading up to the wedding, there were Instagram DMs, phone calls, emails, you name it… yet the florist was still active online, promoting her services.
She had promised poppies, sweet peas, and a bunch of my other favourite Winter flowers. The issue? It was mid-Summer! No way would those flowers be available. In Winter, you can source hardy Summer flowers from other states, like hydrangeas and garden roses, but sweet peas and poppies? Those are two of the daintiest flowers around. I knew it was fishy, as rarely do good florists say they can get exact flowers. Even if they’re in season, we’re working with Mother Nature, and she is unpredictable at the best of times!
It was gutting because it felt like this florist made unrealistic promises to this couple just to get the booking.
This was such an eye-opening moment for the couple. Not only did they end up paying for their flowers twice, but during the week of their wedding, they were dealing with the immense stress of an unreliable vendor who made empty promises, all to save a few dollars. This vendor ended up being unreliable, unclear, and made unrealistic promises.
I’ll finish the story at the end…
When it comes to wedding florals, it’s easy to get caught up in comparing prices between florists, but there’s so much more to consider than just the bottom line. As you start collecting quotes, it’s essential to remember that florists vary in their approach, and the difference in style, abundance of florals, and quality can significantly affect both the look of your flowers and the final cost. Although a beautiful Instagram page and website display pretty flowers, reputation, style, flower impact, and experience all play a HUGE part in comparing vendors.
So, what should you be paying attention to when comparing quotes?
1. Flower abundance & each florist’s specific style
Florists all have their unique style, and this is something you should keep front and centre when evaluating your quotes. When comparing florists, are you looking at side-by-side images of florals with a similar abundance of blooms? Or is one florist’s arrangement full of lush greenery, repetition of a few flower types, and fewer varieties, while another has a greater variety of flowers and textures?
Every florist’s pricing structure reflects their business model and the level of care and skill they invest in their work. For me, my focus is on creating arrangements that highlight the natural beauty of flowers, with minimal greenery. You’ll see that my work often uses a lot of flowers and only the best varieties, with an emphasis on texture, colour, and shape.
2. Flower variety and quality
A key factor when comparing quotes is the variety of flowers being used. I love to use premium flowers over cheap alternatives. I’ve always made a commitment to source the best flowers (varieties and quality) for my clients, because I believe it makes a world of difference in the final product. Lush hydrangeas, local garden roses, organic dahlias & fragrant peonies – you won’t ever find me bulking out a design with imported chrysanthemums. This is so important to keep in mind when a florist offers a price that seems too good to be true, especially if you are after an abundant garden vision.
Also, don’t forget that florists who use more varieties often have a higher upfront cost because of the need to order and store different types of flowers. It’s crucial that the florals you choose match the aesthetic you envision for your wedding, and quality is an essential part of that!
3. Reputation
When comparing quotes, it’s important to assess the florist’s reputation. Just because a florist offers lower prices doesn’t always mean they can deliver the same level of quality and design that you’re envisioning. Lower prices often come with compromises, whether that’s in flower quality, limited varieties, fewer florals being used, or poor communication later down the track.
Take the time to look at their previous work, reviews, and any testimonials from past clients or other vendors. A florist’s reputation is a great indicator of their ability to execute your vision and deliver quality work. If you love a florist’s style and trust their expertise, their price is likely a reflection of the quality they provide.
Florists will prioritise different elements in their work, and their pricing reflects that. If you love a florist’s style, I seriously recommend going with them. If a florist who doesn’t usually work with seasonal, abundant garden mixes gives you a quote that feels much cheaper than what you’ve received from florists you love, chances are they’ll realise down the line that achieving those dainty designs with so many varieties will cost them more than they expected – and might not deliver on their promises.
As someone who does an overgrown and whimsical style of work religiously, I know exactly how much it costs to bring my visions to life, and I can also scale my designs down as needed to fit different budgets.
4. Connection
Your connection with the florist is key to ensuring a smooth and stress-free process. It’s not just about the flowers; it’s about how well they communicate and whether you feel comfortable trusting them with your big day. Make sure they listen to your ideas, understand your vision, and can explain their process clearly.
Consider how a florist responds to your enquiry, how they handle any questions, and whether they align with your personality and needs. Do you have to wait weeks for a reply with no notice, or are they clear if there will be a delay? This connection will make the whole experience easier and more enjoyable, helping you feel confident that they’ll bring your floral vision to life!
At the end of the day, your flowers are one of the most memorable elements of your wedding day. So when you’re comparing florists and their quotes, make sure to consider all the factors – style, quality, quantity, and reputation. You’ll be spending a significant part of your budget on them, and they’ll be captured in photos you’ll cherish forever!
While you may be tempted by a cheaper quote, I encourage you to think beyond just the cost. The florals you choose should align with your vision, and the florist you select should be someone you trust and feel confident with. Trust me, when you choose a florist whose work you love and who prioritises communication and quality, it’ll be worth every penny.
To finish the story:
I was able to source the most beautiful florals for the couple, and they happily wed days later.
The bride was absolutely over the moon, and I’ve never in my career pulled together wedding flowers in 3 days, but it was done, and done well, regardless of the time crunch!
Due to my close and respectable relationships with growers, I was able to secure all of the flowers on her list (except the ones out of season!) and pull it together seamlessly. It was also eye opening for me, as I was under the impression everyone was doing business the same way I was, with so much integrity and pride, but the longer I’ve been doing this, the more I’ve realised that just isn’t the case!
I truly hope the above is helpful for you. Please feel free to reach out if you ever have any questions! As always, I am here to help!
Here’s a flower quote I’m loving lately:
