Q: What can I expect from a consultation?
The point of an initial consultation is to get to know the designers and their work, and to discuss your ideas and your overall vision. At your initial consultation, you’ll typically meet with one of the design specialists to go over any ideas you may have about what your event should look like, the colors you want incorporated, the theme you have planned, etc. most Orange County wedding floral designers request that before your consultation you fill out the initial questionnaire and fax it to them a week before. This enables them to get an idea of your style and personal taste and helps the consultation to run more smoothly. The consultation provides you with an opportunity to be able to see photographs of past events designed by the designer to help you visualize your event’s possibilities. Designers pride themselves on the ability to create stunning interpretations of the client’s wishes. At the consultation they wish to learn as much about you as they possibly can so they can, so they are better able to do this.
Q: What should I bring to the consultation?
The better you can communicate the look you are after, the better prepared the designer will be to create your vision. Look through magazines and books for ideas which appeal to you. Bring anything that you think might prove helpful: magazine photos of arrangements, photos of other weddings, a list of your favorite flowers, etc.; this will help them determine what your own unique style is. Also it would be helpful if you could provide pictures of your ceremony and reception sites. And be sure to bring a picture of your bridal gown and your bridesmaids’ gowns so the designer can suggest complimentary arrangements and colors. If possible providing a swatch of the material of the dresses would also be helpful. This enables them to match or compliment the colors you have chosen most accurately. The key is to verbalize what you want, but also come with an open mind. You are sure to be impressed with the look they will create for you.
Q: How long are the consultations?
On average the initial consultation takes an hour to an hour and a half.
Q: What if I don’t know my colors or names of flowers?
Most
Orange County floral designers don’t expect you to know the names of flowers. they are there to help and guide you with those decisions. They would likely love answering questions and introducing unique flowers and interesting foliages to their clients in the hopes of finding a look which perfectly suits them. If you don’t have your colors picked out yet, don’t despair. Florists can still give you a preliminary consultation to help get you started and give suggestions for different color combinations based on your overall theme.
Q: Can I see a sample of my centerpiece?
Yes, usually. To see a prototype of your centerpiece choice, you will probably have to call to arrange a sample viewing at least one to two months prior to your event, and at least ten days prior to the date of the sample viewing appointment
Q: Where do the consultations take place?
Consultations may take place at the florist's retail shop, their design studio, your home, the designer's home, or any venue the Bride feels comfortable. The actual floral design may take place in a retail location, commercial area, or anywhere which is fully equipped with a large walk in refrigerator and workstations. All designs are typically kept fresh during transportation with large refrigerated box units, so clients are ensured they will receive only the freshest arrangements possible.
Q: Do floral designers have a minimum in terms of cost?
In terms of weddings, it’s very difficult to accurately answer that question because of the many factors involved. The designs offered are not mass produced. They are unique and specially tailored to reflect the distinctive characteristics of each of the clients. For this reason many florists in Orange County do not offer any package deals. However, they realize weddings are expensive and are very adept at creating the look you want to achieve while staying within your budget. The average price of flowers for weddings is typically between $2,000-$3,000 dollars. Many designers have done very exquisite, small, intimate weddings for a few hundred dollars and have also done very elaborate, very large weddings for over $50,000. Some floral designers have no minimum in terms of cost and are able to work within any budget. They design your wedding so that it will be the perfect reflection of you, of your personal tastes and desires. Your floral designer's most immediate concern is that they have your date available, for many do book up quickly. Please contact them early!
Q: Do floral designers require a deposit?
This can vary significantly; anywhere from a required deposit of $200.00 or 25% to secure your date at the time of confirmation, up to 50%. If no deposit is received within fourteen days, the date may be forfeited. For your convenience most florists accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express, as well as checks
Q: Who pays for what?
Tradition states that the bride or her family pays for all the attendant’s bouquets, church flowers, and reception flowers. The groom or the groom’s parents typically pays for the bride’s bouquet, the mothers’ corsages and all of the boutonnières, and, of course, any flowers at the rehearsal dinner.
You can get more great tips at the
OC Wedding Guide.
