Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Florist:

1. Are there rental fees, or does the price include baskets, runner, arch or any props?

2. Will the florist label all personal flowers or does he/she stay to pin them on?

3. Does the price include delivery and pick-up of rental items after reception?

4. When does the florist purchase the flowers? One to two days before the wedding is ideal.

5. Does the florist have a refrigerator? Roses, gardenias, and other delicate flowers need to be kept cool, especially during summer months.

6. IMPORTANT: Will the florist be there for setup or will it be left to the delivery driver? Especially for outdoor weddings, the arch, gazebo, or chuppah needs to be decorated as close to the ceremony as possible—not hours beforehand.

Tips for Stretching Your Floral Budget:

1. Avoid weddings during a major holiday season (such as Valentine's Day) when flower prices are at their highest.

2. Use only flowers in season. For example, tulips for a summer wedding must be imported and can add a lot to the cost.

3. Request inexpensive filler flowers available each season.

4. Use your ceremony flowers at your reception, too. Have them delivered and set up before the guests arrive.

See our Links page for links to wedding planning sites and other wedding vendors.