This week we’re featuring Rhonda Patton Designs!

Dear Bride,

OMG – It’s that time of the year!  Engagement season is in full bloom and now it’s time to interview your prospective wedding vendors.  Meeting with a florist can be a daunting task.

Fret no more, here are fourteen pointers to relieve you from a flower frenzy.

Research – Do your own research.  While many vendors have a referral list, it is important to do you own research and ask your own questions.

Interview – Interview at least 3 florist, even more than once if needed.

Investment – Cheaper doesn’t always mean better and the old saying goes, “You Get What You Pay For”.  Your wedding is an investment!  Side Note:  You can always find someone else cheaper.  Be up front and honest about your floral budget and your expectations. Does your budget coincide with your overall vision?

Flexibility – If you have a specific budget that you would like your florist to meet, be flexible to their recommendations.

Portfolio – Look at your florist previous work.  Does it all look the same?  Does it inspire you?  Does it make you say WOW? Does it look contrived, like the same ole “flowers stuck in a vase” without creativity or ingenuity.

Creativity – Look for creativity and a detailed florist, creativity and details are the goddess of divine.  Is your florist creative and innovative?  Can he/she create complex designs or create a custom design for your wedding or does he/she appear to be a “copy cat” designer.

Style – What type of florist are you seeking? Do you want traditional, contemporary, rustic, etc.  Interview florist who seem to mesh with your style.  advice

Knowledge – Seek a florist who is knowledgeable and is competent in floristry.  Is your florist aware of flowers, colors, seasons and how to properly nourish and condition flowers.

Aesthetics – Is your florist a visionary? Is she/he competent in aesthetic appeal and the overall look of a design or does it look hodge podge?

Quality – Does your florist design with Grade A flowers?  Is your florist work of quality?  Or does the previous work look cheap/tacky/lackluster? Flowers are sold generic just like other products.

Trendy – Is your florist trendy, abreast of the wedding market styles and trends?

Personality – Does your florist have personality that pops?  Are they friendly and easy to work with?

Hire a florist – Are you hiring a professional or amateur?  Ask for recommendations, qualifications, awards, recognitions, etc.

Responsiveness – Is your florist responsive, does it take them weeks or sometimes months to respond?