90 Questions to Ask a Florist

Flowers have the power to transform a space, set the mood, and create lasting memories. Knowing what to ask a florist before you make a commitment can ensure you get not just beautiful blooms but also peace of mind.

From understanding their creative flair to sorting out logistics, this comprehensive list of questions will guide you to find the flower maestro who can turn your floral fantasies into reality.

Understanding the Florist’s Experience and Style

1. How long have you been working as a professional florist?
2. Can you describe your design style in a few words?
3. Do you have a portfolio of your previous work that I can look at?
4. Have you handled events similar to mine before?
5. What are some floristry trends you’re currently excited about?
6. How do you keep your designs unique for each client?
7. What’s your signature touch that sets your arrangements apart?
8. Are there any styles or types of arrangements you specialize in?
9. How do you approach creating a theme or mood with flowers?
10. Can you work with my vision and suggest flowers that would realize it?

Availability and Booking Procedures

1. How far in advance do I need to book your services?
2. Is there a deposit required to secure my event date?
3. What information do you need from me to start the booking process?
4. Are you available to handle my event on a specific date?
5. How flexible is your schedule if there’s a need to adjust dates?
6. What’s your cancellation or rescheduling policy?
7. Do you offer consultations, and how do I schedule one?
8. Is there a waitlist in case my preferred date is not available?
9. After booking, how often will we meet or communicate about updates?
10. Do you handle multiple events on the same day?

Floral Arrangements and Design Options

1. What types of floral arrangements do you offer?
2. Can I customize a package, or do you only offer set options?
3. Do you have eco-friendly or sustainable floral options?
4. Can I see examples of the centerpiece, bouquet, and corsage designs you’ve done?
5. Are you able to work with specific flowers that I have in mind?
6. Do you offer rental items for the arrangements, like vases and stands?
7. Can you accommodate large installations or floral sculptures?
8. How do you handle last-minute changes to design plans?
9. What’s your process for theme brainstorming if I’m not sure what I want?
10. Do you provide mock-ups of the arrangements before the event?

Pricing and Payment Information

1. How do you structure your pricing—are there packages or à la carte options?
2. Can you provide a price range for your most commonly requested services?
3. What’s included in your pricing, and are there any hidden costs I should know about?
4. Is payment in installments an option, and how are payments scheduled?
5. Are there additional fees for delivery, setup, and breakdown?
6. How do you handle changes to the order that might affect the final cost?
7. Do you offer discounts for bulk orders or referrals?
8. What forms of payment do you accept?
9. Is there a charge for the initial consultation?
10. Will I receive an itemized quote to understand what I’m paying for?

Flowers and Materials Sourcing

1. Where do you source your flowers and materials from?
2. Are the flowers you use in season, and what happens if they’re not available?
3. Do you offer organic or locally grown flowers?
4. How do you select the suppliers or farms you work with?
5. Can you source rare or exotic flowers that I might want?
6. Are there any flowers you avoid using, and if so, why?
7. How do you ensure the quality and freshness of your flowers?
8. Do you use any non-floral elements in your designs?
9. Is it possible to incorporate personal items or materials into the arrangements?
10. How far in advance do you order and prepare the flowers before an event?

Delivery and Setup Details

1. What are your policies on delivery and setup for event locations?
2. Do you charge a fee for delivery, and does it vary by location?
3. Are you able to deliver to multiple locations for the same event if needed?
4. How early do you arrive to set up before an event starts?
5. Will you be on-site to adjust arrangements during the event if necessary?
6. What steps do you take to ensure safe transportation of the floral arrangements?
7. Are you available to repurpose event flowers to another location post-event?
8. Can you walk me through the setup and breakdown process?
9. Is there an extra charge for late-night or early-morning setup?
10. How do you handle unexpected issues that arise during delivery or setup?

Past Client Experiences and References

1. Can you provide references or testimonials from past clients?
2. May I speak to a couple of your previous clients about their experiences?
3. What’s the feedback you’ve received on your work for similar events?
4. How do you manage client expectations and satisfaction?
5. Have you ever had a dissatisfied client, and how did you handle it?
6. Are there any notable events or clients you’ve worked for that standout?
7. Can you share a success story from a past event you’re particularly proud of?
8. How do you incorporate client feedback into your work moving forward?
9. What are some challenges you’ve overcome during previous events?
10. How do you handle situations when things don’t go as planned at an event?

Collaboration and Communication Expectations

1. What’s the best way to communicate with you throughout the planning process?
2. How often should we expect to touch base about the event’s progress?
3. In case of an urgent question or issue, how quickly do you typically respond?
4. Do you prefer virtual or in-person meetings, and how flexible are you with these?
5. Will I be working with you directly, or is there a team I’ll be communicating with?
6. What information do you need from me to design the best floral arrangements?
7. How do you ensure that the final floral decor matches what we’ve discussed?
8. Are there any particular details or ideas you need from me to begin work?
9. How proactive are you in suggesting changes that could enhance the event?
10. What is the process if I need to make alterations to our agreed-upon design?

Policies and Guarantees

1. What is your policy on refunds or credits if the event is canceled or postponed?
2. Do you offer a satisfaction guarantee or warranty on your floral arrangements?
3. What happens if the flowers aren’t available last minute?
4. How do you handle any disputes or dissatisfactions that may arise?
5. What are your policies on floral maintenance and care during the event?
6. In case of any damage to rental items, what are the financial responsibilities?
7. Do you have insurance coverage for your business?
8. Can changes be made after the final order has been placed, and is there a fee?
9. What’s your policy on adhering to venue-specific rules and regulations?
10. How do you ensure the confidentiality of our contract and personal details?

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I consider when choosing a florist for my event?

• Experience and Style: Understand the florist’s creative background and unique touch.
• Availability: Confirm their ability to accommodate your date and their booking procedures.
• Design Flexibility: Explore their floral arrangement options and customization abilities.
• Budget-Friendliness: Discuss pricing, payment, and any hidden costs upfront.
• Quality Assurance: Ask about their sourcing methods and the freshness of their flowers.

How far in advance should I book a florist for my event?

• It’s generally recommended to book a florist at least 6 to 8 months in advance for larger events, like weddings. For smaller occasions, a shorter timeframe may suffice. Always check their schedule and book as early as possible to ensure availability.

What if my preferred flowers are out of season?

• Florists can often suggest similar alternatives or explore importing them, but this may affect cost and availability. Discussing your preferences upfront will allow the florist to offer the best solutions.

Final Thoughts

There you have it, the petal-packed path to picking the perfect florist!

Armed with these questions, you’re all set to start the conversation and cultivate a blooming partnership. Whether it’s for a dream wedding, a corporate gala, or a cozy gathering, the right florist can truly make your event blossom.

Remember, it’s all about finding someone whose expertise aligns with your vision and who can deliver mesmerizing arrangements to captivate all your guests. Happy flower hunting!