I’m happy to address any questions & concerns you may have.
Q: How do I book you as my wedding florist?
A: Once you fill out my Wedding Query Form I’ll be in touch asap. Based on the pictures I have from you and all details I will create a preliminary proposal for you which includes an estimated total cost for your wedding flowers. Then we schedule the personal meeting or a phone call to review the proposal, to see how our styles and personalities match up. If it feels like we’ll be a good match, you may go ahead and mail a signed contract, and nonrefundable deposit that will reserve your date. As soon as I get the deposit, I email the confirmation of the booking with me, and the real wedding proposal that we keep updating till the W- date.
Q: How far in advance should I book?
A: I only book about 15 weddings per season so my calendar can book up quickly. Couples planning a wedding in Bay Area from March-October should secure a florist as soon as a location and wedding date have been decided upon. I usually start booking events about 9 months to 1 year before the wedding date. Since I work only with 1 couple per date, reach me out as soon as possible to find out the date availability.
Q: What happens after I book you?
A: We move at your pace once we are under contract meaning we can finalize a plan as soon as you’re ready or wait until as late as 4 weeks before your date. There is no rush to decide “exactly” what you want/need, but usually, we have a pretty good plan figured out a few month before your wedding. We can arrange 2 in-person meetings if you would like to sit down and look through flower photos with me to refine your style. We do not meet more than twice unless you are having a large wedding with a lot of details to manage.
Q: I have a budget of {fill in the blank}. Will that be enough to do what I want?
A: This obviously depends on your total floral budget as well as all the details you have in mind, but I will offer you a clear and honest assessment of what a realistic budget for your flowers will be.
The typical budget for flowers for the average wedding of 100 guests is $3500-5000. So if you have more guests your wedding flowers may start from $4500 and up. Stunning, gorgeous weddings full of primary flowers and all cute details start from $6500. However, there are some tricks how to work with your budget and still have the look of your dream wedding.
Q: We are planning from out of state. Can I book with you without meeting in person?
A: Absolutely. A majority of my clients book with me after our initial phone/skype consultation and preliminary proposal. We can schedule an in-person meeting at my home-studio in San Leandro when you are in the area, and I try my best to be accommodating to your schedule.
Q: I know what my style is, but don’t know any specific flowers that I like. Now what?
A: You don’t need to know anything about flowers to have beautiful flowers for your wedding. I will ask pointed questions to help me determine the best flowers for your style. There are many flowers you have not seen yet, so maybe the selection of flowers that I will offer for you is perfect.
Q: Can you help me with other design elements/details of the day?
A: Flowers are my main priority, but I am more than happy to offer suggestions and guidance in any way that I can to help the overall flow of your day go smoothly. Linens, stationery, wedding attire… You name it, and I’ve probably got an opinion, a suggestion, or a referral for you of the best vendors with whom I worked.
Q: How many weddings do you book on a weekend?
A: I prefer to book only 1 wedding per weekend; however, there are occasions when I design more than one event.
Q: Will you travel for an on-site consultation?
A: Absolutely. I usually go for the walk-through with the couple 1 – 1.5 month prior the wedding date to finalize all essential details.
Q: Are local/seasonal flowers available?
A: Local flowers are most readily available in Bay Area from March through October. Many blooms are available all year round, local or imported. If you have a particular color palette or favorite flowers in mind, reach me out with a list or a color scheme. I think that April- May, August-September is the best month to find local, in-season varieties.
It’s important that you work with vendors that make you feel comfortable and that suit both your style and budget. I don’t believe you should be left wondering what the final bill will be or if your florist “gets you.” Planning the flowers should be one of the fun and easy parts of the wedding process, and it’s my pleasure to assist you along the way. If you have a “Q” that I didn’t “A,” please shoot me an e-mail, and I will get back to you with an answer asap!