florists without shops?

[larussel03]

There seem to be alot of event florists who do not own flower shops--I can see how this works, but do you feel that they are as trustable as someone with an actual store?? I''d have to arrange to meet with them at like a Barnes N'' Noble or something similar, and I was thinking if they bring a nice portfolio it''s fine, but I wanted to see if anyone else has heard of this??

 

[codex57]

Through word of mouth, we were hooked up with a florist in SF who basically just works on the side as a florist. She did an awesome job and was much cheaper than a traditional florist with a shop. If they''re good, they likely have some portfolio of past work. You can also ask them for references. We just met her at her home and she showed us some books. She only did a couple of things, but they turned out gorgeous. I actually prefer her since she does it as a hobby, she loves flowers and so she puts more care and effort into her work than someone who just does it as a job.

 

[sumbride]

I think it makes plenty of sense, and may even be better... they can get the flowers at wholesale... they probably won''t be too busy with other things like getting all those regular deliveries out of the way WHILE working on your wedding, and they don''t have to pay the rent on an expensive shop. Flowers don''t have to be regulated like food so it wouldn''t be a health issue like a home cake baker. I think as long as they have a good portfolio and excellent references, it should be fine. Trust your gut though... don''t give any money to somebody without checking references!

 

[Gypsy]

If you get references... go for it. I''ve done centerpieces and arrangements ''on the sly'' for holiday parties and such... and I in NJ I don''t even buy wholesale... still winds up cheaper by ALOT to have me do it. In SF wholesale isn''t a problem for me. Flower market in SF, so forth and so on.

Also in metro areas... suburbs ... especially ''working class'' areas have florists that will agree to get in bullk flowers for you. Greens, filler, and seasonal-- easy to order flowers are inexpensively attained this way. And then... there is Costco.

OH! And cash. Single shops... not chains. Ask for a cash price after the total is given to you. We did this for FI''s grandmother''s funeral-- it saved us 100 bucks.

 

[ChargerGrrl]

SP- I can understand your concern about going with a florist without a storefront. I ended up going that route, but after I did a fair amount of research: I read thru a ton of recommendations from other brides on a local board I requent, and also checked out her actual website. In the end, she was the gal for me. Her prices could not be beat, she was so open to my suggestions and LISTENED to me.

Good Luck!

 

[nicolejrx]

Our florist doesn''t have a store front, she only does wedding flowers here in San Diego, only one wedding per weekend so she is really able to devote a ton of time to just our flowers. She was highly recommended from my reception place and her portfolio is incredible so I chose to go with her. I would definitely check references though...
Nicole

 

[fatafelice]

I am using an amazing event florist who doesn''t have a store, but does have an office where she meets clients. I think she is actually more expensive than a regular florist might be, BUT she is tremendously creative and compeltely *got* the look and feel I''d like for the wedding. It is worth it for me to pay more and not have to micromanage someone.

If we were getting married in NJ, it is likely that FMIL''s best friend would be doing the flowers. She opperates from her home and only does a few weddings each season. I''m not sure, but I think she meets clients at her home or theirs.

All in all, I think it is a good way to go, but only if you can see pics of their work, get reccommendations, and feel comfortable after meeting with them. And maybe they can agree to meet you somewhere other than Barnes and Noble -- like at one of your venues perhaps?