Wedding & Event Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have a minimum for weddings or events?
Not at all. Our wedding services are à la carte. You select the floral arrangements and services that you need. We are just as happy to create a bridal bouquet and boutonnière for a small courthouse wedding as we are to assist you with design and décor for 350 guests in a ballroom. It is our honor to be asked to be a part of your big day and we will never tell you that your event is too small for us.
May I see samples of your work?
Absolutely! We love what we do and are proud to show it off! The best place to start is our Portfolio where our work is organized by wedding. Our Pinterest page has even more examples of our work along with inspiration from other floral artists. We also have samples of our daily work on Instagram. Finally, our blog features a wide assortment of our work
How far will you travel?
We love a road trip and have done weddings all over the state. We have gone from Semiahmoo Golf Resort and Spa on the Canadian border, to wineries in Walla Walla and Suncadia Resort near Cle Elum. Planning to get married by the water? One of our favorite destinations to work with is Alderbrook Resort and Spa on Hood Canal. We have even done weddings at private homes in the San Juan Islands. Our motto is “We will go where you need us.”
Do you offer delivery and set up of wedding and event flowers?
But of course! You decide what services you need and we will tailor our proposal to fit. You always have the option to pick up your flowers at our studio or to have us set them up for you at the venue.
How do I reserve a date for my wedding or event?
If you know exactly what you want for flowers your date is reserved when you pay for your order. For more custom work, the date is reserved when you pay the deposit that is based on the proposal that we will prepare for you after an in-person consultation.
May I drop by to discuss flowers for an upcoming event?
We would hate to have you come in at a time when we are not able to give you our full attention so we do require an appointment for a consultation. We understand that everyone has other commitments so we try to be extremely flexible in accommodating our clients with scheduling. I am sure that we can find a time that will work for you.
How far in advance should I schedule my consultation?
At least six months before the wedding is ideal, but we can begin planning as much as 18 months in advance or as little as two months before the wedding date. Summer weekends, especially three day weekends, are the most popular times for weddings in the Northwest so we recommend beginning the process as early as possible to be sure that we have your date available. We do request that you have some of the basic details ironed out such as the date and venue before we meet in person. Ideally, the wedding dress and bridesmaids dresses will have been selected as well, but we can begin the process even if they have not been finalized.
How do I book a Consultation?
Consultation appointments can be booked by phone or email. Our only requirement is that we speak with you directly or that you fill out our online consultation form prior to scheduling so that we can get an idea of your needs to help us prepare and to make the best use of your time when you come in.
How long will the consultation last?
Most consultations can be finished in an hour. Smaller events will take less time and large events may last up to two hours.
What should I bring to my consultation?
Anything that inspires you! Weddings and events are all about the details so bring as much information as you can. Photos of the venue, especially where you would like floral decoration, are helpful. If linens have been selected, swatches or photos of them are essential in planning centerpieces. For weddings, it is helpful for us to know what the wedding party will be wearing (pictures and swatches are a timesaver) so we can coordinate the flowers. Photographs or Pinterest boards showing examples of flowers and arrangements that you like are very useful, even if the colors and flowers are not exactly what you had in mind. We can also learn a lot from photos of things that you do not like.
I live out of town and am not able to meet in person until just before my wedding. Can I still work with you?
If you live out of state or are unable to meet in person for your consultation, we will be happy to speak with you over the phone.
What should I expect in the Wedding Consultation Process?
So that we can design wedding flowers that reflect your personality, we will want to know as much about you as possible and we will ask a lot of questions. Typically we ask about your color palette; if you have your invitations selected; what you would like the feeling for the ceremony and reception to be; what are your favorite flowers; anything that will guide us in our planning. Walking through the evening from a guest’s perspective helps us to see details that will make the evening special, even if they do not directly relate to flowers. The first thing that we typically start with is the bridal bouquet as that sets the tone for a wedding and all of the flowers choices will radiate out from that. Don’t worry if you do not know the first thing about flowers; that’s our job. We will ask a lot of questions to ascertain your personal style and will make recommendations every step of the way.
Depending on how much research we need to do we will typically respond with a first draft of the proposal in about a week. The proposal will have a total for our services as described as well as the deposit required. This draft is an opportunity to make sure that we have captured your vision and gives you a chance to make a first round of edits. If necessary we will supply a second draft that should very closely match your vision. If we have succeeded in our job it will show that we are a good match. We generally allow a week after the proposal is submitted to confirm the date with a deposit and signed contract. We always try to be as transparent as possible in all steps of the consultation process.
What information is included in the proposal?
Our proposal will itemize all agreed upon floral elements and their individual prices, rental items and their prices, any miscellaneous items and their charges, delivery and pickup charges as well as any on-site labor charges. There will be no hidden fees and no additional charges without written agreement from both parties. Anything that is estimated will be noted and if possible, a range for potential charges included. All floral elements will include a general description of the style and colors with a list of some of the flowers that may be used. We are happy to revise the proposal once prior to the deposit being paid. You should have a good feeling as to whether or not we are a good fit for you with the second iteration.
Once a deposit has been paid and the contract has been signed we are happy to provide as much detail about the proposal as you would like. You are not bound on quantities until the final proposal which is typically agreed upon 30 days prior to the wedding. Even at this point, items can still be added as needed but we are not able to decrease quantities as commitments will have been made to our vendors to purchase the flowers for your wedding.
I don’t know the last thing about flowers. What will be in season when I am getting married?
Flowers are our life so don’t worry about which flowers to choose. We are happy to make recommendations based on what flower choices will have the feeling that you are looking to create for your wedding or event. Our preference is always for seasonal flowers out of respect for natural patterns and because they are also very cost effective. If you have a flower that is a favorite or that has special meaning, let us know. We love including personal touches in all that we do.
May I see a mockup of the proposed florals?
We are happy to create a mockup of any element that you would like after the contract is signed. Our preference is to create it between 30 and 60 days before the wedding to account for seasonal flowers that may not be available year around. This also gives us time to make adjustments before the final proposal and before we give commitments to our vendors. There are two pricing options with mockups. We can create them for you at 50% of retail value and we will keep them once you have seen them or you may take them home to enjoy at regular price.
What other services do you offer?
We will do just about anything but cook and serve the food. Since the flowers are such an integral element in the décor, we are happy to give as much advice as you would like regarding all of the décor elements so that everything perfectly coordinates. These include tents, lighting, chairs, tables, candles and linens. We can also coordinate all of the rental elements freeing you up to enjoy your day. While there is no charge to have us coordinate the rentals, we do charge an hourly design fee for wedding and event design.
We can assist you in locating vendors, musicians, DJ’s, caterers, bakers, valets, planners and day of help for your wedding as well. We are happy to be as involved as you would like in helping you have your perfect day.
I have no idea how much wedding flowers cost. Where should I start?
We are happy to give you an estimate range over the phone before scheduling your consultation. Since every event that we create is custom it is difficult to quote specific prices until we meet in person. We would love the opportunity to discuss your. Recognizing that email is not an efficient way to communicate such detailed matters as a customized wedding, we prefer to talk either in person or over the phone.
I am not sure that my budget is large enough to work with you. Can you help?
By the time that you plan your wedding flowers you have probably realized that everything costs more than you planned. We respect that most brides do not come in with an unlimited budget and are happy to find ways to work with you to find ways to economize that will still complement your color scheme and design. Key is knowing where to splurge and where to be more frugal. Some examples of money stretching options:
- Repurposing flowers from the ceremony into reception,
- Renting vases instead of purchasing them,
- Choosing less expensive flower options that have a similar look and feeling,
- Working with catering or your wedding planner to move arrangements to avoid charges for on-site labor or wait times,
- Return the vases yourself instead of having us pick them up after the event,
- Using more expensive flowers only where they will have the most impact, and
- Selecting flowers that are in season will generally be less expensive.
We have additional options to save you money such as Bloomerent which can save you money on centerpieces or donating your flowers to a non-profit organization such as a women’s shelter which may qualify you for a tax deduction up to the value that you paid for them*.
Do you offer packages for weddings?
Since every bride and event host is unique, we design custom proposals specifically for them as opposed to package options.
How much do you charge for delivery, setup, transfer and strike fees?
These fees vary depending on the distance, timing and complexity of each event. Your proposal will have all of the fees broken down and we are happy to suggest ways to keep them low. While a professional florist is always the best choice for the most beautiful florals, there are often less expensive options for some of the labor aspects of a wedding or event.
Is it possible to rent the vases instead of buying them?
Certainly! We are happy to rent any vases that we are able to reuse. Rental vases are quoted at full price in the proposal with a deduction at the end for the amount that will be credited once the vases are returned. Even more money can be saved by returning the vases yourself instead of having us pick them up from the venue. All vases are due back to Fiori Floral Design seven days after the event allowing the flowers to be enjoyed for several days.
Will you coordinate with my other vendors?
Yes, we are happy to coordinate with any of your vendors. In particular, we will always ask for your contact person at the venue and your cake decorator if we are doing flowers for your cake.
