Need to Vent about Florist

Hi Cathy. I'd ask for the itemized breakdown and contract. This new number could reflect rentals, set-up/ break-down, and etc. I don't think she is trying to fool your daughter by adding 1 grand. Anyone would notice. You can also book an in-person meeting for a centerpiece mock-up. You would have to pay for this sample though as flowers aren't free. Hope this helps your anger. These changes can be surprising, annoying even, but there is always an explanation and you can always say no as flowers are not yet ordered.

Edited to add: if most communication is between your daughter and the florist, you should let her ask these questions.

View Quoted Comment I should clarify a few things. I have been present at both meetings. At the first meeting we asked for a mock up the centerpieces to be done in early May…in 2 different vases with wedding colors & daughter provided her pics via email. When daughter called to say she was picking the mockups up as agreed she was told that they were “too busy”. My daughter gave them an extra day for the mockups. The mockups were not good & were paid for by my daughter & given to me & mother of groom for Mother’s Day. At the 2nd meeting, the florist just kept saying she was out of flowers for the mockups. Florist did recommend some other flowers to be used for wedding & we agreed. I have used this florist for many years but mainly for corsages & boutonnières & some arrangements for birthdays etc. Also, we have paid a $300 deposit between meeting 1 & 2 but before the mockups. I am not concerned about the corsages & bouts, bridal & bridesmaid bouquets but I am very nervous now about the centerpieces & another 2 large pieces that are to go on top of the pipe & drape. The problem with daughter communicating this with florist is that my daughter cannot take phone calls while at work as she is an oral surgery assistant. Hoping just to at least get a time scheduled where daughter & I can meet with the florist again. I am thinking we may need to make alternate plans for the centerpieces. It seems as if we are overwhelming the florist…as an example, when I asked for the flowers for the pipe & drape to be two sided (as it will be out in open & visible from 2 sides) the florist talked me & my daughter out of it! Maybe 8 just need to clarify with my daughter exactly what she wants & then back her when she expresses it.

Oh no! This sounds super stressful! Is there any way you can get your deposit back? Maybe you can find a different florist for the other items you need done? You have every right to be upset, the florist seems to be very unprofessional!

Some couples are very specific with florals while others just name a budget and color scheme. It sounds like your daughter and FS are the former. Since neither of you liked the mockups, I think your vendor would benefit from strategic guidance. Inform her in descriptive ways how the centerpieces could be improved (fullness, draping, flower size, design shape). If you have Pinterest pics, this may help, but note that those exact arrangements will not be copied due to season, availability, budget. You may need to increase your budget. You may also have to pick and choose your battles. If she proposes a 2D layout, this may allow more money elsewhere in room design. It's hard for all. Inflation, flower shortages, and Russian fertilizer shortages have impacted the floral industry. Plus, florists are busy with existing weddings.

I went with a local woman-owned business instead of a large design firm and had my worries. But, she was able to meet our expectations with a couple zoom calls, a mood board, and in-person direction ($200 mockup). I hope you are able to find a clear path of communication.

View Quoted Comment We were able to talk thru the proposal & things are much more clear. I think we are going to be able to work with the florist. Thanks for responding!

Thats great news! You must be so excited! Enjoy this sweet time!