Do you remember in school when the teacher said, "there is no such thing as a stupid question" and "if you are wondering then chances are so are your classmates?" Well, the same applies when it comes to wedding flowers. I have so many brides emailing and calling wondering what the next steps are, apologizing for their lack of knowledge and feeling completely overwhelmed.
Photo by Emily Alyssa for Washingtonian Bride and Groom Tuesday Takeover
I do my best to be reassuring because most likely this is your first (and hopefully your last) time planning a wedding. So relax, you don't need to know everything. That's why I am here!
Here are some of my most frequently asked wedding flower questions.
1) How much will my flowers cost?
Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to this one. It really depends on the size of your wedding party, the number of guests invited and whether a large ceremony display or other floral installation is planned. Delivery, location and staff are also factors; is the wedding local or a destination? Will we need lots of hands on site to orchestrate your vision or is this a small event that can be handled by a few? Finally, cost depends on the type of flowers you want - peonies are more expensive than premium roses, and burgundy is more expensive than ivory.
Photo By Casey Crowe Taylor
2) Can we talk on the phone or can we meet in person?
Again, this depends on the circumstances. If D.C. is a destination wedding for you, then we will probably have our initial consultation over the phone. If you are local, I highly recommend visiting with me and all your vendors in person. About 20% of the time, I don't meet a couple until the big day. But there is no substitute for building a personal relationship prior to that - I prefer to get to know you in person. It helps me make the inevitable last minute decisions and judgement calls with confidence because I have gotten to know you, your personality and taste.
Photo of me and Sarah Pete by Emily Alyssa Photography
3) What is covered in a consultation?
This is our chance to go deep. We'll talk about specific colors, flowers and quantities. We'll pull out our phones and swap inspiration photos. Following this conversation, I will write up a proposal and pricing.
4) What does the proposal look like?
Atelier Ashley proposals are written in detail and sent from my HoneyBook platform. I provide line item pricing meaning that each bouquet/corsage/boutonieer etc. is written about in detail with my best recommendations on colors, specifics and pricing to fit your budget. You can always choose to add if you want a more abundant look.
5) Do I have to pay a deposit?
Yes. In order to secure your wedding date, I require a signed contract and a 50% deposit of our projected budget.
Sam and Damion by Liz Fogarty Photography
6) Once the contract is signed and the deposit is paid, can I still make changes?
Yes! Really if you want to change the entire proposal up until one month before your wedding, that is fine with me. I usually order the flowers at one month out and once the flowers are ordered no more major changes can be made. If your numbers go down, the flowers already ordered will be added to the other arrangements. If your numbers go up, it is not a problem to get more flowers.
7) When is the remaining balance due?
The remaining balance is due one month prior to your wedding date. As soon as the balance is received, I order the flowers. I will not order the flowers until the balance has been paid.
8) What if we add things within a month of the wedding date?
That is totally fine, the balance will be due at the time of the addition and I will order the flowers.
These are the questions my clients usually ask me and I hope this will help to reassure you that you are not the only one!