Flowers

* For your wedding, you can do whatever you want with flowers.  Back when I got married in the 1970's, brides pretty much carried the same type of bouquet.  Today, you can let your imagination and budget be your guide.  Flowers can be very expensive. Some brides might carry a single rose, or a ribbon-tied bouquet of calla lilies. It is entirely up to you!

Before you go to see your florist, try to get some recommendations from friends and family on florists, costs, etc. Then, start your search with Google and look for wedding flowers to get some ideas on styles of bouquets, corsages, boutonnieres, and table centerpieces that have been used by other florists.  Bookmark the flowers you want, or if you are an artist, sketch out what you want.  If you have access to some bride magazines, bring in pictures of flowers/arrangements that you like.  Make sure that when you finally go for your appointment with your florist that you bring a color sample of your attendants dresses.

To secure your date with your florist, you will need a written estimate, a deposit on the order, and details about the time and place of the wedding.  Most florists will demand full payment one week to several days before the date.

Some brides today decide not to spend any money on flowers and will go to a place like Joann Fabrics and pick up ready made bouquets/corsages/boutonnieres. There are many alternatives for centerpieces other than flowers.  Some venues/banquet halls provide mirrors with votive candles for centerpieces.  If this is available, it is a way to save money.

Bridal shows are another way to get ideas, business names, contacts for florists, and even cake samples. Keep your eyes on local events to find where and when bridal shows will be held.

Good luck.

Customer service

* First impressions----
How are you greeted when you walk into a bridal salon?  Is there someone to speak to you and take your name?
Someone I know went into a local fancy salon recently and she was asked if she had an appointment.  She replied, "No." The bridal consultant said that they only work from appointments and that she could see her assistant.  At the time the young woman walked into the salon there were no other customers and the sales people/consultants were just standing around the store talking to each other.

Obviously, the sales people in that bridal salon thought that by acting arrogant that they'd give an impression of being exclusive.  Unfortunately, I suspect that this bridal salon is turning off many customers with their rude welcome.  Just because a bridal salon charges extra for their gowns doesn't mean that they have the right to be mean and haughty.


****  If and when you are looking for that wedding gown, you need to make sure that you have the following:
(1) a realistic expectation of cost, and the means to pay for it
(2) an idea of a style that you like
(3) someone to accompany you when you choose your dress---- a parent or sister? It is not necessary to bring your entire wedding party or "Debbie Downers" who might ruin your entire day.

There are many, many different styles and prices available. Look online to see what might be available. If you are browsing online you are only taking up your own time. Do not expect to go into a bridal salon for the heck of it if you have no intention of being serious about your dress shopping. Don't waste their time.