Secure the booking

When you have found a florist, secure the booking and get a written estimate of costs. If you have some time before your wedding day you may not know exactly what you want, but you can establish the budget and that your florist will be able to work within it. Most florists can create a customised package for you. Agree in writing the minimum you are expecting in terms of bouquets, buttonholes and corsages, pedestal and table arrangements. Check that the price includes delivery and on-the-day labour costs and gives details of vases and containers and the style of bouquets and buttonholes. But understand that if you have not decided on the flowers themselves, that could eventually alter the price. Try and secure a quote that stipulates flowers in season and an idea of quantity. Similarly, if you have agreed exact details and have been quoted for specific flowers and plants but then change your mind, that could cost you more money.

A good florist will want to visit the venue(s) with you about three or four months before the wedding (if they do not already know venues).

Establish that it will be the florist you are dealing with who will be arranging the flowers on the day. If not, ensure, you've met and are happy with however will be overseeing them. Check with the venue(s) whether the flowers have to be removed after the wedding. If they do, ask your florist to quote for their collection (if you do not want to keep them). It is likely the florist will need to return to the venue to collect pedestals and containers anyway.

When you have decided on the exact details (advice on which follows) of your bouquet(s), buttonholes and flowers, ask for awritten quotation. "Be wary of an all-inclusive package that does not break down the costs for you, because you want to know what you are getting. Ensure all the details are included (see flower quotation checklist) and that there are no hidden extras. To secure the booking you will be required to pay a deposit.