Your wedding flowers are an expression of who you are, part of the ambience and feeling that will make your wedding ceremony and reception unforgettably and totally yours. Delicate white calla lilies or deep oriental poppies say as much about you as your choice of dress or groom! The centerpieces of baby pink roses will be remembered just as nostalgically as the baby pearls sewn onto your perfect gown.
For your bouquets and your ceremony. For your centerpieces, wedding party corsages, flower girl baskets, and groomsmen boutonnières. Sounds like a lot to handle? We have the expert lists of everything you need to know about hiring a professional to help you. And since you're about to spend more time with your florist than with your fiancé, we suggest you sit back and let us take you through each and every step.

1. The Interview: Things To Bring With You
2. Must Knows
3. Closing The Deal
4. Last Minute Checklist

1. THE INTERVIEW: THINGS TO BRING WITH YOU

1. Your folder or binder (the one that's making your groom shudder!) filled with flower photos and ideas for bouquets, centerpieces, cakes, headdresses and boutonnières.
2. Photos of the ceremony and reception locations.
3. Photos and/or swatches of your wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses, or at least the colors you're considering.
4. A list of the wedding party to determine "who needs what." Include bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, ring bearers, ushers, parents, etc.
5. A complete sense of yourself and how much you want to spend. Honesty is the best policy, and you will save yourself a lot of grief if you know your bottom line. Not only will it make it easier for the florist to help you, but also by declaring your budget, you signal to them that you're a girl who knows what she wants and sticks to it.

2. MUST KNOWS

1. Interview and get bids from at least two (but no more than four) florists. Otherwise you'll be counting daisies in your sleep.
2. Do you like the florist's portfolio? Does his work reflect different styles, or does each wedding look mind-numbingly the same?
3. Since you're about to spend more time with your florist than with your fiancé, do you like the florist personally? Did he spend enough time with you? Is he a good listener? Did he respond to your photos or dismiss your ideas?
4. Did the florist have creative ideas that appeal to your sensibility, taking into account your tastes and style? Did he show you how to get the most for your budget with less pricey blooms, or tell you about flowers that will survive a summer wedding?
5. Has the florist gotten good press? Even better, word of mouth? How about references? It's worth it to tap into WeddingChannel.com's Local Vendor Directory page to see if someone in your area has dealt with the florist you're interviewing.
6. Will your florist personally do the arrangements and be on site the day of your wedding to make sure all goes well? Or will he merely drop off the blooms and burn rubber? How many staff members is your florist planning on bringing with him to set up your wedding? Don't be grabbing your father-in-law to help move the terra cotta pots!
7. Is the florist willing to do a sample arrangement so you can see if your flowers match your tablecloths?
8. Does the florist own interesting containers such as stone urns, silver bowls or linear glass containers or will you be billed extra for these specialty items?
9. Will they be able to order, rent or coordinate special items? Candles, lanterns, torchieres (wrought-iron, freestanding candle holders), ribbons, plants? Are these extra charges?
10. Will the florist throw in a "throw bouquet" for the bridal toss for the chorus line of breathless girlfriends who want to be the next you? Many florists cringe at the thought of you tossing their masterpiece away, so they will often make a smaller bouquet as a gift to you.

3. CLOSING THE DEAL
So you've found your ideal florist and you're happy with his proposal. Not only does he have great ideas that fall within your budget range, but he has not dismissed your bouquet fantasies. You're on your way. Now: Make It Official: About six to ten months before your wedding date, give your intended (and in this case we mean the florist, not the groom) the green thumbs up and send in your deposit to save the date. Make sure the florist's written proposal reflects all the items and services you discussed. No secrets between you and your groom: ditto for the florist.

1. Give your florist a complete list of all the flower arrangements you're purchasing, with color information and prices attached.
2. Include a list of all wedding party flowers: Bridal Bouquet Bridesmaid Bouquets Boutonnières (remember those extra ones) Corsages/Bouquets for mothers, grandmothers, stepmothers and special guests not necessarily walking down the aisle Flower Girl Baskets Headpiece & Hair Flowers
3. Final Selections: Give your ceremony setting a second look. Is there a banister, or an aisle that looks a little worn? Drape it with a beautiful garland or ivy.
4. Schedule A Sample: Ask your florist for a sample centerpiece. You may be charged for this service, but we feel it's well worth it. If you don't want any surprises, then by all means pay for an arrangement. If possible, bring along samples of your tablecloth, napkins, and specialty rental items, like napkin-rings and base plates, so you get the full-on effect! Aren't you clever?
5. Order Arrangements: Remember to order any arrangements you may need for thank you gifts, your bridal luncheon, rehearsal dinner and brunch. If someone else is hosting any of these events for you, mention the florist you're using to save your hostess time and perhaps money.
6. Finalize Your Order: Know the exact dollar amount including sales tax, overtime charges, delivery and setup fees. Make sure you understand the cancellation policy and the exact date your deposit is due. And don't forget signatures on all contracts.

4. LAST MINUTE CHECKLIST
It's countdown time. Except for a few last minute details, the seeds are sewn and love's ready to bloom. We know that you know way more about hydrangeas than you ever thought possible. But when you see your bouquet and table settings designed exactly as you envisioned, it will take your (baby's) breath away, and that's what it's all about!