Wednesday, March 18, 2015

March Blog Hop -- Key Elements Of A Successful Floral Contract




Welcome to our March Blog Hop!
This month we are focusing on all things Spring to help you in the process of planning your wedding or event. Get ready for some great ideas, inspiration and how to as you move along through the blog hop.

You may just be starting the blog hop or may have come from Nikki Michel at Ciao Bella Weddings;  If you get off track at any time, the full lineup below will help you move along from blog to blog so you make sure to see and learn from all of the articles featured here today.

Getting Exactly What You Want When Working With Floral Vendors

Planning your wedding is one of the most important times of your life, so it is essential to be specific about what you want when working with vendors for your big day. Getting the results you desire can sometimes be easier said than done due to a variety of reasons,  vendor talent, supply quality and overall artistic aesthetic. To avoid wedding day heartache over your floral design, it is extremely important to have a detailed flower contract that outlines what you expect from your florist. We at Elite Design hope that these tips will help you design a contract that will help you get the best possible outcome for your desired floral arrangements on your wedding day. 

1.    Specific Flower Names - When it comes to your floral contract it is important that the exact names of the flowers to be used for your event design are made very clear. For example there are several types of rose and you want to be on the same page to avoid any confusion. 

To get a basic knowledge of flower names of flowers and what they look like visit: http://www.sierraflowerfinder.com

2.    Wedding Flowers Color Preference- This is also an important part of your floral contract. Color is based on how we perceive it, because it it is imperative to provide a swatch. Including swatches is a great way to promote direction on the colors you wish to be used. With that being said you must keep in mind that each flower is a unique creation by nature. Kelly Green is different from Lime green and can impact the total look and feel of your wedding day experience. 


3.   Bouquet Size and the Ratios of Flowers- We suggested providing picture of what you have in mind to give a clear picture of the look you want.  There is nothing worst that getting your bouquet which you dreamed would be flooded with roses, only to find a few roses and a mass of babies breath. You also want to be mindful of your frame and that of your bridesmaids. You would want a petite person overpowered by a massive bouquet or visa versa. 



 4.    List of Rentals- Knowing what’s to be returned to your florist at the end of your wedding day will also eliminate lots of confusion. And can also help save on cost. Look for creative options, such as high quality silk centerpiece rentals and purchase only the items from your bridal party.

5.    Breakdown of Duties- What the florist will do verse what other vendor are responsible for is very important. This will make the setup and take down of your event more seamless. This can be worked out by your wedding planning and we suggest providing this information to all vendors so they can work well together.

 6.     Date, Place and Time of Delivery- This may seem like a no brainer but omitting these simple details can spell disaster for keeping your timeline on track. Fresh flowers have a shelf life; it is important that this be respected. This part of the contract should be very bold and concise. Example: The Empire Hotel, 1234 Main Street, N.Y. 10012. The Rockefeller Room, access at 12PM.

7.    Rain Plan- Mother nature has a mind of her own. Make sure that your floral contract includes what will be done should adjustments have to be made for rain.

 8.    Cancellation Policy- Make sure that you understand this part and should a changes be made to your floral order you adhere to the dates set in this part. Flower usually must be ordered in advance; so giving proper heads up to your florist is important. This will also make it clear what is your obligation should you have to cancel or reschedule and what type if any reimbursement you will be entitle to.

9.    Payment Schedule- Like any other element of your wedding day, flowers have a cost. Knowing when payments are expected will keep you on budget as well as keep supplies ordering schedule on time.
 
10.  Miscellaneous- Trying including any other requirements that don’t fit into the previous section of your contract. Because being as detailed as possible will make for a smooth floral contract.

The next stop is Kelly Snyder at Southern Charm Weddings. Thanks for visiting and I hope to see you again next month!
  1.  Natalie Bradley at Natalie Bradley Events
  2. Ashley Rae at Ashley Rae Events
  3. Shaun Cox at A D.I.Y. Affair Weddings and Events
  4. Kristi Richardson at Bloomed To Last
  5. Chantal Benoit at Chantal Benoit Photographer
  6. Irene Tyndale at Irene Tyndale Events 
  7. Peter Merkle at Chicago Wedding DJs
  8. Katrina McCullum at Made of Honor Weddings
  9. Kelly King at Affordable Wedding Invites by Gossett Printing
  10. Rachel Huntoon at Ashford Manor Bed & Breakfast
  11. N’neka Scruggs at Images by N’neka
  12. Teresa Rhodes at Nearly Nesters 
  13. Laurie Kuerlemann at Platinum Party Events Entertainment, Inc
  14. Katherine Shorter at Creating Awesomenessity
  15. Liz Coopersmith at Silver Charm Events
  16. Kimberly Parks at  KP Photography
  17. Cindy Clearwater at Something Blue Virgin Islands
  18. Anshwa Lewis at SwaLaRue Events
  19. Nikki Michel at Ciao Bella Weddings
  20. Daphne Simpson at Elite Design
  21. Kelly Snyder at Southern Charm Weddings