All vendors from photographers and cake makers to clergy and florists and everyone in between are paid to deliver what you have hired them to do. You are the customer and they have a job to do. But there is a flip side to this, too, and it is this other side that is often misunderstood or out-right abandoned by brides: vendors are professionals, and they are human. There is only so much they can do, and only so much to which you are entitled.
Perhaps no wedding vendor is more taken advantage of by brides than the florist. The DJ is worshiped, the photographer fades into the background (a good one does, anyway), the officiant is praised, the cake maker adored. But the florist can receive outrageous demands, unreasonable requests, and often bears the brunt of bridal stress.
The Huffington Post ran an article earlier this year titled 10 Things You Should Never Tell Your Wedding Florist. And following is my paraphrase of three things they say your florist would rather you not ask – or even think about.
Q: “I have a limited budget, but I want a bouquet like Princess Kate (Katie Holmes, Angelina Jolie, etc.). Can you do something like that on a shoestring?”
A: No. Perhaps more than any other vendor, florists can only do so much with their product. They may seem like magicians who are able to pull antique hydrangeas out of a proverbial hat, but it is going to cost you.
Q: “I have a few hundred Pinterest boards with a few thousand pins each. Can we find a time for you to go through them for inspiration?”
A: No. If you want to print off two to four, oh, heck, even a half a dozen photos and bring them in to your florist to get an idea of your style, color scheme, and desires, great. That would also help them know if what you want is even possible on your budget, too. But just a few – seriously.
Q: “I know my wedding is in two hours, but can you make a few last minute changes?”
A: Do. Not. Even. Think. It.
