You just got engaged and you've begun the process of looking for your different wedding vendors. Setting up consultations with each of them to get to know their styles, pricing and processes can be both educating and time consuming all at once. I wanted to take a moment to tell you a little bit about what the process of setting up a consultation, receiving a proposal and then moving forward with booking KatieBug Florals.
The first place to start for connection would be to fill out my contact form on my website. This gives me a little bit of your basic information and allows me to see whether I am available for your wedding date. I will then reach out to you by email to setup that initial consultation. I am available for both phone and in person consultations, whichever is easier for you! I will send you a link to sign up for a consultation time slot that you can pick based on your availability.
Once your consultation is scheduled, you can begin collecting your information and inspiration. I love it when clients bring any inspiration photos of work that they like or even color swatches of dresses or linens. Also, check out my blog post on bouquet styles to get an idea of where to begin with your overall style. Start making a list of items you might want to have on your quote. This would include:
-bridal bouquet
-bridesmaids bouquets
-flower girls - petals to throw, hair wreaths, etc.
-groom boutonniere
-groomsmen boutonnieres
-fathers or grandfather boutonnieres
-usher, officiant or ring bearer boutonnieres
-corsages for mothers, grandmothers or house party
-ceremony florals: altar pieces, archways, hanging installations, aisle decor, welcome table, etc.
-reception florals: centerpieces, mantles, staircases, flowers for your cake, etc.
This list doesn't have to be perfect before your consultation, but it's a good starting point to get you a more accurate quote. I always tell my clients to dream big here in this initial quote. Let's add everything you think you'd like at your wedding onto the quote so you can see where you land on price point. Then we can cut, tweak or adjust from there to fit within budget.
Speaking of budget, this is also a good time to begin thinking through what your floral budget would need to be. Most wedding planners will tell you to reserve 10-20% of your overall wedding budget for florals. I would say that if florals are really important to you, or you know you'd like some large and dramatic installation pieces, to plan to budget on that higher end. My average client spends $5000-7000 on florals with me for a 150-250 person wedding, which would include personal flowers, ceremony florals and reception florals, as well as setup/delivery and tear down fees.
After the consultation, I will send you a customized proposal as well as a vision board of your florals within 48 hours of your consultation. If you choose to move forward with booking me, you will have the opportunity to electronically sign the proposal as well as make your initial deposit. I do book on a first come, first serve basis, so booking and paying the deposit will secure me for your date.
Some frequently asked questions:
1. How far in advance should I schedule my consultation?
I book weddings as far out as 12-15 months in advance. So I say, the sooner the better. I typically say that the most important things to have before scheduling a floral consultation is to have your date picked, your venue booked and a good idea of your colors and style.
2. What if we put something on the proposal that I decide later I no longer want/need?
That's ok! The proposal must be finalized by 2 weeks out from your wedding date. So that gives us a lot of time to adjust and tweak your numbers and arrangements.
3. Do you have a minimum spending amount?
Yes, my minimum for full service weddings is $5000.
4. Do you offer candle rentals?
Yes I do! Just let me know in your consultation and we can look at different options to include on your proposal.
5. Do you offer table number rentals?
Yes I do! Same thing. Just let me know in your consultation.
6. Do you book more than one wedding in a day?
I typically only book one wedding per day, but will book multiple in a weekend.
7. Do we need to set up a second consultation later in the timeline?
I always like to regroup at about 1.5 to 2 months out from your wedding date to revisit your guest counts and numbers. At this point, you will begin to receive RSVPs and have a better grasp on just how many tables you will be needing at your reception. This second consult can be done in person or over the phone!
