[HOW TO] Plan your Wedding Flowers, a Step by Step guide - Part 2

The following is part 2 of 3 in a Wedding Floral Planning blog series by the Flower Maven, Dina Sanchez of Creative Flowers Inc | Petal and Bean, a 17 year Breckenridge flower shop owner.  Dina has created custom bridal bouquets for over 1,000 weddings in her professional career as a florist.

Last week we discussed getting started with the flower design process.  This week were are going to put it into action.

Step 4 - Begin your search for a florist that matches your style and budget (9 mos < wedding date).

Multiple venue managers have said that it's important that your florist have experience working in the mountains.  Local vendors know the area and can effectively navigate quickly-crowded mountain streets on holiday weekends, and already know about that mountain bike race  that they've been hyping up in the local paper that will clog up some roads.

Mountain wedding deliveries include driving up a four wheel drive road with glass containers and fresh product sloshing around, or could mean riding a gondola with the flowers and decor  and being prepared for inclement weather, including snow.

Get recommendations from the venue manager but also look on your own, or ask another local vendor who they've worked with and would recommend.  You will want a florist with updated information, photos and client reviews.  I would recommend looking for your florist at least nine months prior to your wedding date.

Step 5 - Be prepared.

Before you meet with your florist, make sure to have all your pictures, ideas and budget in place. You don't have to have every detail worked out, but having a minimum and maximum budget will allow your florist to give you an accurate idea as to what they can offer and suggest for you.

Step 6 - Book the florist you connect with.

Expect to pay a deposit and possibly a consultation fee to meet with in-demand artisans.  Review the proposed  contract carefully, and be sure to ask your florist if they allow any changes prior to the wedding.  Final balance is customarily due two weeks to ten days prior to the wedding.

*Photo courtesy of Robin Johnson, who took the pics at our wedding, which we will be showing more of very soon.  The pic is from a wedding that Petal and Bean and Robin Johnson worked together at Ten Mile Station at the Breckenridge Ski Resort.  Please visit her website,  and Facebook page to learn more.