Consultations
Having a successful initial consultation is oh-so-important. It is in consult that your floral vision begins to take shape and come to life. This section will tell you what to expect in the consultation process, as well as what information you need to bring with you to the meeting.
THE PROCESS:
Our goal is to make the consultation and design process as painless as possible for our clients. And since most brides-to-be feel a tinge unsure of how the process actually works, we feel that it is important for you to know what to expect when you show up for that all-important first meeting.
Now, if you feel like you don't have any idea about flowers, or where to even begin to create a floral vision & concept, don't worry. You are not alone! Regardless of what you do or don't know about flowers, you will leave the meeting feeling like a flower aficionado.
The process begins with setting up the appointment. Our calendar fills up quickly, and we would strongly encourage you to contact us as far in advance as possible. We hold consultations in Nanaimo at your home or a coffee shop, but under special circumstances arrangements can be made for us to come to you for a time and travel fee.
On average, an initial consult takes about half an hour, so please plan your schedule accordingly. We first go over the general details of your event {dates, venues, colors, etc}, and then we delve into the details. We go through inspiration photos looking for styles, shapes, and textures that appeal to you. After that, we look through books containing photos of specific blooms and take note of your favourite petal picks. When the designer has a good idea of what it is you are looking for, we create your specified order.
*It is important to note that although specific quotes are not given in consultation, at your request we can provide you with a general ballpark figure. Your actual quote will vary from the general figure provided in consultation.
At the end of the consultation we have you read and sign a floral agreement so that you are aware of the terms and conditions required to work with A+ Flowers, and also to give you an opportunity to bring up any questions you may have before we create a quote. While signing the agreement ensures that you will have a custom quote created by A+ Flowers, it does not lock down your date. You officially lock down your date and agree to work with A+ Flowers with a non-refundable deposit of at least 50% of the total. Until that point, your date is considered open in regards to A+ Flowers availability, whether you have signed the contract or not.
From that point, we address any potential questions you may have, and the meeting concludes. A+ Flowers will then create a custom bid for you within approximately 3 business days.
TO-DO LIST:
Given the importance of this first meeting, it is helpful for the client to come prepared with as much of the following information as possible:
1. A list of quantities needed {how many groomsmen, grandparents, centerpieces, etc}
2. Wedding colors {please bring color samples for us to keep on file if at all possible}
3. Venue name{s} & address{es}
4. Photographer's name & contact information
5. Time table of your wedding day {when is the ceremony? luncheon? reception? what time are photos being taken?}
6. A general floral budget
7. Any floral and design inspiration photos which you have collected that showcase the look you have in mind
8. Photos of your chosen venue
9. Is there anything you have seen at other weddings that you loved? And just as important, what have you seen at other weddings that you didn't like?
10. Are you having bridal party/groom party portraits taken? When?
11. Who is making your cake? What is it going to look like? When is it arriving at the venue? {only if needing flowers for your cake/cake table}
12. Any other pertinent information
THE PROCESS:
Our goal is to make the consultation and design process as painless as possible for our clients. And since most brides-to-be feel a tinge unsure of how the process actually works, we feel that it is important for you to know what to expect when you show up for that all-important first meeting.
Now, if you feel like you don't have any idea about flowers, or where to even begin to create a floral vision & concept, don't worry. You are not alone! Regardless of what you do or don't know about flowers, you will leave the meeting feeling like a flower aficionado.
The process begins with setting up the appointment. Our calendar fills up quickly, and we would strongly encourage you to contact us as far in advance as possible. We hold consultations in Nanaimo at your home or a coffee shop, but under special circumstances arrangements can be made for us to come to you for a time and travel fee.
On average, an initial consult takes about half an hour, so please plan your schedule accordingly. We first go over the general details of your event {dates, venues, colors, etc}, and then we delve into the details. We go through inspiration photos looking for styles, shapes, and textures that appeal to you. After that, we look through books containing photos of specific blooms and take note of your favourite petal picks. When the designer has a good idea of what it is you are looking for, we create your specified order.
*It is important to note that although specific quotes are not given in consultation, at your request we can provide you with a general ballpark figure. Your actual quote will vary from the general figure provided in consultation.
At the end of the consultation we have you read and sign a floral agreement so that you are aware of the terms and conditions required to work with A+ Flowers, and also to give you an opportunity to bring up any questions you may have before we create a quote. While signing the agreement ensures that you will have a custom quote created by A+ Flowers, it does not lock down your date. You officially lock down your date and agree to work with A+ Flowers with a non-refundable deposit of at least 50% of the total. Until that point, your date is considered open in regards to A+ Flowers availability, whether you have signed the contract or not.
From that point, we address any potential questions you may have, and the meeting concludes. A+ Flowers will then create a custom bid for you within approximately 3 business days.
TO-DO LIST:
Given the importance of this first meeting, it is helpful for the client to come prepared with as much of the following information as possible:
1. A list of quantities needed {how many groomsmen, grandparents, centerpieces, etc}
2. Wedding colors {please bring color samples for us to keep on file if at all possible}
3. Venue name{s} & address{es}
4. Photographer's name & contact information
5. Time table of your wedding day {when is the ceremony? luncheon? reception? what time are photos being taken?}
6. A general floral budget
7. Any floral and design inspiration photos which you have collected that showcase the look you have in mind
8. Photos of your chosen venue
9. Is there anything you have seen at other weddings that you loved? And just as important, what have you seen at other weddings that you didn't like?
10. Are you having bridal party/groom party portraits taken? When?
11. Who is making your cake? What is it going to look like? When is it arriving at the venue? {only if needing flowers for your cake/cake table}
12. Any other pertinent information
