Choosing a florist is not complicated, but it is worth taking a few minutes to ask the right questions before you commit, especially if you are ordering for an event. Here are the things we think matter, based on what we have learned from being on the other side of this conversation for nine years.
Ask where the flowers come from ¶
A florist who can name their suppliers is a florist who knows their product. If the answer is 'the wholesale market' and nothing more, that is fine, but it tells you something about how much attention is being paid to sourcing. If the answer includes farm names, growing regions, or specific growers, that is a good sign. It does not guarantee quality, but it suggests the florist is paying attention.
Ask what happens if something is not available ¶
Flowers are agricultural products. They do not always arrive on time or in the condition expected. A good florist will tell you honestly what they do when a key stem does not come in. Do they substitute without telling you? Do they call you first? Do they have relationships with multiple suppliers so they can source elsewhere? The answer to this question tells you a lot about how the florist handles problems.
Ask about the mechanics ¶
Floral foam is still widely used in the industry. It is a microplastic that does not biodegrade. If environmental impact matters to you, ask whether the florist uses foam and what the alternative is. Arranging without foam requires more skill and takes more time, which is why many florists still use it. It is a reasonable question to ask.
Ask to see recent work, not portfolio highlights ¶
A portfolio shows the best work from the best days. Ask to see what went out last week, or what a typical Thursday arrangement looks like. The everyday work is more representative than the highlight reel. If a florist is reluctant to show recent work, that is worth noting.
Ask about pricing clearly ¶
Some florists price by occasion rather than by stem count and labour, which means the same arrangement costs more if you say it is for a wedding. Ask how pricing works before you describe the event. A florist who prices transparently by what goes into the arrangement is easier to work with and less likely to surprise you with the final invoice.
These questions are not a test. They are a way of starting a conversation that tells you whether a florist's way of working matches what you need. If you want to ask us any of them, we are happy to answer.