Planning your wedding can be a wonderful and exciting experience. Choosing the right flowers to enhance your wedding ceremony and reception can add a bit of stress to the planning process. Should the flowers match the bridesmaid dresses? What flowers will be in season on my wedding day? With questions like these, you may want to call in an expert florist to help you plan your wedding floral arrangements. Read this page to learn how to find a wedding florist.

Before choosing a florist, ask friends and family if they have recommendations. If you attended a wedding and were wooed by the flowers, call the bride or groom and ask who they used. Give yourself plenty of time before the big day as well. Florists can be booked for months (or even a year!) in advance, so make sure you start early.

Before you choose a wedding florist, think about what types of arrangements you want to have at both the wedding ceremony and the reception. Decide on a budget in advance so you'll know how much you have to spend. Consider how many bridesmaids and other attendees you will have at your wedding and the types of bouquets you want them to carry. Will the groomsmen wear boutinnerres? What about the tables at your reception? Will you want a full arrangement there or will a single bud in a vase suffice? Are you imagining huge displays around the church or a simple basket of flowers near the altar? And of course, there is your bouquet. Think about what the perfect bouquet would look like and what types of flowers you want to have in yours.

Like the old Smokey Robinson song goes, "you better shop around," and that goes for a wedding florist too. Visit as many florists as you can before you make your decision. Look at pictures of recent ceremonies and receptions that they handled. Don't settle on a florist unless their photos absolutely delight you. Ask for references and don't be afraid to check them. And finally, look for a florist who has been in the business for awhile. You won't want your big day to approach only to find out that the florst you chose, packed up and closed down their business.

Once you've narrowed down the florists you may want to use, consider asking them a few other questions. First and foremost, ask them to make sure your wedding date is available. Then find out what types of staff they have on hand to provide delivery, and make sure delivery charges are included in the price. What about arrangers? Will your flowers be arranged by the same arranger you saw in the photos or by someone else? Find out if they'll be doing other weddings on the same date as yours, and ask what their policy is regarding any conflicts.

Make sure you get a written quote and that the quote covers any sundry items besides flowers. If you need vases or baskets, make sure those are covered. Also, double-check the delivery fee, deposit and cancellation (heaven forbid!) policy and cover yourself by getting those in writing as well.