FINDING A FLORIST

Finding a florist is not as straightforward a task as you may imagine. True, every high street in the UK boasts at least one decent florist, but it takes time, patience, and effort to ensure you get the master floral craftsman that your special day deserves.

Of course you could be reading this and thinking 'What a load of old nonsense, I'm sure that any old florist could pull together the floral creations that I'm after'. And to be honest, if all you're after is a few simple posies, the most basic of table centrepieces and the odd buttonhole and corsage, then you're probably right. However, if what you want is more akin to Charles & Princess Di's wedding rather than Shreck and Princess Fiona's, then you really need to have a serious think and shop around or you could be left sorely disappointed.

So without further ado, let's plant some seeds of thought in your mind, so come the big day you can really reap the harvest that all your efforts deserve (all puns intended!)

1. Set Your Budget

Before you sit down and begin to draw up your plans for the flowers you really need to put together a realistic budget for what you're prepared, and can afford, to spend.

Ornate creations involving wild orchids and cala lillies are all well and good, but if your budget will only stretch to dasies and dandilions then you're wasting your time.

It is important to set and stick to your budget at all times, so if you haven't already done so, sit down with your partner and grab a pen, some paper and a calculator right now! For more help and advice on setting a budget, check out the Budgeting articles in our Planning the Wedding section, and also take two minutes to register (for free!) to access our suite of planning tools - the Wedding Budgeter tool in the MyWeddingsday area of the site is a must if you really want to stay on top of all of the figures and not blow the bank!