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Who told you you have to go through a florist? Most venues just require a caterer not a florist.

no i went to a wholesale flower shop and they told me i have to go through a florist to purchase anything

That's because a florist has a wholesaler's license. A shop that deals strictly with selling things wholesale will usually require you to have wholesaler's license. You can look into getting one. I don't think there are any special requirements because my FMIL has a wholesaler's license and all she does is decorate people's houses for the holidays.

fiftyflowers.com seems like a pretty decent site to order flowers. that's what I was thinking of doing...

www.Afloral.com is a great flower site

Keep looking around. I found a wholesaler that also sells to the public. Yes, they give even greater discounts for florists but I'm paying a LOT less than going through a florist to get the flowers and arrange them myself.

Oh, and they also let me pick them up at not cost which is a win-win since I'll be able to look at the flowers before I buy them to make sure I like the quality.

we also had found a wholesaler who sells to the public just keep researching it and you will find one

I have the same problem with wholesaler's not selling to individuals here. I've seen suggestions to purchase flower's through Costco. Anyone used them?

I am most likely going to go through rosesource.com. Through them, they have different options. One being that you can order 4 dozen roses in 8 different varieties. It is about $70 to do that. I decided that i am going to go that route simply because then I can see what the flowers look like and what condition they are in and also I can practice making my bouquets. If i dont like them for whatever reason I will just go to like sams club or costco and buy in bulk through them. Rosesource.com also offers premade bouquets, boutineers, corsages, etc. but The reviews i have read on them arent very good. Buying in bulk and doing them yourself the flowers come in better condition. I will see when I order my 4 dozen. Hope this helps! And good luck!

Have you thought about fake flowers some of them look real. I had fake flowers for my bridesmaids and in all the photos you would think they were real.

Costco flowers are actually very closely priced to wholesale flowers. Just be careful about pre-ordering and MAKE sure that they really have your order. I've known a few people who placed orders and went the day of to pick them up just to find that they're order was lost and there weren't any flowers for them.

Typically wholesalers will only sell to retailers/people who possess a seller's permit as a security to us florists. It's an old business practice that the floral industry holds very dearly. Sometimes however, you may be able to find a florist that will order the flowers for you with a lower mark-up in costs if you are going to order in bulk and if you are going to arrange them yourself. However, this REALLY depends on the florist. I know I don't have a problem doing that for customers, but some florists may frown upon it.

Best of luck!

As a florist, I would suggest finding a florist that will buy them for you in bulk at a discounted price. We have had many brides that we have done this for. The great thing about this is that the flowers come to the florist not your doorstep. The florist will hydrate and put nutrients in the water and store at the correct temperature. This makes a BIG difference to how your flowers will perform. Also, you don't have to worry about the flowers arriving in bad condition and not having replacements in time. It is the florists responsibility to make sure they're in perfect condition.

Also keep in mind that when you make your own bouquets, you will need to allow time to create them as well as where to store them prior to your wedding. Keep looking for a florist In Your Area that will buy them for you, that way if there is a problem you can go to them not call someone in another state that could care less.
Good Luck you can do it!