This was a vendor I had hired, paid a deposit for, and we were all set, or so I thought. She was slow to follow up with the invoice. I had given her corrections for the first one she'd sent, and after a couple of months sent her a reminder that I'd never gotten the updated invoice. She'd only corrected one of the four things I'd asked for, but in the process of going over the invoice, fortunately, I noticed that what I had thought was the total cost for the bridesmaids bouquets was actually the cost PER bouquet, and I knew it to be at least three times the going rate. I asked her why so expensive, and she said it was labor intensive, but that did not make sense, since we'd asked for informal bouquets, and other florists were telling me it shouldn't be labor intensive. She told me I was free to go elsewhere if she was too expensive (this is about 50 days out from the JUNE wedding). I found another florist who could do the bouquets for less than a third of what she was charging, and I asked her if we could have them make the bouquets, and have her do the rest of the flowers. She said it was all or nothing and she was "sure I'd find someone who'd do a beautiful job". Fortunately, I did find another florist who was able to take us, and for less than half what I would have spent, I got the same coverage, but I couldn't believe she kicked us to the curb for merely ASKING if we could have the bouquets done elsewhere. I loved her enthusiasm (though I cannot actually say I love her work, because we never got to see any examples), and she did refund the deposit, which was substantial, and she remained pleasant while telling us to go elsewhere, but what bride really wants to deal with this sort of thing a month and a half before the wedding?? Honestly, I am happy it happened, because I got gorgeous flowers elsewhere for less than half of what she wanted to charge me, but it was very stressful.
