Cost for flowers up 20% from estimate 8 months ago???

Did you not sign a contract with the florist when you booked them? They can't just raise prices like that if you have a contract signed

If a contract is in place, which should be done as part of the booking process, then they can’t raise prices. Some rare vendors will have a signed invoice act as a contract but that doesn’t protect you as a consumer if they decide to change prices out of the blue. If she is not willing to honor your original agreed on price, be prepared to eat the deposit and go elsewhere.

That sounds unethical. We know everything is increasing, but 40% is excessive which you called out and then it was a “mistake”. Hmmmm.

I haven’t experienced or heard anything like that. I would start calling around to other florists and seeing if they have availability. I’m sorry you’re dealing with this.

View Quoted Comment The contract mentioned that prices can increase by 5% from the initial estimate, and any further increase she would have to notify us before making purchases of florals. So technically, she is abiding by the contract, but I didn’t expect the centerpieces to go up by 20% (realizing now this is actually only about 12% increase from original total estimate, since we already paid 50% of the initial estimate 6+ months ago).

View Quoted Comment Thanks Sara - definitely a tricky one

View Quoted Comment Unfortunately the deposit was 50% and we just can’t afford that, especially with the reception in 2 months!

The flower shortage and import costs started rising in mid-2021, so this makes sense with wedding demand. I would inform your florist you will go by the contractual 5% price cap, and pass on further increases. To keep at this cost, your florist will swap out initial choices for local, in-season flowers. Arrangements may not be as full, but ask yourself if that matters. If you had specific flower requests that were international imports, you can eliminate entirely, or choose to limit this to bouquets, bouts, and/ or sweetheart tables. All can be modified. They don't order flowers until closer to date so you have time to revamp your floral plan.

View Quoted Comment This is so helpful - thank you Michelle!

You’re right 40% is a lot I’m thinking that a lot of vendors are pressured to escalate prices due to inflation. I hope this works out for you that has to be very disheartening.

I'd imagine that if you told her you had budgeted for the 5% increase at most and can't swing the additional increase that she'd try to work with you on it. Like Michelle mentioned, there are ways to cut down on the cost of things. Usually approaching people with kindness, expressing that you value their skills, and saying you want to find a way to make things work resonates with people.