When to book a florist?

I did mine about 9 months out. I think that as long as you dont think they are going to go out of business and allow in your contract to change things (since things will change) its not too soon. Good luck!

I book mine in May of 09 but that is only because the one I wanted is so popular I didnt want to not get her for my wedding flowers!

I just booked mine and I have about 8 months to go. I wanted to scoop her up though because she is super cheap.

Ok, this is helpful!! I figured I'd spend the summer looking and then commit 9 months out. Thanks!

If the florist is so shocked about booking in advance, maybe shes not that great and you should go look for another

I just booked my florist yesterday. Wanted to get her because my friend referred me and also because she has very cheap prices.

Lol good point Juanita! There's about 10 in my area, and I can't find a whole lot of reviews. And none of them are vendors on WW. I'm about 20 mi outside of Houston proper. Should I look at one of the large Houston wedding only florists? Would they charge extra to come out here?

I am getting married in October and I just met with a florist last weekend. Since florists aren't constrained to only do one wedding on a given day, I felt comfortable waiting until 4 months out.

I booked mine within weeks! haha. Well, I only ordered the bridal bouquet and the boutonnieres.. We made all the centerpieces and bridesmaid bouquets. Flowers are SO expensive! I ordered bulk flowers from a grocery store.. they were even cheaper than ordering from costco.com.. SUCH a great deal. You get your flowers 2-3days prior and they will keep them in the cooler for you and you can work on arrangements... If you have anytime or want to save a TON of money.. this is a great way to go.. Plus I had 9 bridesmaids and I wasn't about to spend $100 each on flowers for them! We told them exactly what colors and types of flowers we wanted and thats what we got!

We'll probably make the bridesmaid bouquets, but only professional florists are allowed to handle large vases at my venue. Basically, they have really nice wood floors and a previous bride's family attempted to carry them out and dropped them. The bride had to pay for damages.

I booked mine yesterday, but only because I really wanted to work with her- and she only does one wedding a day. I didn't want to lose her, and (I've learned) that vendors are really booking quick on our day!

That's another thing, all of these florists seem to have the same pictures on their websites...I'm interested in actual examples of their work, not the model or guideline they use to make it.

I know what you mean about the photos online. I am working on a smaller floral budget and will probally do my own flowers for what I need. Except the bouts and coursages which I am willing to let someone else do. 11 months out isn't too far I would think. Most vendors in my area don't charge for deliveries under 50 minles. But thats in Oregon where they don't have to deal with big city traffic.

@Cme2wed most venues in my area don't have prefered vendors list that lists florists. Only one I been given was for catering and drinks.