Anyone use grocery store florist???

[karkar]

A couple of weekends ago FH and I went to a local grocery store (Safeway) to talk with the florist about having them do our flowers for our wedding. We ended up placing our order with them, but what was strange to me is the florist just wrote down our order, didnt take a deposit, and we didnt sign any contract. She said to call about a month in advace to confirm our order and we wouldnt have to pay till we pick up the flowers. I dont know why, but this seemed strange to me, but then again I've never booked even a regular florist so why would I know how grocery store florist works...

I just wanted to know if anyone on here has used a local grocery store for their wedding flowers and what their experience is with them?

If not, does anyone have any recommendations for buying bulk flowers online and doing it themselves?

[WebLady]

I would be ok using a grocery florist for DIY ... I helped a friend of mine at her wedding a couple years ago we bought flowers from our local Publix. I think the MOB may have called to make sure they'd have pink and white roses and may have asked to order enough, but I am not sure.

[karkar]

I would be ok using a grocery florist for DIY ... I helped a friend of mine at her wedding a couple years ago we bought flowers from our local Publix. I think the MOB may have called to make sure they'd have pink and white roses and may have asked to order enough, but I am not sure.

Well, the florist at the grocery store would actually be putting everything together for us such as the kissing balls, bouquet, bouts and so on. Its cheaper then using a normal florist and thats why we decided to go this way, but not having a contract or anything in writing kinda scares me and makes me want to search for another florist.

[WebLady]

Can you call back and speak with the floral manager and see if they can get a contract or something in writing for you? I would want something in writing that shows what you ordered and what they promised and when, plus the costs and delivery/pick up dates and all. Otherwise I'd probably go elsewhere; in the event something doesn't go as planned you will be stuck one month before the wedding. Or if they do something wrong you will have nothing to fall back on.

Is it common for this grocery florist to do wedding orders? Do you know any brides that used them? I would probably be worried too.

Good luck!

[Nekochanpurr]

The florist at my grocery store does a lot of wedding and funerals, if that helps..

[karkar]

The florist at my grocery store does a lot of wedding and funerals, if that helps..

Thanks! After thinking about it I think I'd really like to have some sort of contract or at least something in writing especially when you spend so much on something that dies anyway. I think I'm going to do some more research on local florists.

[Rainbow Brite]

I didn't end up using them, but I asked a local grocery store about getting flowers from them for my wedding and they said the same thing - to call them a month before the wedding to tell them exactly what I wanted and that they'd order them for me. Sounds like that's common procedure.

[brendalin]

Our grocery stores do this all the time, I would definatly get soem kind of contract stating that they are willing to order_____, put together _____, for $_____. This way it puts your mind at ease!

[f77g4]

I used to work in a grocery store when I was in high school & there was a floral department who did all kinds of weddings. I am sure however, that stuff was always booked longer then a month before but I can't say for sure since thats not the department I worked it. Personally I see nothing wrong with using them as your florists as long as you like the flowers they have and the styles that they can do. I plan on pricing out both flowershops & the grocery store when I get to that part of my planning and will most likely go with the cheaper of the 3. I am kind of hoping for a deal from one of the flowershops as FMIL babysits the grandkids of the owner and their mother works there too.

[SerendipityCrafts]

I bought my flowers at Costco, they were less epensive than silk/fake and I think they turned out beautifully.

I made bouts, corsages and all the bouquets using Costco flowers.

Just make sure that whatever you get is as fresh as can be. Talk to the employees to find out what days their flowers are delivered/changed out.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2330/2519146611_1115e266c9.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2013/2519211617_85bf338b85.jpg

[f77g4]

Very beautiful Serendipity!

[Lucky1]

They most likely don't have a huge volume of weddings to arrange for at the grocery store so they may have a more laid back method of doing things. I would go with a grocery store if they were less expensive and professional. Why not?

[karkar]

I actually found a local florist who runs her business out of her house who quoted me under $400 for the flowers, to arrange them, supplies, and to deliver them to our venue. The grocery store quoted me around $1100. Also, the local florist takes a deposit and has a contract, so I've decided to go with her!

Glad I did more research! :o

[Scrwballsgrl]

Good for you! Its always best to research your vendors& go with your gut instinct....nice savings on the flowers! :pompom:

[brendalin]

Glad to hear that you foudn a florist! Great savings too!!!