Flowers

 Could you have a wedding without flowers? Few do! The options are endless and for most weddings many different florals are needed, such as bouquets, boutonnières, flowers for the wedding aisle, the reception and more. Flowers tend to be a large part of most wedding budgets, not only because individual bouquets and the like are so expensive, but because you need so many of them! 

Scope of the work. 

As with other vendors, this might be detailed into a proposal  or set forth at length in the contract itself. Make sure that all details are in the contract, even if it is by having the proposal “incorporated herein as if fully set forth at length.”  

Payment, including deposits, when the balance is due, what is refundable or not, cancellations, delays, and refunds. 

Clear contract terms are crucial here. WhHow much is the deposit, is it ever refundable and when and how do you pay the rest? What happens if you cancel? 

How changes and additions work and cancellation policies.

Florists, more than most vendors, are used to changes. A bride forgets that a certain area needs flowers or realizes that an entire display must be left out because the band is going to need the space it was intended to go. Changes may be harder on florists because they may not be able to get the same flowers. 

Substitutions.

Florists usually reserve the right to substitute flowers of equivalent value if the ones they receive are unsuitable or if they become unavailable.  

Rental Items.

Florists often provide items on rental. Who is responsible for their return and by when? 

Pick-up and Delivery. 

Make sure everything is clear in this area. What if anything are you supposed to pick up and when can they be picked up? When will the florist have access to deliver the flowers? Remember to check the rules and contract of your venue which might need to approve your florist or have restrictions on how and when things are delivered. 

Additional Charges. 

Usually there will be a clause regarding how additional charges will be treated and often a schedule will be set forth. Be careful here.