Last Updated on March 21, 2022
The lack of transparency when it comes to wedding flower prices is a complicated issue. But it doesn't have to be. Here's how we handle it.
If you’re active on social media or wedding forums, you often see questions posted like this. You might get the impression that every florist inflates their prices for wedding flowers.
Comments like these make it seem like this is a standard operating procedure in the floral industry.
This short parody video highlights some couples’ perceptions of florists and wedding flower prices.
I have to admit it. The video did make me laugh a little. But I also came away wondering how many people think the same thing.
Take a look and see for yourself.
This video shows that the lack of price transparency for wedding flowers is a big issue for many couples.
A while back, I read an interesting article entitled Weddings Cost Money. Period. (Sorry, it’s no longer available online).
It dealt with the author’s frustration and concerns with setting up her wedding budget.
In it, she wrote:
Most vendors I’ve contacted won’t tell me what they cost except that they will “work with me” to realize my “vision.”
She points to the fact that many vendors are not upfront about their pricing, citing it as the main reason for her frustration. She does have a point but on the flip side…
Some of my colleagues tell me their biggest frustration is dealing with clients whose expectations for wedding flowers often far exceed their budget. That’s partially due to the influence of social media sites like Instagram and Pinterest, every bride’s source for wedding flower ideas.
The trouble is that none of these sites’ photos come with price tags. Most florists know that some of these pics feature pretty pricey arrangements, some well outside their clients’ budget.
But rather than lose the client, they offer to “work with you” to realize your “vision.”
In my opinion, this is a big mistake. It almost always leads to an unhappy ending for both the client and the florist.
How We Address the Pricing Transparency Issue
In my experience, the key to successfully working with brides is managing expectations, starting at the initial contact.
Since most couples begin researching florists online, it made sense to provide as much information about ourselves, our wedding services, and our pricing as possible. So that’s what we did.
Like most florists, many of the couples we serve are referred to us by family, friends, or others we’ve worked with.
Although these couples are predisposed to working with us, we felt it was still a good idea to post our wedding flower prices and policies. Posting our pricing allows them to compare prices without any sales pressure.
Couples can decide whether our pricing fits their budget before proceeding further.
And they also know what to expect from us before setting up an initial consultation.
How Has It Worked Out For Us?
When we decided to post our pricing information online, I was concerned that it might hurt our wedding business.
The opposite happened after we added a calendar showing our available open dates and our consultation and booking requirements.
As a result, we are getting more organized, well-prepared wedding clients, reserving dates as far as 10-15 months out.
It’s become a win-win situation for both our clients and our shop.
Want to Work With Us?
If you’re getting married, we invite you to check our wedding flower prices here.
Or use the free tools and resources offered there as well.
Lastly, if you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.
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Til next time,
