Flower arrangements are one of the central parts of most couple’s wedding planning. When you think “wedding,” you just imagine the bride’s bouquet, the boutonnieres on the groomsmen, and the centerpiece at the end of the aisle. Because flowers are such a big part of the wedding experience, it makes sense that they’re one of the biggest parts of the budget, too. That’s why it’s so crucial to find a florist you can have a good working relationship with. So when you meet with your potential florist for the first time, make sure to touch on the following topics:

Date

This first one is a no-brainer. Is your florist available to provide flowers on the day of your wedding? Will she have the time to do all the preparations and to set them up before the ceremony? How much lead time does he need between the finalization of the agreement and the ceremony? Make sure you’re both on the same page as far as the timeline goes.

Venue

It may not be as be as big a deal-breaker as date incompatibility, but make sure your potential florist knows what kind of venue will be hosting the ceremony. The difference between an indoor and outdoor wedding is a big one for what kind of flower arrangements will be viable, to start with. It’s good to ask if the florist is familiar with your wedding and reception site, to know if he’ll be comfortable advising you on how to fill the space.

Experience

Most florists with the proper amount of experience will have photo albums of work they have done previously. We’re not talking the catalogs of FTD arrangements, either–you’re looking for actual original design and arrangement that they have delivered to weddings in the past. You may choose to go with a florist who is just starting out, either to give them a hand or help your budget or both, but make sure you know they have the skills to get the job done.

Budget

Now it’s time to get into the real nitty-gritty. Can you afford this florist? Does he have a minimum floral budget requirement?  Will she help guide you to options that will help save a few dollars on the budget? What extra charges will you be responsible for on top of the flowers and arrangements? Make sure you know what the charges for delivery and setup will be so you aren’t surprised on the day. Also, knowing your expenses can free up extra room in the budget for things like sparklers and bubbles that will make the reception more entertaining for the guests.

Logistics 

Finally, you can lock in the logistics of payment and delivery. You will want to know when the florist will arrive at the site, how long she will stay for setup, and whether he will help with tear-down as well. Find out if she will be able to preserve the bridal bouquet after the ceremony or if she can put you in touch with someone who can help. Then it’s just finalizing payment–when the down payment is due, when the final payment is due, whether the estimate can change, and what forms of payment he’ll take.

Your wedding flowers are one of the crucial components of a beautiful ceremony, so don’t be shy about digging in and doing some legwork to find the perfect florist. With these questions in hand, you’ll be equipped to choose the best fit for your needs.