Florist advice rant updated sorry

Oh god what a nightmare for you. She is obviously very unreliable & unprofessional. You only have 2 months which will be bang in the Christmas season which is usually one of the busiest & hardest for wedding flowers. I really hope you get another florist in time, which area are you in?

If you really struggle and would consider artificial I would happily give you a quote.

Firstly, you've done the right thing by getting your deposit back. Is she a member of Interflora or Teleflorist or Retail Florists Association? If so, I would certainly be writing a very strong letter of complaint! You have every right to feel angry and let down. Every time I hear stories like this , and unfortunately I hear this on a regular basis, it makes my blood boil and these are exactly the sort of people that give florists a bad name.

Don't be dispondent - we aren't all like her honest! Visit all your local florists and ask for appointments if possible to discuss your ideas. Ask for all your quotes to be put in writing as soon as possible because you are wanting to make a booking without delay. Ask to look at their portfolios and have a good look round their shops whilst you are there to see if you like the sort of flowers you see including any bouquets/baskets etc which are out waiting to be delivered. If you do decide to book with someone, make sure you get everything in writing as well as receipts for any money you pay for deposits.

If you let us know where you live, some of the other Brides on here may be able to recommend someone close to you.

Gone

How can she sue someone for asking back their deposit when she has clearly breached her side of the contract by not providing the service expected? You should be the one suing her! Certainly don't go alone - when my b2b's sister had a problem with a bridal shop (non delivery) five of us went in en-masse on a saturday morning and made sure that everyone in the shop knew the full story and got a refund without too much quibble. Whilst we were leaving, a customer that came in the shop after us said to us that they had a very similar problem and that's why they were waiting to be seen. I hope they got theirs sorted too.

Do you have wedding insurance? They might be able to offer advice, or go see your local CAB. Fair enough, problems happen - but as it seems every other florist in the area knows about her and her reputation, there seems to be a pattern of proof rather than it being an isolated incident.

Be calm, but firm. At the end of the day, she might have gained a deposit but she's lost the rest of your business whatever happens so you can probably just write it off as a bad experience - it's not like it's a dream dress that takes 6 months to be made and you only have two months to go. I'm pretty sure that you'll be able to find another florist as good, if not better, than her and quite possibly cheaper too.

Good luck.

Try Marilyn on here! She is a highly respected florist and holds the National Diploma - She lives in Herts. Her website is www.marilyntaylor.co.uk If she is fully booked, I'm sure she will be able to recommend someone.

Gone

Hi Anglefish, I'm a Herts bride who hasn't got a florist yet, i was wondering if you could tell me her name so i know not to go to her. I understand if you don't want to put it on here, let me know if you'd rather email it. My friend used Maddisons in Hatfield and was very happy with them if you are looking for any recommendations xx

...so sorry to hear this, really hope its gets sorted or you very soon and she does give your deposit back.....think its so irresponsible and terrrible that someone could get away with this, all the very best to you , am sure you will find a lovely and much better florist in her place, tk care xx

Gone

I hope you get your deposit back with no problems she does sound a little odd and gets the rest of us a bad name!

It is worth asking other suppliers for recommendations I know I have a list of Cake makers/ photographers etc who I know are good a reliable and they also have siimilar. We often work together so we do know one another quite well. It is also worth asking frinds who have recently marries who they used .

Todays wedding there was the cake maker, photographer, toastmaster and myself all had worked together before!,

If the deposit was more than £100 and you paid it by credit card you could contact the c/c company.