An alternative floral option has emerged . . . introducing the Floral Consultant.
Floral Consulting combines a number of elements that distinguish its services from those provided by a traditional flower shop. The biggest advantage of working with a Floral Consultant is the convenience it affords. Floral Consultants make house calls. One of the most time-consuming elements of planning a wedding is that it involves running around to meet different vendors. The Floral Consultant will meet the client wherever it's convenient for the client. The details of scheduling and the push and pull of having to be in many different places is very stressful. The "you pick the place" approach helps by taking that pressure off the client.
Another aspect of how a Floral Consultant works is that he or she employs additional trained professionals, such as a Canvas and Design Artist. Albeit florists are in and of themselves artists, this type of additional staffing brings another angle and a different area of expertise to each project. Oftentimes that combination of talents results in a more creative product. Floral Consulting utilizes a multi-faceted approach. The Floral Consultant will visit the event space, meet with the client, and paint an image of the desired theme and vibe of the wedding. Consultations are key elements in the process. It is during these meetings, working closely with the client, that the Consultant gets the client's input, understands the client's wishes, and melds all the ideas. The kind of client
who chooses a Floral Consultant over a traditional flower shop is the one who wants to try something new, different and oftentimes unusual.
The Consultant will combine the information obtained from the client with other materials, issues such as the season of the event, experience, expertise and intuition. Customization is the single most important element that a Floral Consultant provides. There are no pre-fabricated books of standard bouquets from which the client is asked to choose. Usually the Consultant does have a photo portfolio that the client may find helpful in formulating ideas. The Consultant may look for additional inspiration from the latest publications and online information, but the bottom line is that everything is customized.
Ideas, materials, inspiration, feedback and creativity between client and Consultant are exchanged in ongoing, extensive contact, utilizing email, text messaging, cell phone chats, and social media. The Floral Consultant's business is predicated on and set apart with personalized service that includes the ability of the client to contact the Consultant 24-7. Floral Consultants usually work by appointment only and do not maintain a 9-5 business. This flexible schedule usually gives the consultant the time to hand-select the freshest flowers available that will be used in the project.
Generally speaking, a Floral Consultant is no more expensive than a "regular" florist and the client may get more bang for the buck. Consultations are typically free, and by appointment only. The Consultant will travel to meet the client, answer questions, and provide a truly customized service. Most Floral Consultants charge only for the floral order, just like any flower shop. As opposed to couples who use a Floral Consultant for their weddings, some clients hire a Consultant strictly to provide advice on a special long-term project. In those cases, an hourly rate for services applies. Typically, a Floral Consultant and staff can successfully handle both a very large wedding with lavish floral pieces and a wedding on a budget. With the later type of event, the Consultant will creatively make a little go a long way.
The timeline for hiring as Floral Consultant is the same as that of a flower shop, at least four to six months before the event. The sooner the better, because it ensures availability, gives the Consultant enough time to meet as often as necessary with the client, allows the Consultant the time to gather necessary material, and allows for set up of a free preview of one piece.
|
