Below is an information sheet to prospective clients from one of the larger wedding florists in New England. Exotic Flowers' viewpoint is countered in bold.
"In order that we may provide you with the attention and service you deserve, please keep the following in mind when planning your flowers.
1. Please make an appointment. Because our bridal consultants are often attending to the details of other weddings, they are not always available to assist you properly. Yes, an appointment would be great, but we know you are pressed for time and often impulsive. Please come in any time we're open.
2. If you are part of an event site package, we suggest you consult with us no later than five months prior to your wedding date. Five months. Are they kidding? Package weddings are often the more simple ones and we will treat you no differently than any other bride and groom.
3. Have wedding and or dress colors chosen. Do not sweat it if you have not chosen your colors yet. We all know your mother in law will choose hers at the last minute.
4. Please be on time for your appointment. Each consultation is for 90 minutes. Yes, please be on time. Our attention span is short and we do not wish to lose our patience. ;-)
5. Please try to limit the number of people you bring with you. This is Your day. Bring whomever you want with you.
6. Please silence all cell phones. In a perfect world, we would appreciate it. But guess what ? While you're here, our phone is going to ring.. a lot. So we feel, yours can ring as well. We know how busy you are and half of our job is to make your life easier.
Some florists get it and some do not. As a florist, I know we are not curing cancer. The catering business has a famous saying "it's just chicken on a plate,". I agree. At the end of the day, there are much more important things in life to stress over.