4 Tips on finding the right florist  (By Rachelle Dragani)

Flowers are one of the major components of your big day. They're going to add beauty and elegance, but beyond deciding what you want, they shouldn't be one of your concerns - and that's where choosing the right professional comes into the picture. Here are some helpful tips to guarantee you get exactly what you want without causing another headache:

Show, don't tell:  Don't rely on words to express to a florist what you're imagining: find picture of arrangements and bouquets that both like and dislike, and tell a florist what is good or bad about each. Also, bring samples of colors you would like to incorporate and swatches of fabric from your dress and the bridesmaids' dresses. With real images and colors between the two of you, you'll be able to create your floral dream into reality.

Figure out what you have to do:  Depending on the size and location of your wedding, there may be a lot of set-up involved in floral arrangements - hanging bouquets on the pews of a church, centerpieces at the reception, a flowered trellis at an outdoor wedding, for example. It's the last thing you're going to want to worry about on the wedding day, so make sure you ask if there is going to be staff to set-up and take down the arrangements, and if there is an extra fee associated with that.

Rental items: Depending on the number and types of floral arrangements you have, you might need to rent items such as vases, urns or trellises. Ask beforehand if the florist offers rentals like that, or if you need to go through another company, and determine the cost.

Seasonal flowers:  Deciding on flowers in the summer for a winter wedding could lead to problems - flowers are often seasonal and either not available year-round or are much more expensive at certain times of the year. Make sure you ask about availability so that you're not surprised with hidden costs.