Check your florist’s contract before you pay the deposit.

What to find in the contract

6 things to look for, what each one means, and what to ask the florist before you sign.

1. 1

   Can the florist swap the flowers you chose?

   Flowers depend on the season and the weather, so most contracts let the florist substitute similar flowers if your choices aren't available. Check how much say you have, and whether they'll tell you before the day.

   What to ask before you sign

   • Will you tell us before substituting anything?
   • Which flowers matter most to us, and can those be protected?
2. 2

   When are the design and numbers fixed?

   Florists usually need final numbers of bouquets, buttonholes and table arrangements some weeks before the wedding. Check the deadline and whether changes after it are possible or cost more.

   What to ask before you sign

   • When do you need final numbers?
   • Can we add or remove items after that?
3. 3

   What do delivery, setting up and clearing away cost?

   Check whether delivery to more than one place (homes, ceremony, reception) is included, who sets up at the venue, and whether the florist comes back to clear away and collect hired items at the end of the night.

   What to ask before you sign

   • Is delivery to every location included?
   • Who sets up, and who clears away, and when?
4. 4

   What's hired, and what if it's damaged?

   Vases, stands, arches and other props are often hired, not bought. Check what happens if something is lost or broken, and whether a deposit is held against it.

   What to ask before you sign

   • Which items are hired, and is there a deposit?
   • What would we pay if something is lost or broken?
5. 5

   What does the venue allow?

   Some venues don't allow candles with open flames, petals or confetti, or fixings on walls and beams. Check your venue's rules with the florist before designs are finalised.

   What to ask before you sign

   • Have you worked at our venue, and do you know its rules?
   • Can arrangements be moved from the ceremony to the reception?
6. 6

   Can the price rise, and what does cancelling cost?

   Check whether the quote is fixed or can rise with flower prices, and what you'd owe at each stage if you cancelled. Flowers are often ordered in the last weeks, so charges usually rise near the date.

   What to ask before you sign

   • Is the quote fixed until the wedding?
   • What would we owe if we cancelled at each stage?

This page is general information, not legal advice. Every florist’s contract is different, and none of the above replaces reading yours. If a contract matters to you, take proper legal advice on it.