John Mays - Florist Purchase/Payment

John Mays - Florist

Serving the Brides of the Inland Empire since 1974

Purchase/Payment Page

Wedding Flower Purchase Information for Brides to be,
in the Inland Empire and elsewhere...

When planning the floral part of your wedding event, being prepared for your visit to the florist, can save both time and money.
Always try and find more than one estimate for your flower needs and that any estimates are firm and would include all set up or delivery charges.

Be sure in your discussions that each communication is clearly understood and that you know what services and designs the florist will be providing at your wedding.

Also, discuss the event of substitution and what choices would be acceptable to you, in case this happens.
Collecting as many pictures and photos of your design and flower choices from the web or magazines,
will assist the florist in creating your exact bouquet or in reflecting your perfect wedding theme.
It is a bit difficult to match dress colors with florist ribbons by name.
If you could find samples of dress colors that match, this will greatly assist the florist in their ribbon selections.

Make your flower choices based on the season that your wedding will be held in.
An example of this is that choosing spring flowers in the fall or summer could result in higher prices as spring varieties are often imported at that time of year and do not hold up as well in warmer weather.
It is the florists job to assist in selecting flowers that will be reasonable in cost, available in the colors and varieties you need and that will hold up and look great in photos.
If you select flowers that are available locally or that are in season your costs will be lower and your wedding much more full and beautiful.
The florist should be able to suggest several floral combination's in both Classic styles and Contemporary that will create the look and feel you are seeking or could help you develop any ideas you may have.

There are three basic parts of the wedding, flower wise,
that the florist is interested in.
"The Bridal Party," This would include all of the bouquets, flowers for the hair, Corsages, Boutonniere and any other personal flower designs.
Flowers for the Bride, Honor Attendant, Bridesmaids, Jr Bridesmaids, Flower girl, Mothers, Relatives, friends, Attendants. Boutonnieres, for all male members of the Bridal party and family. "The Service or Ceremony," This would include designs for the Altar area or Archway or Gazebo these are often a combination of arrangements and sprays of flowers, decoration with tulle or with garlands of greens and flowers.
The Aisle area often includes bows, flower accents, tulle or ribbon rope off or decoration this could also include an Aisle runner. "The Reception," this could include the Head table and guest tables, food serving and gift tables as well as any hall floral decoration.
Flowers from the Service and Bridal party should be reused and some prior planning, will place these in the hall before the activity starts.
The Cake and table is the focus of much attention and should be designed in matching flowers to the wedding.
Today brides choose a floral accent rather that arrangements of flowers on the cake. The base of the cake sometimes has greenery and matching flowers. For photo ideas of arrangements and designs, please click on, "Ceremony/Reception" You will see some examples of Ceremony and Reception floral arrangement ideas.
Most Brides prefer the simple feel, look, and natural style of hand tied bouquets and matching arrangements and decorations for their wedding themes.
Many Brides choose a combination of Classic styles, (Bouquets, Corsages, Boutonniere and floral designs) and Contemporary styles.
Today the Brides seek a personal look to their weddings from different flowers, to the use of hand tied designs; they want a look that is different from all the others.
If you would like to see photos of Classic Bouquets and Hand tied Bouquets go to our, "Bridal Party Flowers," page and click on the links.
Be sure to keep in close contact with your florist about any changes that occur in your decoration or flower choices.

Please note: not all florists allow last minute changes or late changes, without additional costs, some do not allow them at all.

Please be sure to provide feedback to the florist after the wedding is over through your recommendation of their service if you were happy with them.

Flower prices and availability change on a daily basis, imported flowers are usually the most expensive and seasonal local flowers are mostly available at lower prices.

Stem length is a deciding factor in the cost of flowers with taller larger flowers being more expensive than shorter ones.
Keep an open mind and be flexible in your flower selections. Exotics and Orchids are almost never available in discounted packages or specials the florist offer.