How do I book a consultation, how much does it cost and where will it take place?
You can call 07948 709202, email info@katherinebly.com or use the contact form on the website. The consultation is free and takes place at a mutually convenient time and place. Sometimes, that’s at your venue, our studio, your home or a cafe.
What should I bring to my consultation?
Any visual references you have for your wedding day, such as the invite, your wedding dress, your hairstyle, bridesmaid colour swatch, reception decor and of course favourite wedding flowers. If you already have a pinterest board that’s even better as it gives us a clear idea of the look and feel of your wedding. We can then advise on which flowers, style and colours would work best for your particular scheme.
What happens after the consultation?
We take a few days to do some research and compile an order form, moodboard and quote. We then present these back to you. Sometimes, couples choose to book there and then and we don’t see them again until their wedding day. For others, it takes a few meetings to finalise the details before we get the go ahead and reserve their date.
How do I secure my date?
We require a nominal deposit of £100, redeemable against the final bill. Dates cannot be reserved without paying the deposit. 50% is then due 6 months before your date with the balance to be paid in full 8 weeks before your wedding day.
How far in advance should I book?
As we have limited availability, we do get booked at least a year in advance. We say make the enquiry 12-18 months ahead if possible to avoid disappointment. Ideally, you would have booked your venue, chosen your dress, the wedding theme and colours before we meet. That way, we can advise on what flowers would work best for that scheme at that time of year. If you’ve left it a little late, it’s still worth getting in touch as even if we’re not available, we can recommend other fabulous florists.
Why do you not have a shop?
When she was little, Katherine dreamt of having her own florist shop. But the reality is very different. You’re constantly answering the phones, talking to customers in the shop, making up orders, dealing with Interflora or out on deliveries. By working in a studio, we have more time to dedicate to you and your wedding flowers. And that’s got to be better.
I need to find 10 x candelabras, can you help?
Yes. We’ve amassed a huge collection of props over the years including candelabras, candles, vases, jugs, mercury vases, gold vases, enamelware, mirrored vases and plates, jam jars, milk churns, apple crates, wooden stepladders, gold frames, wicker baskets and more. Basically, anything and everything that you can add flowers to. It’s always worth asking us first. If we don’t have it in, we can always order it for you and it’s usually a lot cheaper to hire from us than buy 10 of the same item at RRP and have the hassle of selling them off afterwards. We also have contacts at Antique Markets and am able to hire out more unusual items such as shutters, carts, chimney pots, barrels, door frames etc. The only limit is your imagination.
Who will actually be making my bouquet?
Katherine. That is is why we will never take on more than one wedding in a day. If your wedding is large and there is a lot of work to do, she will sometimes get a helping hand from florist friends who take on the less glamorous tasks of conditioning the flowers, cleaning glassware, greening up etc. These are people who she trained or have worked with in the past so they know what they’re doing. But she will always be the one creating the main arrangements. They’re her designs after all. And that’s what you’re paying for.
Do you have a minimum spend?
For our bespoke wedding flowers, we’ve introduced a minimum spend of £750. For those with a more limited budget, we’ve recently introduced a new service called “Bouquet & Buckets”, where we make your bridal party flowers including the bouquets and buttonholes and then supply buckets of blooms for you to DIY the ceremony and reception flowers such as those for the aisle and table centrepieces. You still have a fantastic selection of blooms perfectly suited to your scheme but save on the labour costs.
Do you have any tips on how to stretch our budget further?
Typically, seasonal flowers are cheaper than imported varieties and budget busting vessels with narrow mouths take less flowers to fill for centrepieces. We always recommend spending the money where it matters i) on your bouquet and the grooms buttonhole (which will be in every photo), ii) flowers that can be repurposed (ceremony table arrangement that can sit on the top table during the wedding breakfast or a pedestal arrangement that can be moved around) and iii) a couple of unique pieces such as a welcome sign with floral sprays, a garland with both your initials on it or flowers taped to the wall which can act as a photobooth.
What are your terms and conditions?
On booking, you will be sent a list of our terms and conditions including details on payment, cancellation, insurance and prop hire. This needs to be signed and returned along with payment of the deposit.
