Planning - Part 1 - Budget and fees

Budget and Fees

There is a lot to think about when creating a full floral scheme for a wedding or event, so setting aside some time to make a comprehensive plan is absolutely crucial.

Timeline

A client will approach me at least 6 months in advance with a brief that details exactly what they require, the budget they have, and any visual inspirations or themes.

Discussions around budget and your fee should happen as early as possible, to avoid wasting your time and to make sure everyone is on the same page from the beginning.

I will then brainstorm ideas and love to use Pinterest as a way of collating inspiration.

Next, I compile 2-3 of my ideas into a presentation to my client to give them options to choose from. This might be different colour schemes or different interpretations of a theme.

I then like to meet my clients in person to discuss any feedback, as well as get to know them better. I will always ask the following questions.

• When is the event?
• Where will it be, is it inside or outside?
• How many attendees are there?
• What are the timings?
• Does the venue have any restrictions?
• What is the access for deliveries and transport at the venue?
• How long does the venue permit for installation and take down?

Before proceeding any further, I would ask my client to confirm the booking and sign a contract.

The answers I ascertain from my client meeting then begin to feed into the initial logistics: how big my team needs to be, and the type of transportation I need to organise.

At this stage, we begin to think about the type of flowers to include, and our starting point is always the season in which the event takes place. We will then move to thinking about colours and confirming the overall look of the displays.

Setting Your Fees

As a florist, you can set your business up in a variety of different ways.

In my business, I use the below fee structure.

• A set design fee for myself
• A day rate for each member of my team
• Charge for the flowers at cost
• Transport costs

I will add up each of these elements, plus an additional 10% for leeway, to give my client a quote ahead of the job.

Sourcebook

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