Tips For Finding A Florist Near You

The Right Florist for Your Needs

Whether you need to pick up a bouquet on the way to visit a loved one, order an arrangement for someone in the hospital or for a funeral, or have a fragrant spray delivered to a special someone in another part of the country, you will likely need to use a local florist at one time or another. For those of us who do not often buy flowers, the choice can be confusing.

Local Flower Shops

Unless you live in an isolated area, there are probably several from which to choose. Opening the phone book or typing the word “florist” along with your city and state into a search engine will put several options at your fingertips. A call to a nearby hospital or funeral home might elicit some recommendations and a useful conversation about the pros and cons of each of the local shops from an insider’s point of view.

Today’s social media sites can also be useful. For instance, notice if your online friends have used local floral shops and may have “liked” their business page. You could also post a status update querying online friends about which floral businesses they like and why. Don’t forget the floral sections of grocery stores; some have a more-than-adequate selection of basic flowers at very competitive prices.

What to Consider

Once you compile a list of local options (and possibly some recommendations and/or a list of pros and cons), consider a visit to the shops you find most appealing to see which suits your needs best. Think about which offers the most helpful service in picking out flowers, which sells the types of flowers you are most likely to buy, and which has the best prices for the quality you want. Nothing can replace that personal visit. That same floral expert can also help you pick out and send flowers to a friend, to someone in a local hospital or funeral home, and even to distant locations.

Florists in Other Areas

Sometimes the best for your needs isn’t actually local. If you aren’t planning to go to the shop in person and pick out the bouquet, it could be better to use a national company that specializes in sending flowers. They can easily arrange it due to the networks they have established in most areas. Also, because their websites tend to be more up to date with what they’re currently offering, you can actually see the arrangements online and make a better choice than when you call a local shop.

Websites for local shops tend to be out of date, causing you to choose based on someone’s description of the various flower arrangement options. The national company may also have more competitive pricing, depending on where you live.

If the flowers are for your own home, I'm sure your guests will appreciate the welcome beauty and smell. If they are a gift, they will be well received, regardless of which company you choose.