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General information
We recommend that if possible, both bride and groom will attend all interviews.
First things first! Always carry a note pad and pen to write down important information and questions that may arise during your interview.

In order to comparison shop and select wisely, interview at least 3 Florists - Floral Designers.

The tips, questions and ideas you gathered in Part I
"How to choose a florist or a floral designer",
provide a wonderful preparation for your interviews.

What to Expect of the Contact Person:
A business card of each person you will work with.
Complete contact information including name, address, phone, fax, cell phone, email and web site address.
A brochure that shows samples of floral designs, explains what is available, what is their specialty if any, specials, exclusions, and options.
References. List of satisfied customers willing to be contacted.
Samples of their work in their specialty category or preferably in each wedding flowers design category - traditional, original, exotic, contemporary and the current trends in wedding flowers.
Samples of their work in each wedding flowers arrangement including but not limited to altar and aisle arrangements for the ceremony site, guest book table, memorial table, cake table, decorations and centerpieces for the reception site, bridal bouquets, other bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages, head dress, garlands, flower arrangements decorating wedding cakes, other decorations they offer such as seat covers, ribbons, balloon arrangements etc...

Questions for the Contact Person:
Please note that the questions are general. Some questions may not apply in all situations. How do you work?
When do you deliver the poem?
Can we make changes?
What if I want an entirely new poem?
How do I pay?
May I see samples of your work?
Can you do special requests?
How long in advance do you need the information?
What is your turnaround time?
Do you accomodate and do you charge an additional fee for rush orders?
How long have you been accommodating weddings?
How many wedding clients have you served?
Are gratuities included in the price?
Are taxes included in the price?
What additional expenses may be charged? (other than rush order)?
Will you print the poem and frame it?
What backgrounds can you use?
Do you require a deposit?
How much and by when will we need to put down the deposit?
Do you offer any discounts?
Do you accept checks and credit cards?
Do you offer any guarantees?
Will you provide us with a written contract?
Does the contract include a 3 day cancellation clause?
What are your cancellation terms should we cancel after 3 days?
Once you made your choice, you need to receive a written contract signed by the person in charge, and dated. The contract must include all of your responsibilities and all of the responsibilities, warranties and guarantees offered by the poetry vendors above the line. Be sure that you understand it fully and agree with all the terms. If you have questions, concerns, or are uncertain, contact them for clarification

--If doable, request a rough sample, 1-4 lines at most, of a possible poem from each vendor.
How to Find Poetry Providers.
Once you have chosen the type of wedding site you want for your wedding, do the following:
Ask the director of your chosen wedding site for recommendations.
Ask clergy for recommendations.
If you have a caterer, ask for recommendations.
Ask a wedding association for recommendations.
Ask your family, friends and acquaintances for recommendations.
Attend bridal shows.
Search the internet under"wedding poems."
Collect contact information.
You want only the best! Be selective!

When calling or e-mailing, were you greeted cordially?
Were you able to obtain the information you requested in a timely manner?
Were the people you spoke with helpful? Too helpful and eager?
Do you like the look and feel of the Web site?
Does it provide you with the information you are looking for?
Does it show or tell about unique one-of-a-kind wedding poems?
Does the site include Testimonials?
Can you find free articles or free information on the web site?
Are they helpful or are they over selling?
Did you find a clearly posted name, phone and email contact? If not, skip it and go to another site that interests you and are agreeable.
Does the vendor offer you what you want on your terms?
Will they guarantee that once you reserve their service, you will have the specific custom poem you chose for your wedding?
Are you happy with the customer service you receive?
Are they courteous?
Are they accommodating?
Are they helpful?
Are their prices competitive?
Do you feel comfortable working with them?
If you are satisfied, keep the information until you are ready to choose and commit.

What to Expect of the Contact Person.
A business card of each person you will work with.
Contact information including cell phone, email and website address.
A policy or statement that explains what is offered and any exclusions, rules, regulations and options.
References
A sample of poetry work

Who is the right wedding poet- for you?
A professional wedding poet who is
made familiar with your personality, your wedding ceremony style and your requirements
Consult with you and be open to your suggestions
be able to supply you with your desired poem
be able to provide you with alternatives and work with you within your budget
be able to provide you with samples of their personalized wedding poetry
Suggest different writing styles for you to choose from
be able to suggest what will enhance your wedding poem
guarantee the work and its presentation
Carry liability and performance insurance

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