When it comes to choosing a florist, try to visit as many florists in Belfast as possible. The more florists you check out, the bigger range of quotes you can obtain, and it will give you a better idea of the kind of floral arrangements that you can choose from too.

When you visit florist shops around Belfast take note of the arrangements that they have on display. Do they look fresh? Innovative? Are the staff friendly and helpful? Do you feel comfortable with the florist, and are they open to your ideas?

When visiting florists, do not just take a look around their work that is on display. Ask to see photographs of their previous work too - any good florist will have examples to show you. Take a look through their previous work portfolio and see if their designs are dated or current.

It can be hard for a florist to know what you truly want for your wedding unless you tell them. All good florists will be open to all of your ideas, so feel free to take along images or samples to show them. Whether you see something you like or something you hate, show them so they get to know your tastes better.

You want to be looking for florists a good few months before your wedding day, but it makes sense to already have your venue is place and your wedding gown chosen, if possible, before you seek out the services of a florist. Your florist needs to see your wedding venue to get a sense of the scale and style of arrangements that are required.

As the bride, your dress will help to determine much of the flowers used on your wedding day. It is essential that you let your florist see your wedding gown, or at least a sketch, photograph or swatches of the material used. This will help them to colour match the flowers as well as to get the proportions of your bridal bouquet just right. The rest of the flowers can be planned from there.

If you book your wedding at a time when florists are at their busiest - around Christmas, Valentines Day or Mothers Day for example, then expect to pay more for their services as well as for flowers. To keep costs down, choose flowers that are in season so their supply is greater and they will be far cheaper than flowers shipped or flown from overseas.

When you talk to the florist, ask to see whether they are willing to make up sample bouquets for you. You should also ask them for an itemised quote so that you can see exactly what you will be paying for. You may want to have all of your flowers delivered to the venue and arranged for you. Some florists will charge extra for this, while others will include this in their quote.

This guide to choosing your florist for your Belfast wedding was written by Maricruz Tennill. They recommend checking the Interflora website for details of florists in Belfast and the surrounding area.