Flowers & Pots by Viera – A Neophyte that has a lot to learn

(A Bridal Florist Review)

I am a believer of giving chances to small and budding businesses and since we are opting for less expensive suppliers, I took a chance at this florist who was recommended by the church  – Flowers & Pots by Viera, headed by Corie de Mesa. 

The church (San Antonio de Padua Parish, Pooc, Silang, Cavite) staff said that she’s a regular florist at the church and I considered that a plus since she would know her way around. Also, I didn’t want to get florist from out of town to avoid the extra charge. Corie’s church and entourage package was reasonably priced, cheaper than the packages you would usually see at bridal expos. So I thought she was the best choice.

Sadly however, I wasn’t happy with the bouquets that she provided. I was surprised to see that almost none of my specifications was met. Since I only get to see the actual product on the day itself, there was nothing I could do anymore. So I just grinned and bear it, so to speak.

I guess part of it was my fault because I trusted too much that she would deliver as I have instructed that I didn’t ask for a contract with all the details. I guess because she’s just new to the business (one year, I think) and didn’t have a lot of experience that’s why she didn’t have a contract or agreement for her customers. I just emailed her a list of instructions with attached photos of the bouquet samples to give her an idea of things that I want. And I just took her word when she agreed to them at our meetings. I saw her taking notes and trusted that that was enough. Apparently, it was not enough because she forgot a lot of things and I ended up with unimpressive flowers that do not speak my character or attitude.

I sent the supplier an email with a list of the things that went wrong and I asked why. Not just to chastise (just a bit) her but also to allow her to learn from the mistakes.

Here’s a summary of that list (I didn’t include the ones that Corie had already answered/explained reasonably):

1. The flowers were not yellow as I have specified. I told her that my favorite color of flower is yellow and I stressed out that it is what I really want. I said I want bright and happy colors. Instead, I got white bouquets with very pale and gloomy hint of yellow from a very sad-looking type of flower that I don't know.

2. The flowers of the mothers were very few and not very fresh.

3. There were no wreaths for the flower girls. I asked for wreaths instead of flower basket but I got flower basket and no wreaths.

4. I asked for ball bouquets for the secondary sponsors, but surprise! They were hand-tied bouquets. And all were white, too.

5. We agreed not to use red carpet on the aisle because the tile floor of the church was beautiful. It was actually the florist’s suggestion, to which I just agreed.  And yet, they still laid it out.

For these, she apologized profusely and explained that she must have overlooked or forgotten. And here’s where a written and signed contract would have been useful. Lesson learned? It’s never too much to ask for at least a list of agreed details and specifications of your order, signed by both parties. Corie admitted that she learned something from my email.

I guess my fault lies in trusting too much that the suppliers understand what I want and that they know what they are doing.  I thought they know better since it’s not their first time, unlike me. Oh well, I was wrong to think that…better luck with newbies next time. Yes, despite this not-so-good experience I would still continue to patronize and believe  in new businesses. After all, great things start from beginnings, right? ;)