Theweddingring.ca

Today was supposed to be a happy one! I set out with my MOH (and sister) to pick out flowers for my wedding. I called ahead last night was told not to make an appointment by the location (in London) so we happily stopped in at 9 am this morning when they opened, brimming with ideas and excitement. We were promptly told by the owner that: A) he didn't have time to assist us and we SHOULD have made an appointment, and b) They charged a consultation fee just to talk to us! I couldn't believe it, I rarely get days off and to coordinate with my sister took some doing. I even told the owner politely that I had called to make an appointment and had been told not to make one, and that I HAD been explicit that I wanted to talk about pricing and arrangement ideas (which is apparently what a consultation is for them). Without getting into horrible details, he managed to insult me personally and badmouth other florists in London, all while specifically telling me he only had 5 minutes to help me now and that they wouldn't give out pricing unless we guaranteed we were booking with them! When I said that I would be looking elsewhere as I was so at a loss for words at what was happening, he actually mimicked me in a childish voice, and chased me out of the store yelling at me that he didn't appreciate me trying to tell him how to run his business (which I don't even know where that came from as I certainly had said nothing of the sort)!! We went to Burkes's Flowers after, who graciously, and without an appointment assisted us (without a fee) and I have to say I have never had such a terrible experience at a store to begin with, let alone with my wedding. Is this typical of wedding vendors? Or did I just get him on a bad day? I wanted to post this as I didn't want any other London brides to endure such a terrible experience, as I cannot even begin to tell you how it ruined my day and my excitement.

How aweful Thankfully you were able to find another vedor.

It is with regret that you or any other bride should experience such treatment from a service provider. Most of us in this industry, simply enjoy working with people and are grateful to work with couples that stimulate our creativity. At our firm, it is not only a previlege but an honour to be given the opportunity to participate in a very important day of a couple's and family's life. As demonstrated by Burke's Flowers, that core value is shared by the many within our industry and your regrettable experience only with a select few.

My jaw dropped to the floor reading your post! If this is the way they treat people they do not deserve to be in business! I am glad you were able to find someone caring to help you after all

Best Wishes!
Denise
www.cestchicphoto.com

Thank you for such a sincere reply, it is nice to know that this seems to be an oddity in the industry, having just embarked into this world of dresses and flowers and registries, it's so overwhelming - I had no idea how to handle what happened - I just walked out of the store. I'm thankful that since then it's been a different experience, and one I hope will only get better!

Wow. That made me gasp! How horrible! It sounds like he was having an awful day and doesn't know how to be very professional when he's stressed. What a jerk! No, definitely not all wedding vendors are crusty like that! I am so glad you found someone deserving of your business.