I'm doing a bridal show in April and wanted to use some really nice center pieces from a florist I know. We had met at a wedding I did and exchanged cards and I gave them some photos I took of their flowers on CD.

I am very new to this and have no idea how to ask for flowers. I'm hoping that I don't have to pay 100% of the cost of the flowers since it will be advertising for them. I also don't expect to get them completely free. I guess I'm just unsure of how much I should pay. I just don't know how to go about this or how to word things Any advice is appreciated!

Hi Anna,

Is this a bridal show you are putting on yourself? If so, I would approach them with the concept of "partnering" on the project, rather that looking to get some centerpieces. Explain how they will benefit - the type of crowd that will be there, the exposure they will receive, etc.

If they seem to be interested, they could be willing to do it for free - it would be their form of payment for the awesome advertising they will get. If they don't offer that, then the most I would offer to pay for is half of their COST - not retail. Even that would be pretty generous I think.

Good Luck!

Courtenay is right! the best way is to ask about partnering.

something like this:
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hi so-n-so,

It was so nice to meet you at so-n-so. I have a booth reserved for an upcoming bridal fair, and I was wondering if you'd like to display one of your floral arrangements on my table? I'd be happy to display your business cards next to it and tell everyone who asks who designed it.

Let me know what you think!

Thanks,
photographer
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if she says no, then ask how much she'd charge for the arrangment.

+1
There Jillian goes again --- she should write a book on letter writing

Thanks, girls!

There she goes again. Jillian, I WOULD buy the book. If you make it and put it up for sale on Lulu or something, you could make some bucks. Title: "Dear Silly Lady: You Need To Read This FAB Book by Jillian!"

+1!

I love "Dear Silly Lady"

when i did bridal shows i had my florist give me flowers for free. i paid for the booth myself and she was the only florist i refered so she was more than happy to give me flowers for my booth.
Shaun Austin