Proposals Without a Chance: When planners default to the same florist—or just need to fill a vendor slot.
As a florist who has spent years designing weddings and events in Indianapolis and is now building a studio on the coast of Central California, I’ve seen both the best and hardest sides of working with planners.
There are planners I deeply respect—those who take their role seriously and vet vendors with care. When they reach out, it’s because they’ve already considered how my style, professionalism, and experience align with their client. With those planners, I know I’m not just one of several names on a list—I’m the choice. And more often than not, the client books. That kind of collaboration feels intentional, respectful, and like a true partnership.
But not every experience looks like that. Sometimes a planner will ask for a full proposal—mood boards, pricing, and detailed design concepts—only to circle back to the same florist they always use. Loyalty has its place, and trust matters, but from the outside, it creates an invisible wall: you’re invited to the table but never truly offered a seat.
What cuts deeper is when it’s a planner I’ve already worked with before. They’ve seen my work up close, they’ve complimented my designs, they know my professionalism—yet they still default back to the same florist. It leaves me questioning whether there was ever a fair chance, or if I was simply there to check a box for their client.
The Planner’s Perspective
Most planners I’ve spoken with are thoughtful about aligning budgets and aesthetics with their clients’ needs. Many present multiple florist options so couples feel supported in making a choice. That kind of transparency is valuable and builds trust for everyone involved.
But there’s also a darker side I’ve heard about. Some planners request a deliberately high “shocker” proposal from a designer they never intend to book, just to make their preferred florist’s pricing appear more reasonable. It’s an unfair tactic that wastes the designer’s time, undermines client trust, and reduces collaboration to manipulation.
The Proposal Trap
Proposals aren’t just numbers on a page. They take hours of research, refining budgets, sourcing seasonal flowers, and building design boards that reflect a couple’s vision. Whether it’s a Monterey wedding overlooking the coast or an Indianapolis ballroom celebration, those details matter.
When all that effort ends with, “the client decided to go another direction,” it often translates to: “they went with the planner’s usual florist.” It’s not only about losing the booking—it’s the energy and artistry that’s been poured into something that may never have been a fair playing field.
Creating Boundaries
Over time, I’ve learned ways to protect both my time and creativity:
Streamline proposals until I know there’s genuine interest.
Ask direct questions like, “Am I one of several florists, or are you specifically drawn to my style?”
Seek feedback when the booking goes elsewhere—it helps refine how I approach the next opportunity, whether it’s a Midwest wedding or a San Francisco city celebration.
A Final Thought
Planners aren’t villains, and florists aren’t victims. But this pattern exists, and it deserves to be acknowledged. For me, it’s about fairness, respect, and the sustainability of our craft.
Because proposals aren’t disposable—they’re pieces of our artistry. And whether I’m creating for couples in Indianapolis or welcoming new clients along the Central California coast, I believe that artistry deserves a seat at the table.