The Best Florists in Marin County Offer Many Options for Floral Arrangements and Flower Delivery

There is no state license required of florists in Marin County and so no state standard for competency. This makes it all the more significant that all florists bearing The Prime Buyer's Report Top Ten designation have been evaluated by our research staff, and have had to pass all the requirements for Prime Buyer's Report Top Ten status such as survey phone calls to previous customers to verify high satisfaction, clean complaint record, best business practices, length of time in business, and more.

Whether you're planning a surprise flower delivery of a simple bouquet of flowers or ordering large floral arrangements for a special event, the best florists in San Rafael can give you the right flowers for every occasion.

The helpful information below is provided by the editors and researchers at The Prime Buyer's Report to help you choose among the best florists and florist shops in Marin County, including San Rafael CA.

Good Florists in Marin County Offer Many Options for Floral Arrangements and Flower Delivery
Local florists own flower shops and provide flower delivery in San Rafael and throughout all of Marin County. The best flower shops in Marin County can offer fresh flowers, potted plants, silk flowers, artificial flower arrangements and made-to-order fresh flower arrangements for pick up and local flower deliveries.

Most of the best flower delivery shops in San Rafael offer same day flower delivery for special occasion flowers such as birthday flowers, Mother's Day flowers, anniversary flowers and get well flower arrangements.

Comparing Good Local Florists in Marin County to National Florists & Flower Delivery Companies
National florists, sometimes called flower order gatherers, are large flower retail companies or call centers that take flower orders nationally then pay local florists in Marin County to fulfill the flower deliveries.

Some consumers say they get better service at a lower cost when they work directly with local flower shops in San Rafael or the rest of Marin County area for local flower delivery, national flower delivery and international flower delivery. So if working with a local Marin County florist is important to you, take note of the following tips before you send flowers:

• Be sure to ask if the florist shops are physically located in Marin County, even if the floral shops list a local phone number or address. It may not be a physical location.

• If ordering flowers online, verify that the delivery flower bouquets from the florists online are delivered as flower arrangements instead of as assemble-it-yourself boxes of fresh flowers.

• When it comes to "national florists" such as national order gatherers using local phone numbers or addresses including online florists, some customers have reported high floral delivery fees, processing fees, and shipping and handling fees. So verify the total cost before you order flowers and compare to the cost from a local florist physically located in Marin County.

• Some people report that online florists and national call center florists using a local address offer "free delivery" but send smaller flower arrangements to recoup their flower shipping costs or hide their actual floral delivery costs in the price of the flowers. So verify with the same day delivery florists that the flowers delivered are exactly the flowers you ordered and compare the total cost for flowers and delivery to that of a local florist who is physically located in Marin County.

Cheap Flowers—A Good Value or a Flower Delivery Mistake?
Some florist customers thought they could save money by going with cheap florists or flower shops that sell discount flowers, but say they were disappointed by the cut flower deliveries. These people found that some cheap florists and discount flower delivery services promoting wholesale flowers might actually deliver old or wilted flowers.

Find good florists in Marin County who sell fresh flowers at fair prices.

Good florists in San Rafael are known for providing fresh cut flowers, healthy potted plants, lifelike artificial flowers or silk flowers and beautiful flower arrangements. And because these local florists deal directly with the public, these good flower shops also specialize in top-notch customer service.

Florists Offer Flower Deliveries in San Rafael and Beyond
Find good florists in Marin County to deliver fresh flowers to someone across the country. Some local florists are members of reputable national floral relay networks like the FTD Flowers Network. These florist delivery networks link together independent flower shops to provide high-quality flower arrangements and flower delivery services anywhere in the United States and in selected international locations as well.

The best local florists in the San Rafael are experienced in flower arrangements for special events and everyday flower deliveries. Flower arrangements for special occasions, such as those for parties and scheduled events, need to arrive at a specific time. Good florist shops in Marin County can plan flower arrangements based on your requirements or the details of the event. These flower shops will also schedule exact times for special flower deliveries. Many flower shops can even arrange the flowers on-site if you've ordered several flower arrangements for your special event.

Birthday flowers, anniversary flowers, get well flowers or flowers delivered "just because" are considered everyday flower deliveries. These flower arrangements may not be as formal as and the floral delivery time is not usually as structured as with special event flowers. Many local florists in Marin County deliver flowers in San Rafael or allow you to pick up flower bouquets to hand deliver yourself.

How to Order Flowers for Holiday Flower Deliveries
If you're planning to send flowers, be aware that last minute flower orders for Valentine's Day flowers, Mother's Day flowers or Easter flowers can leave you empty handed and your special someone disappointed. It's important to order flowers several weeks ahead for peak flower holidays.

Some flower shops in Marin County even offer special flower packages or discount flowers and holiday floral arrangements when you order flowers in advance.

Some customers report that they've also saved money and been able to order cheap flowers at a great value by cutting out the middleman and ordering flower arrangements or bouquets from florists instead of order gathering flower retailers or online florists.

Some Florists in Marin County Are Better Than Others
The Prime Buyer's Report lists these flower shops and florists in Marin County: Rafael Florist San Rafael CA, Hearts & Flowers Florist Belvedere Tiburon CA, Mill Valley Florist Mill Valley CA, Bloomers of Larkspur Larkspur CA, San Marin Flowers Novato CA, Passion Flowers Corte Madera CA, Paradise Flowers Kentfield CA, Nancy Ann Florists Sausalito CA, Burns Florist San Rafael CA, Ark Angels Flowers Tiburon CA. Other flower delivery services and flower shops in San Rafael CA that might still be in business include: Gardenia Florist San Rafael CA, Natalie & Daria's Flowers & Gifts Novato CA.

How to Choose Among Good Florists in Marin County including San Rafael

Plan Ahead Before You Order Flowers From Marin County Flower Shops.
Before you talk with good florists in San Rafael or throughout Marin County, look into different flower designs and floral arrangement styles. Feel free to shop around on Web sites that sell flowers online or in local flower shops in Marin County to get an idea of different flower arranging trends and flower arrangement styles.

You can save money and frustration if you are familiar with what fresh flowers are in season and readily available in San Rafael. If you select fresh flowers that are in season, the price of your flower arrangement will be lower and you will be guaranteed to find a local florist in Marin County that can fill your flower order. While they are appealing, rare flowers, tropical flowers, exotic flowers and seasonal cut flowers can be expensive and harder to find.

Order ahead of time for Valentine's Day flowers or Mother's Day flowers. If you're planning a special event, be sure to retain professional Marin County florists well in advance. Many flower shops offer same day delivery or next day flower delivery if you've placed your flower order ahead of time.

Choose Local Florists in San Rafael for Fresh Flowers and Flower Arrangements.
While it might seem convenient to buy flowers online, some people report they've had better luck ordering fresh flowers from florists in San Rafael and elsewhere in Marin County. If you're one of those consumers who prefers to choose local florists for flower delivery, be sure to ask if the florist shops are local flower shops in your area of Marin County or if they are Internet-based florists or call center order gathering centers. Many local florist shops in San Rafael and through all of Marin County now accept online flower orders and floral delivery requests for your convenience.

Describe Your Desired Flower Arrangements and Flower Delivery Requirements.
Discuss with florists in San Rafael the number of flower arrangements, types of fresh flowers, silk flowers or artificial flowers you're looking for. Tell the Marin County florists about any special requests regarding flower colors or size of flower arrangements and floral bouquets. You should also feel comfortable discussing floral budget restrictions and flower pricing issues with your florist. Make sure that the florists offer flower delivery in the Marin County area if you need your fresh flowers delivered.

Ask Questions of Florists in San Rafael Before You Order Fresh Flowers in Marin County.
Before you decide among the best florists in Marin County, ask some questions of the flower shops to make sure the florists can meet your needs for flower arranging and flower deliveries. We've prepared the following list of questions to help you make the best decision before you send flowers. Write down the answers and ask a few of your own to fill in the details.

• Are the flower shops local florist shops physically located in Marin County or are would you be ordering flowers from a national flower order gathering service?

• How long have the florists been in Marin County?

• What kind of florist training, background in flower arranging or education do the Marin County florists have?

• Can the local florists coordinate with other flower shops outside Marin County if you need to send flower deliveries to friends or family far away? Are there extra charges for national flower delivery or international flower delivery?

• Do the flower shops in San Rafael and the rest of Marin County specialize in a style of floral design? Can their florists accommodate specific floral arrangement requests?

• Do the florist shops also arrange silk flowers or artificial flowers? What are the cost differences between silk flowers / artificial flowers and fresh flowers?

• If you are planning a special event, are the Marin County florists available on that day? How far in advance should you book the florists' services?

• How do the florists charge for their flower arrangements and flower deliveries in San Rafael or other Marin County area? Is the flower delivery charge by the item, by the hour or as a flat fee?

• Do the flower shops offer flower delivery services in your area of Marin County? Is there a charge for these extra services or do the florists offer free flower delivery, same day flower delivery or next day delivery?

• Can the florists in San Rafael provide flower arrangements for special events?

• Do the flower shops offer delivery in Marin County for large numbers of flower arrangements and large flower arrangements? If so, are their flower delivery vehicles air conditioned?

• How many days in advance do the florists in Marin County create the flower arrangements?

• Do the Marin County flower shops offer any guarantees as to freshness of flower arrangements or how long the flowers will last?

• Do the flower shops have sample flower bouquets and arrangements you can see or can they provide a portfolio of recent floral arrangements they've created?

• Do the florists in Marin County also offer potted plant deliveries and gift basket delivery?

Make a Preliminary Decision on the Best Florists in San Rafael and the rest of Marin County
Reread the responses from all the florists and flower shops in Marin County you talked with and decide which florists and flower shops in San Rafael shared a similar style or offered flower arrangement ideas you liked best. You want a good value when you send flowers, so take off your short list any cheap florists or flower shops that offered suspiciously cheap flowers at a cut rate because those cheap floral arrangements might not be the high quality cut flowers you expect. Also take into account flower shop availability and scheduling, and flower delivery services such as national delivery and international flower delivery to help you make the best decision.

When you've narrowed the field, verify the florists' certifications. Some florists and flower shops in the San Rafael areas of Marin County have been highly rated by certification companies such as Diamond Certified. Other flower shops are members of the Better Business Bureau, local chambers and civic groups and various flower growers associations.

Solidify Your Decision on the Best Flower Shops in Marin County
Sit down with the local florist or Marin County flower shop owner you liked best and agree on the types of flowers, flower colors, and overall theme and style of your flowers. Verify the florist is available for the event and is up to the task of arranging the number of flowers you need. Be sure to discuss flower arrangement details, flower delivery services, scheduling and payment.

Once you've decided on the details with your Marin County florist, have the florist write down pricing, flower delivery specifications and warranty details.

Resources About Marin County Florists and Flower Delivery in San Rafael

Regulatory Agencies & Trade Associations Florists in San Rafael CA

BBB Better Business Bureau (http://www.bbb.com/)
CSFA California State Floral Association (http://www.calstatefloral.com/)
CCF The California Certified Florist (http://www.californiacertifiedflorist.org/)
SAF Society of American Florists (http://www.safnow.org/)
CCFC California Cut Flower Commission (http://www.ccfc.org/)
CANGC California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers (http://www.cangc.org/)
CPA California Protea Association (http://www.californiaprotea.com/)
AIFD American Institute of Floral Designers (http://www.aifd.org/)
ICFGA International Cut Flower Growers Association (http://www.rosesinc.org/)
MFA Master Florists Association (http://www.masterfloristsassn.org/)
NORCAL Association of Flower Growers & Shippers (http://www.norcalflowers.org/)
CFBF California Farm Bureau Federation (http://www.cfbf.com/)
USDA United States Department of Agriculture (http://www.usda.gov/)
USDAOC US Department of Agriculture Ornamental Crops (http://www.ams.usda.gov/fv/mncs/orntren2.htm)
USDA NASS Publications and Reports (http://www.nass.usda.gov/)
CDFA California Department of Food and Agriculture (http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/)
Kee Kitayama Research Foundation (http://www.kkrf.org/)
About Flowers (http://www.aboutflowers.com/)
Floral Market Research (http://www.floralmarketresearch.com/)
California Agriculture in the Classroom (http://www.cfaitc.org/)
Roses, Incorporated (http://www.rosesinc.org/)
Flowers Alive with Possibilities (http://www.flowerpossibilities.com/)

Media Regarding Florists in Marin County CA

Flowers
Florists' Review
Fusion Flowers
Birds & Blooms
Floral Design Magazine
Fleur Creatif
Flower Arranger
FloraCulture International
Flower Essence
Flower Magazine
Country Living
Better Homes & Gardens
GMPRO

The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for Top Ten Florists in Marin County within the following zip codes:

94950, 94929, 94978, 94933, 94914, 94938, 94977, 94942, 94915, 94948, 94976, 94957, 94979, 94963, 94964, 94912, 94913, 94966, 94971, 94973, 94903, 94920, 94945, 94924, 94925, 94930, 94904, 94937, 94939, 94965, 94949, 94940, 94941, 94946, 94947, 94956, 94960, 94974, 94901 and 94970

The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for Top Ten Florists in Marin County within the following cities:

Bel Marin Keys, Belvedere, Belvedere Tiburon, Black Point, Bolinas, Corte Madera, Dogtown, Fairfax, Greenbrae, Ignacio, Inverness, Kent Woodlands, Kentfield, Larkspur, Marin City, Marinwood, Marshall, Mill Valley, Muir Beach, Muir Woods, Nicasio, Novato, Point Reyes Station, San Anselmo, San Marin, San Quentin, San Rafael, Santa Venetia, Sausalito, Stinson Beach, Strawberry Point, Tamal, Tamalpais Valley, Terra Linda, Tiburon, Dillon Beach, Forest Knolls, Lagunitas, Mission Rafael, Olema, Ross, San Geronimo, Tomales, Woodacre, Almonte, Lucas Valley and Sleepy Hollow