IFJane - was either florist FDT or Teleflora? They have licensing standards, so the shop can be reported. On the other hand I remember seeing one of the morning news shows some years ago.. they ordered the same arrangement from different florists (either all FDT shops or Teleflora shops), then had the various staff members bring in their "gift". Was pretty shocking the difference from the arrangement in the order flier, and the actual received. Some shops were spot on, one as I recall had to make a substitution, but added to the arrangement to make up for it; and a couple were really bad. My GreatAunt, who owned 2 small town shops, would have been shocked.

Does make a difference if you actually SEE your flowers. Also if you know of a decent shop in the town close to the recipient, call them directly (you can skip the *wire* charge too). Look on the interent at the arrangements, then call the *local* shop with the arrangement number, and confirm with the florist what the flowers will actually be, or if they have to make a substitution.

If I was about 5 years older, I would have inherited my Aunt's flower shops, but I wasn't out of college when she was ready to retire (and was dieing of cancer). And as far as SHE was concerned, I was definitely going to finish college. Which I did.