Florist Sued for $400,000

This lawsuit serves as a warning to brides and wedding professionals.

A florist is being sued by a disappointed couple (the bride is a lawyer) because they say their wedding flowers were the wrong color. They are asking for $400,000 because the error caused them "extreme disappointment, distress and embarrassment." They ordered centerpieces in fuschia, rust, and green with a price tag of $30,000. They received cheaper flowers in the palest shade of pink. Other issues, says the lawsuit: “using wilted and/or browned flowers, leaving the event without filling half the centerpiece vases with water, and using dusty and dirty vases.” After the wedding, the couple requested a $4000 refund. Obviously, their request was denied, so they are adding a few more zeros to the end of their request. The lawsuit accused the florist of fraud, breach of contract, and negligent misrepresentation. The florist says his photos prove that he provided what the couple asked for and plans to countersue for damages to his business reputation.

* Note to wedding professionals: Carry insurance which includes errors and omissions.

Some advice to brides to help avoid this type of disappointment on your wedding day:

• Do not order your flowers simply based on photos. Check out the florist's inventory at the time of your consultation.
  
• Are you ordering flowers that naturally grow in the colors of your choice? Or will they have to be dyed?
  
• Ask for referrals and actually call them. Don't just ask if they were happy with the service they received. Ask if there was anything they were not happy with.

In one article, the florist commented that his father once advised him not to deal with lawyers. Is there any substance to this advice? Are lawyers uber-litigious (lawsuit-happy), making them the worst possible clients?