Reviews of Catherine's Gardens Florist (Florist)

Karen Kobierecki

April 24, 2017 BEFORE YOU HIRE CATHERINE’S GARDENS IN OAK FOREST, read about our experience. We were impressed with their ideas and recommendations when we met with the owner of Catherine’s the first time. From then on, everything went downhill. Starting with the mock bouquet, it was explained clearly that whenever the SAME group of flowers came in that would be used for the wedding, my daughter could order a mock bouquet so that she could then change anything that she’d like. Imagine our surprise when we were told that 15 days before her rehearsal dinner there was not enough time to provide the mock bouquet for the night of the rehearsal and that there was a window in which she should have requested it. We didn’t know that within that window that was allowed, which fell approximately six weeks before the wedding, that Catherine’s would already have that SAME group of flowers in their shop. Read the fine print, their word cannot be trusted. The day of the wedding, the flowers were delivered 25 minutes late delaying the photographer and delaying the departure for the hall causing an extra charge for the limo having to wait. The groomsmen’s flowers were delivered to the house instead of the hall and Catherine’s would not go back to the hall to deliver them, blaming us for the mistake in delivering them to the house. The color sprayed on the flowers faded and crumbled, falling onto the men’s tuxedos. The mother of the bride’s corsage fell apart before dinner. The bunches of baby’s breath that were to be decorating both the head table and the individual tables around the lantern centerpieces were the size of a dandelion. Rose petals scattered on each table were paper, a poor quality at that, and were supposed to have been real petals. The bride had delivered lace to be used to hang pails of baby’s breath on the rows of chairs. The florist used the lace to wrap the bouquets and in addition, pins stuck through the stems pricking the bridesmaids’ hands. Sufficient notes were apparently not taken when instructions were given to Catherine’s employees by the bride, resulting in mistakes made by the florist. Think twice before employing this florist and if you proceed, make them document each detail in writing. EXTREMELY disappointed.

Michele Esposito-Killeen

I can not begin to tell you how happy I am with this florist. We had a small issue and this florist didn’t hesitant to make things right. They were prompt, courteous and extremely friendly. I just love the arrangement and will definitely be ordering my flowers through them in the future. You will be very happy with their flowers. ❤️ I cannot thank them enough. Thanks again, Michele Esposito Eric Burgess

alyssa lappin

Julie and her staff made my wedding look absolutely amazing! I recommend them to all future besides!

J Gracia

Thanks for making me look good. Keep up the good work.

Kerry Battaglia

When our daughter had her wedding shower Julie made the most beautiful centerpieces. They were more than we could have imagined. Julie and her crew are truly professionals. They know what they’re doing. I would not hesitate to recommend her, and the price was fantastic.

Marsha Schieber

Thank you so much for the beautiful flowers for our son and daughter in law’s rehearsal dinner on 2-1-19 at Loft Lucia. They were exactly what we wanted and they made the space even more beautiful. Being from out of town, Julie made it so easy for me. We chatted on the phone and met her once her shop. She was very friendly and professional.

J Ruiz

They do a great job

Anthony Maziur

Julie and her team at Catherine's Gardens put together the most beautiful bridal bouquet and wedding flowers for my wedding on June 21, 2014. I cannot express just how much of a pleasure it was to work with Julie. She was so personable, detail-oriented, and fun. She also knew exactly what I wanted when I mentioned bright, vibrant colors to her. She has quite the artistic touch that brings out the best in every flower!! She even makes a trial bouquet a few weeks prior to the wedding for you to make sure you like what you're going to walk down the aisle with. We had ice sculptures that acted as vases, that needed to be filled with flowers - Julie and her team created beautiful displays on site the day of my wedding. Everything was so smooth. There were no issues with timing, boutonnieres, corsages, nothing - everything was perfect, and absolutely stunning. Not to mention, the pricing the Catherine's Gardens offers was the BEST in the business, by a long shot. There is absolutely no reason not to use Julie and her team for wedding flowers. I'd give this place 10 stars if I could! Thank you again, Julie!!

J Allen

Love Julie & Staff.. I've trusted their work for my wedding, just because occasions and funerals highly recommended

Michelle Warden

Let me first say that I love this florist, and despite the drive I have ordered all of my flowers here for the past several years as well as referred many people. This year was my daughter's last homecoming dance and we had a few problems with the dress. I called a week in advance to order the flowers and unfortunately 3 days prior to the dance I did call with a slight color change, from baby blue to navy blue. The flowers were beautiful however they were attached to a plastic pearl bracelet and did not look like a wrist corsage at all, but almost rigged to be one. It would not sit nice on her wrist and flopped around the entire night. I was very disappointed for the money that we paid we usually get a nice stretchy silver ribbon type bracelet, and I'm not real sure what the heck this was. I gave it three stars because they've always been good to us in the past, but unfortunately this may be my last order I would hate for my prom flowers or future wedding flowers to turn out like this. I do have photos, but having

Refugio Alarcon

These people are fantastic. The selection, the prices, the quality and above all, the service is what keeps me coming back. I have placed several orders, each order with multiple deliveries and they have hit a home run each time. Each one of these deliveries has made me look good. The only thing that I could that needs improvement is their parking. On second thought, I take this back. I usually pick pick up the phone, give them an idea of what I need and they take it from their. Makes my life easier, saving me time. Thanks for your help.

mike ahler

On our wedding day the flowers were wilty and falling apart. The deliveries were all late or last minute. They were not punctual at all. If you can't handle that many orders don't take them. Very over priced. Almost ruined my wedding.

Robert Couch

Fabulous flowers & a cheerful owner and staff

Betty Boop1717

The store itself was messy and there was garbage and boxes all over. The woman at the counter was rude and abrasive when she realized I was just looking and not buying that day. I would never come back here for anything

Ken Smith

they people are great, from the owner to the staff, or at least one ones i've dealt with. keep up the great work

Rudy Alvarez

Had several orders and the flowers were so much more than expected. They far exceeded my expectations and will use them again in the furture.

sparkle monkey

Very upfront in your face people and very uptight. But nice flowers

Conor Watters

Julie and her team are great! I have used them for multiple occasions and they never dissappoint. I will not take my business anywhere else!

J Howe

We hired Catherine’s Gardens for my daughters wedding. The day of the wedding Julie called my daughter (why would she bother the bride on her wedding day instead of me) to tell her that our flowers died in transit. She said they had to order new flowers. The flowers that were sent were wilted and were falling apart at the ceremony. The wrist corsages for the mothers and grandmothers fell apart before the reception started and to kick it off the team at Catherine’s gardens had arranged with the venue to set up at 2 pm. The didn’t arrive till ( just before) 5pm. All the guest were waiting to get in to sit down but we couldn’t let them in because they were still setting up. With the florist being so late it pushed the Ceremony to start late. The Reverend had to run out right after the ceremony because he was late for another commitment. When I called to complain I felt I was dismissed. I wouldn’t even give them one star but I had to in order to write this review.

Christina Wade

This place is fantastic. Super friendly, helpful staff. They put together a beautiful arrangement of flowers for my sister birthday.

Desirae Hamilton

NIce people to do business with

Angel Pason

Thank you sooo much Julie Markert for the beautiful flowers arrangements you made for my wedding!!! You matched our decorations perfectly!!!! And they lasted so long! You are the best!!!! I've been telling everyone about the work you do!!! Thanks again!!!

Phil J

Fast and friendly service! Great selection!

Roy Williamson

My son and daughter-in-law were married 4/14/18, and not only were the flowers late arriving, and the toss bouqet not included, but the flowers were dead looking. The bridesmaids had to peel petals off the red roses, because they were black on them. The bouquet we purchased for Mary looked like they used the cheapest flowers. If your stressed on your wedding day, safe yourself the grief and go somewhere else. Pat Williamson

Christopher Addae

They didn't have the original vase and so they called me to see if an upgrade would be ok...is there a way I can share brownie points?

BBI Apparel Printing

Love Catherine's Garden! Been going there for years. Great quality and customer service.

immortal tiger26

Amazing with there work beautiful center peices and amazing work with flowers I would recommend for any wedding or funeral or even a coursage for prom

Donna Chancellor

I ordered an arrangement for a funeral. The arrangement was very small and I paid for a premium arrangement. Also the arrangement was supposed to be white and the was only 1 white flower and they looked horrible.

erin kooiker

So helpful for our wedding flowers! When we went in for our first visit to pick out what we want, she was super helpful in guiding me with all the different options, and what would be best. She also helped give us tips for flower care for our centerpieces which we were planning to put together ourselves. Day of, my mom picked up the flowers and brought them to the venue and I did not really like how my bouquet looked and we had someone bring it back and she fixed it for me, skyping me in as she did so that I could approve of it. And she made it absolutely perfect. It was the most gorgeous bouquet ever! Highly Recommend!!

Mary Murphy

My consultation went amazingly, I really thought Julie Markert knew exactly what we wanted. Unfortunately, on the day of my wedding, the arrangements were sparse, sloppy, and in the wrong color combinations. Among other things, we received two table-top vases when we ordered two full-length floor arrangements. Worst of all: Julie told us that the team would be present before, during, and after the ceremony, but they were gone before any member of the wedding party arrived. Her girls were still arranging the reception room when guests and the wedding party were arriving. Unacceptable. Blatantly violated the terms of her own contract. I could not get a hold of Julie a few weeks before the wedding, and the staff that did answer the phone couldn't answer any questions. Everything seemed rushed, and real care was not taken in providing the service or the flowers that we discussed.

D River

Very friendly, very professional and great flowers

April Lynn

Julie and her team did an amazing job bringing our vision to life. From our initial consultation to her guidance the day of, we could not have been happier with the finished product.

Jonathan Warren

Stopped in on a Sunday about 10 minutes before closing, Most of the flower were put away. I told them I was meeting my girlfriends parents for the first time. They asked how much I wanted to spent, They made an amazing flower set for under $30. 12/10 would use them again

Michael Puskar

Excellent staff with better service

Nicole Losito

Lovely "little" place with major creativity! Friendly staff and beautiful displays. Catherine's is my #1 Florist. Throughout the year I use Catherine's for different occasions. This holiday season, both Thanksgiving and Christmas, I ordered several arrangements for my family and friends--these beauties were the talk of the parties! Each loved one that received a floral piece was very impressed with their lively gifts! I received so many thank yous--I could not have been happier with my shopping choice!

Heather Giordano

Catherine's Gardens was my florist for my wedding a few weeks ago and I was absolutely pleased with them and their flowers! The staff was so nice and helpful! I highly recommend them and they are reasonably priced!!! I couldn't ask for a better florist! Thank you for making my day so beautiful!

William Bee

Great service, even when I don't really know what I want. I give them some ideas and they run with it, to everybody's Satisfaction. Great service, great products and reasonable products.

Ashley Boone

I thought Julie and her team were wonderful. Super nice and very helpful Since I had no idea what I really wanted. But on my wedding day, 5-23-15, the flowers were dropped off about a 1/2 hour before I got back to my moms (they were on time, I wasn't lol)...and the flowers were wilted and falling apart. They looked completely dead and so bad. I was very upset. The colors were not at all what they should have been, but close enough I suppose. My flower girl pedals were suppose to be a variety of colors and they were all white with maybe one or two slightly blue mixed in. I couldn't believe those were actually the flowers I had to use for my wedding day. I have heard so many good things about them though. If ever needed, I might give it one more shot, because the prices were very good. But cheaper prices showed with the way my flowers turned out.

Simon Ivanoff

Excellent, friendly and fast service!

Nicki Schnoes

Julie did a beautiful job with the flowers for my wedding shower and beautifully preserved my wedding bouquet!! Wouldn’t dream of using anyone else for my flower needs!!

Jordan Kubiak

The staff makes it a wonderful experience while ordering. I have never gotten an arrangement that I didn't love or find beautiful. They do great work,!

Ashley Tornga

I truly cannot even begin to state how happy I was, start to finish, working with Julie and Stephanie at Catherine's Gardens. I had priced few other places and the DEPOSIT at these places was what my total cost of ALL FLOWERS through Catherine's Gardens. I sent Julie what I was envisioning for my wedding day flowers and she absolutely nailed it. I told her what I did and didn't like, brought in pictures, and she absolutely blew me away. Not only were our flowers (bridal, ceremony, and reception) absolutely stunning, but Julie was absolutely wonderful to work with. She responded to every crazy email I sent within a matter of minutes, and always put me at ease. The day of our wedding, Julie made drops in a south suburb, a church in Chicago, and then an hour away to our reception. Everything looked absolutely stunning. At one point, after already purchasing my table numbers elsewhere, Julie was able to purchase what I wanted and then rented them out to me for half of what I was going to pay to start with!! We also used Catherine's Gardens for my shower and rehearsal dinner. Without a doubt, I will recommend Catherine's Gardens to all future brides!

Monica Estand

Catherine's Gardens was amazing to work with! They were so helpful from the first time we spoke last fall through the day of the wedding this past weekend. The flowers were beautiful for the wedding party, the centerpieces, the church, all of it! Can't wait to see how the turn out in pictures! I would definitely recommend Julie and the rest of her staff!

Cydney

Whenever I am dating someone and they want to get me flowers, i tell them they HAVE to go to Catherine's. Their flowers always last two weeks. I've gotten flowers from other places and none of them can even compare to how beautiful and long lasting theirs are. The best of the best!

Kevin Pason

We had a small wedding with a few family members and Julie came through with some of the coolest flower/plant arrangements my wife and I could have asked for. Top notch will definitely be using them when we have our big thing down the road.

Larry Walsh

Owner is a cheap skate sent dead flowers and mean had to complain to ftd for satisfaction

gabrielle pappas

Was very disappointed with Catherine's Garden for my wedding this past Saturday. My initial consultation went very well and I was very excited to use them, Julie was very nice. Following that meeting a few months before my wedding I was emailing with Julie back and forth until she just stopped responding. They have a deadline that I was well aware of and was becoming frantic as that day was approaching and I had things to be changed before then and was getting no response. I called the store and spoke to someone who said Julie was out for the day and would call me back tomorrow. Days went by and I sent more emails with no response or call back. I then called again and they said they preferred changes be made via email or in person which I then said that I have been trying. I finally got the meeting and was told that they updated their system and lost my email or something? Was shocked they wouldn't have contacted me either way to go over things seeing that it was a big order and it was coming up to the day. The day of the wedding all the bouquets got delivered and were not the correct color. I gave them a swatch of the mint I wanted and they came neon green. After somewhat of arguing that they did it right they took them back and tried to fix them. They were not what I wanted still but they were ALOT better. The boys flowers all looked dead and were falling apart before church started. The center pieces looked as they were thrown together very quickly and/or not handled correctly when being delivered as well. The person who delivered the flowers to us was not pleasant at all. I definitely would not recommend using them.

Nikki Schramm

I have been using Catherine's Gardens as my florist for over 5 years now. Julie and her staff have always taken the time to help me pick out what I want to send. Most of the time I just ask for her to do whatever she wants because her flowers are always beautiful. They are very reasonably priced and the flowers seem to last forever. If there is ever a problem with anything (getting a specific flower or a specific color) they always let me know before I place my order. They work very hard at making sure the flowers you get are the ones you want and I wouldn't dream of very placing an order anywhere else.

katerina wilkinson

Flowers are nice. Personality to customers is appalling. Also doesn't care about her employees only herself and her business. Do not go there

Jen S

We had all red and ivory roses for our fall wedding, this may have been our down fall. the bridesmaid bouquet had bare spots and a roses fell out of one of them when we picked it up out of the box. The roses look wilted when we got them. I had fresh roses place on my cake, there were supposed to be roses in between the layers and on top, they did not put any on top and left the white pillars showing in between the layers. I asked them to place a simple "S" I had bought and they would not do it and then left the top of the cake bare when there was supposed to be roses on top. The arrangement for the head table was also not what was requested. I wanted an arrangement that spilled over the edge of the table, they just made an oddly shaped arrangement that sat on top of the table. We were happy with the price we got because they gave us a discount since we also booked Absolute Dream limo, they are out of the same building and both family owned. We love the limo service but were disappointed with the flowers. I found out recently that a co-worker used Catherine's and had huge issues as well. I would not recommend Catherine's Garden.

Mark Arroyo

Family owned and operated,they do wonderful work!

Jack Gaines Jr.

Real nice floral arrangement.

Jessa Nikole

Ordered through Teleflora so I didnt get to pick my florist. Had these delivered Friday just before mothers day to my Mother. Poka Dots and Posies, daisies and hot pink roses. According to telefloras website, pink cube vase an poka dot ribbon included.. no ribbon came. Fine, no ribbon. What isnt fine is the fact that the Rose's came baby pink an wilted. First picture is then right when my mother got them. She took the Rose's out to try an save them by pulling the bad pedals off. It's now just Wednesday and the Rose's are dead. Catherine's garden had me email over pictures of the flowers and didnt bother contacting me back. I called them yesterday and they told me teleflora had to deal with it since I ordered through them. Certainly glad i did order through them because i was given a refund. Will never use your florist. Extreamly disappointed.

j cantu

Very friendly, very accommodating and they know their stuff.

Daniel Carroll

Amazing flowers and the staff is so nice! Julie is especially sweet and always willing to help!!

Stephanie Tornga

Gorgeous work - staff is always kind and helpful. They have always gone above and beyond for me in the past. I absolutely love this shop, it's very much a down home mom and pop old school feel of how they run things. I've never been disappointed by any of the pieces I've ordered whether it was for family, friends, shower, or even my wedding. Everything had been perfect. Highly recommend.

Matt Floyd

Had 4 roses from a funeral preserved an I couldn't be happier with the results!!! They look great an will always be cherished in thus house thank you again!!!!

Charlene Santiago

Hands down best flower shop. They've always done beautiful work and I've been doing business with them for years. Julie and her staff have been nothing short of amazing. Julie did my wedding flowers and they traveled from IL to NY for my wedding and were in perfect condition when they arrived. Julie and her staff alway make the perfect arrangement for any event.