VAT, called IVA in Italy, is the tax added to the price of goods and services. Many florists' quotes show prices excluding VAT (IVA esclusa), so the total you pay is higher than what you read on each line. The standard rate in Italy is 22%, but depending on how the service is classed, some parts may be taxed at different rates.
You do not need to know which rate applies: you need it written down, together with the final total. The same goes if you are paying from abroad, and for couples used to prices shown before sales tax: ask for a total including VAT and how it will be invoiced. The guide on how to read a florist's quote shows where to look; the one on the destination wedding flower budget covers paying from abroad; the sample quotes show the line.
What to ask: the final total including VAT, the rate applied, who the invoice will be made out to.
