How To Choose A Wedding Florist: The Best For Your Perfect Day

Picture it: your big day—the moment you’ve been planning and dreaming of for months.

It goes without saying that flowers are among the most significant elements of any wedding, aside from the couple themselves. They play an integral role in setting the tone and creating a romantic ambience for one of life’s most memorable moments.

As such, selecting the right florist to bring your vision to life requires careful thought and consideration.

As a professional wedding planner with years of experience, I have had the pleasure of working with some exceptional florists. They have consistently brought my clients’ dreams to life with their stunning floral arrangements. Working with wedding flowers and talented florists is truly a fabulous job—there’s so much excitement and pride in helping create unforgettable celebrations.

In this article, I will explore and provide tips for selecting the best florist for your wedding day.

From researching their portfolio to getting references from past customers, there are countless factors to consider when searching for the right match.

If you are ready to learn how to choose the right florist for your special day, let’s get started!

Introduction to Wedding Planning

Planning your wedding is a journey filled with excitement, anticipation, and a touch of nerves. With so many details to consider, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed—but with the right guidance, wedding planning can become one of the most enjoyable parts of your engagement. One of the most crucial decisions you’ll make is choosing the perfect wedding florist. The right professional florist will not only provide beautiful wedding flowers but will also help shape the entire look and feel of your special day.

When you begin your wedding planning, take time to research wedding florists who specialise in weddings and have a design style that matches your wedding vision. A talented florist will listen to your ideas, understand your style, and create floral designs that reflect your personality and the atmosphere you want to achieve. Look through their portfolios to see if their previous work aligns with your wedding style, and don’t hesitate to read reviews or ask friends and family for recommendations. The best wedding florists are those who can translate your vision into reality, ensuring your flowers are as memorable as the day itself.

Remember, your wedding flowers are more than just decorations—they’re an expression of your love story. By choosing a florist who understands your vision and style, you’ll set the stage for a truly unforgettable celebration.

Factors To Consider When Choosing A Florist

When choosing the most suitable florist for your wedding day, several factors must be considered. But note that selecting one can be challenging, depending on the type of flowers you’d like to use and the budget you have set aside.

Keep these considerations in mind to ensure your special day remains spectacular.

First, consider the style of flowers you’d like for your big day. Choosing a colour palette that complements your wedding theme is essential, as it helps create a cohesive and personalized look.

Do you prefer classic roses or unique wildflowers?

Would an array of bright colours blend in with your venue?

Or is a single-tone colour scheme more appropriate? Take some time to reflect on which looks would work best for your wedding, consult with your florist to select the best flowers for your style and budget, and ensure that any florist you choose can provide them.

Next up is the budget. Before searching for potential florists, consider how much you have allocated for flowers, and let that guide your search. Your guest count can impact the number of arrangements needed and the overall floral budget. If possible, visit a few local flower shops in person to explore the different price points available before committing. The average cost of wedding flowers was $2,800 in 2023, so keeping this in mind can help you set realistic expectations.

Finally, consider the atmosphere and ambience you want to create on your wedding day. Floral decor plays a significant role in enhancing the venue's overall look.

Ask yourself: What feeling do I want my guests to have when they enter the room? Make sure your floral choices capture the whole vibe of your wedding.

Is it formal or informal?

Will there be any special touches, such as hanging garlands, bridesmaid bouquets, or centrepieces, on each table?

Make sure that whatever florist you select has experience creating similar looks and offers floral styling as part of the design process – after all, all your hard work must pay off!

From here, start researching potential florists early so that come D-day, everything falls perfectly into place! Good florists can get booked early, so it's advisable to start researching them as soon as you book your venue and date. Popular wedding florists often get booked a year or more in advance, especially during peak seasons.

Researching Florists

A logical place to begin is by asking any married friends or family for referrals. They can provide valuable insight into their experience with local wedding florists. Alternatively, you can search online for reviews from past clients or check out the florist’s website. A florist's website or social media can showcase their artistic style and previous work, helping you determine if their aesthetic aligns with your vision. When seeking referrals and planning your event, it's also important to work with trusted wedding suppliers, including caterers, to ensure a seamless event.

Take the time to look through the portfolios of various floral designers. Many have a recent portfolio showcasing their style and design capabilities. If possible, visit their studio to view sample arrangements in person—this is a great way to assess the quality and style of their work. Ask each florist you speak with what types of flowers they specialise in, or whether they offer unique services such as flower preservation or custom arrangements. Also, consider the florist's location relative to your venue for convenience and to ensure your flowers remain fresh. This will help you determine if the designer is the right fit for your wedding vision.

Finally, discuss budgeting with your potential florists and inquire about their pricing structure and available discounts. Be aware that a booking fee is often required to secure your date—this fee is typically a percentage of the total cost and locks in the florist's availability. Florists usually require a deposit to secure the wedding date after the proposal is accepted. Be sure to get everything in writing so there are no misunderstandings on payday. Most wedding florists have a minimum spend requirement.

MY TIP: Take advantage of free consultations offered by most wedding florists – this will allow you to meet them in person, show them photos of your desired look, and ask questions before making a final decision. The initial consultation is essential for discussing style preferences, availability, and pricing before you secure your florist. Start defining your style and budget for wedding florists through visual research on Pinterest to make the most of these consultations.

Securing your florist early in the planning process, along with coordinating with other wedding suppliers and caterers, ensures a smooth experience. All these steps are key parts of the overall wedding planning process.

Determining Your Floral Vision

To create a cohesive and memorable wedding, it's important to focus on your floral vision from the start. This ensures every detail aligns with your style and the overall look you want to achieve.

Ah, your floral vision. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate your wedding day and make it truly special. Picture it now: the vibrant colours of fresh roses and lilies, the texture of exotic orchids, and the scent of delicate blooms filling the air. It’s such a stunning sight!

To ensure that your dream wedding comes to life, it’s crucial to determine which florist will help you create a unique and elegant floral design tailored to your specific needs.

After all, no two weddings are ever alike! For a truly distinctive celebration, consider the Helen Cheese Wedding Cake, a 3-layer cheese wedding cake that serves 85 people.

What kind of flowers do you prefer? Consider if there are specific flowers that are meaningful to you or are in season, as these can add a personal touch and enhance the natural beauty of your arrangements. You should consult with your florist about any special cultural elements you want to incorporate into your floral designs.

How many arrangements would you like for your ceremony and reception?

Are there any special requests for colour schemes or flower varieties?

All of these questions should be answered before deciding who will provide your wedding flowers.

A helpful tip is to review potential florists’ portfolios and draw inspiration from them. Identifying your favourite flower can also help guide your choices and ensure your arrangements reflect your personality and style.

These steps will set the stage for selecting a florist who will bring your floral vision to life, as you imagined—creating a lasting memory that will remain with you forever!

Working Within Your Floral Budget

It's time to work towards your floral dreams and make them a reality! Crafting the perfect wedding day with beautiful blooms is no small task, but you can achieve it with a tailored budget and creative thinking.

First and foremost, you'll need to determine how much money you want to allocate to flowers. It pays to be mindful of the costs of each element of your big day, from bouquets to boutonnieres, corsages to centrepieces. By understanding how much you can spend on each item, you'll have an easier time selecting the right floral arrangements that stay within your budget. A common starting point is to allocate 10–15% of your total wedding budget for flowers.

When it comes down to it, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to wedding flower budgeting. Researching various flowers and their prices will help you find cost-effective alternatives that won't break the bank.

Luxury Wedding Flowers

Image: Larry Washe Studio

Budget Wedding Flowers

Additionally, watch out for seasonal sales and other discounts from your florists that could make all the difference in sticking to your target spending limit. By being flexible and intentional when setting up your budget, you can ensure that everything looks stunning without overspending.

With these tips in mind, it's time to select the right arrangements for your wedding day!

Planning for Your Wedding Date

Once your wedding date is set, it’s time to start thinking about your wedding flowers and how they’ll enhance your big day. Early planning is key to ensuring you get the best selection of blooms and the services you need. Begin by choosing a colour scheme that complements your wedding dress, venue, and overall style. Think about your favourite flowers and which arrangements will best suit your vision and budget.

Consider the season of your wedding date, as local and seasonal flowers not only look their freshest but can also add a unique, personal touch to your arrangements. Seasonal flowers are often more cost-effective and sustainable, making them an excellent choice for couples who want their wedding to feel both beautiful and meaningful.

When meeting with potential florists, bring along inspiration—photos of your dress, your venue, and any images that capture your desired style. This helps your florist understand your vision and create a bespoke floral proposal tailored to your needs. Images are often more telling than words when conveying your floral vision to your florist. Be sure to discuss all the services they offer—from flower delivery and setup to post-event breakdown—so you can relax and enjoy your wedding day, knowing every detail is taken care of.

With thoughtful planning and the right wedding florist by your side, you’ll create stunning floral arrangements that perfectly reflect your style, your love, and the joy of your special day. It is beneficial to designate a point person for your wedding day to communicate with the florist.

Selecting the Right Floral Arrangements

An unforgettable wedding day is a dream come true. Selecting the right floral arrangements to complete your vision is an absolute must!

Image: Cardiff Wedding Flowers

Choosing the right flowers can seem overwhelming, but with these steps, you can confidently navigate to gorgeous bouquets and blooms for your special day.

The fifth step in selecting the perfect flowers is choosing the right floral arrangements. From table centrepieces to bridal party bouquets, there are countless options available at varying prices.

As a professional wedding planner, I recommend taking inventory of your space and budget before making any decisions. Some venues act as a blank canvas, allowing you and your florist to get creative and design unique floral arrangements that truly reflect your style. Think about how many tables or areas will need centrepieces and how big they need to be.

Also, identify the type of flower that fits the overall theme or colour scheme.

Once you iron out those details, it’s time to visualise what works best for you.

Tons of online resources offer inspiration boards and ideas for different floral arrangements—take advantage of them! Having realistic expectations is also important—finding specific types of flowers year-round or within your budget may not always be possible. If you’re planning a summer wedding, keep in mind that this season offers unique opportunities for beautiful seasonal flowers, but popular dates tend to book up quickly. Repurposing ceremony flowers for the reception can maximize the impact of floral arrangements and help you stay within budget. Using large blooms like peonies or hydrangeas can reduce the number of stems needed for arrangements.

But working closely with a reliable florist can help ensure you get what you want while staying within budget constraints.

So, take the time to research different options and establish a connection with your florist. This can make all the difference in achieving the look you’ve always dreamed of.

Establishing a Connection With Your Florist

Finding the right florist is like finding the right dress for a bride. An intimate connection between you, your partner, and your florist should reflect your vision for your wedding day.

In addition, connecting with your florist is essential to creating stunning floral arrangements for your wedding. Choosing a good florist—someone who is experienced, personable, and truly understands your vision—will ensure your ideas are brought to life beautifully and professionally.

The first step in connecting with a florist is to do some research. Look through their website and portfolio to understand their style and ensure it matches yours. Each florist has a different process for working with clients, so it's vital to understand theirs.

You can also request referrals from friends or family members who have recently married. This may save you a lot of time researching their credibility, as they have experienced the florist first-hand. I also recommend contacting the florist directly or attending a consultation to understand them and their work better. Florists appreciate when couples are honest about their preferences and dislikes during consultations. A professional florist should be willing to answer all your questions and make you feel confident in their abilities.

During this process, being open and honest about your expectations is paramount.

Ensure they understand the aesthetic you’re looking for, including any details such as your colour scheme or preferred flower varieties. If possible, take pictures of any inspirational pieces so they clearly understand what you’re looking for.

Once you feel comfortable with them, you can begin discussing options such as flower types and arrangements to bring your vision to life on a budget, and on time!

BONUS TIP: Don’t hesitate to share pictures with potential vendors before deciding; it helps everybody stay on the same page! This way, when you find that perfect match, there won’t be any surprises when picking or delivering the flowers on the big day!

Image: Botanique Workshop

Understanding the Delivery Process

Choosing your perfect wedding flowers is like assembling a jigsaw puzzle – it takes time and thoughtful consideration. Once you have the right pieces, you'll have a masterpiece you and your guests will remember for years to come.

As a professional wedding planner, I understand the importance of the delivery process when selecting florists.

The delivery process should be discussed before signing any contracts. For instance, ask if they offer same-day flower delivery or require 48 48-hour notice.

Find out whether they offer hand delivery or require third-party services such as couriers or post offices. Additionally, inquire about their return policy if the order is unsatisfactory or incorrect upon arrival.

Clear communication is key in the delivery process. Ensure that all instructions are provided in writing and that all details, from delivery dates to payment methods, are agreed upon before committing to any florist. This will ensure no last-minute surprises or miscommunications that could lead to problems on the big day!

By taking these steps, you can rest assured that you and your chosen florist are well-prepared for the task.

Knowing what questions to ask and understanding all the details involved in the delivery process will help make this one less thing for you to worry about.

Preparing For Changes

"A stitch in time saves nine." Preparation is key when planning for a wedding, particularly when selecting flowers.

When choosing your florist, it is important to ensure that you are adequately prepared for any changes that may arise. Here are some tips for preparing for potential alterations:

• Have a Plan B: It's always wise to have a backup plan in case your original plan goes wrong.

• Discuss possible changes with your florist: Ask them what they would do if certain flower varieties became unavailable. You may wish to discuss alternatives that can be used as replacements.

• Think of ways to help the process run smoothly: Consider what other services you might need from the florist, such as extra vases or ribbons, and how these can be provided quickly and easily should any changes occur.

• Keep an open mind: Discuss with your florist all plausible scenarios to prepare you for any eventuality. Be flexible – not every change has to be seen as a negative!

• Research other suppliers: Make sure you know where else you can source the materials needed should your chosen supplier be out of stock or unable to provide them in time. Back-up options will give you peace of mind if circumstances change quickly.

Note: As expert wedding planners, we understand the importance of preparing for potential changes on your big celebration day. That's why it's essential to take time to double-check all the details so you can relax knowing everything is in order.

Double-Checking the Details

Adorned with the beauty of delicate blooms, wedding flowers symbolise the couple's union. They will decorate the ceremony and reception with love and joy, so they should be chosen carefully.

As a professional wedding planner, I cannot stress the importance of double-checking all details before deciding on your floral arrangements enough.

When selecting florists for your wedding day, it is important to ensure their offerings fit within your budget and align with your specific vision for your big day.

Ensure that they carry the flowers you desire and other items, such as ribbons or vases. You should also review their portfolio to see if their style aligns with yours.

Additionally, don't forget to factor in delivery and labour charges when calculating total costs.

Finally, be sure to ask questions about any special requests you may have. A reputable florist can provide helpful advice on which types of flowers would best suit your needs and can accommodate any adjustments.

With these considerations in mind, you can rest assured that your wedding flowers will look beautiful no matter what!

Now it's time to review the final product—from bouquets to boutonnieres—before saying 'I do'!

Reviewing the Final Product

Once you've chosen the right florist for your wedding day, it's time to review the final product.

This is a key step in ensuring your big day is everything you dream of. Here are some tips to help you make sure you're getting what you want:

First, double-check all the details. Ensure that your order matches what you requested – the type of flowers, colour scheme, and quantity should all be correct.

Don't forget any extra items, such as vases or ribbons, that may have been included in the package. Costs for setup, breakdown, taxes, and tips should also be considered in the budget for wedding flowers. Next, inspect the quality of the flowers. You should always make sure they look fresh and healthy before committing to them. Ask if they will be delivered on time, or if there is any way to guarantee their arrival earlier than expected.

Next, inspect the quality of the flowers. You should always make sure they look fresh and healthy before committing to them. Ask if they will be delivered on time, or if there is any way to guarantee their arrival earlier than expected.

Finally, review the overall cost of your order. Sticking to your budget while still getting beautiful blooms that reflect your unique style and vision for your wedding day is equally vital. Here are some tips to help:

• Compare prices across vendors and decide which offers the best value for money.

• Look for discounts or special offers that can save you money on bulk orders or by combining two services (e.g., ordering flowers with cake decorations).

• Ask about payment options so that you can pay in instalments if needed.

• Re-evaluate whether any changes are needed before signing off on the final product – this could include switching colours, adding more greenery, etc.

Now, it's time to take a step back and enjoy the beauty of what you've created!

From choosing the perfect florist to reviewing every detail of your order, take pride in knowing that every effort is made to make your special day look nothing short of stunning!

Conclusion

Your wedding day is one of the most special days of your life. It's paramount to ensure that you choose the right florist for all of your floral needs.

With careful consideration, research, and communication with your chosen florist, you can ensure that your wedding day is as elegant as it can be adorned with beautiful flowers.

By taking the time to understand your vision, work within a budget, select arrangements, and double-check all details with your florist, you can rest easy knowing your floral needs are in expert hands.

So don't be afraid to ask questions and get creative!

With careful planning and attention to detail, you can create a stunningly striking floral display for your special day that will have everyone in awe.