Flowers add a special ambiance to any couple’s wedding day. They accent the bride’s dress and the groom’s tuxedo, they help set the desired tone for the reception, and they are likely to appear in all of the photographer’s pictures. As such, the florist plays an important role in the wedding day. Here are a few tips to help the happy couple find their florist soul mate.
Know the difference between a florist and a floral designer. Most professional florists are highly experienced in wedding flower arrangements and décor, and can put together a beautiful floral theme for any wedding color scheme or budget. However, couples looking for additional services in design and aesthetics may choose to hire a floral designer instead. Like a florist, a floral designer can make recommendations about flowers for all aspects of the wedding and reception, but many times they also offer additional design services. Since many floral designers are professional wedding decorators, they can offer advice on matching the overall reception table scape to the flowers and transitioning ceremony flowers into reception floral designs, just to name a few. While floral designers are typically more expensive than florists, they are often known to provide more one-on-one attention to wedding parties.
Determine the budget ahead of time. When a couple goes into an interview with a florist already knowing their floral budget, it is easier for both parties to be realistic about the services the florist can provide. The floral budget is, on average, 8-10 percent of the total wedding budget. Figuring out that number right off the bat will allow any prospective florist to determine how to best suit the bride and groom’s taste with the available resources.
Hire a pro. For the best results, look for a florist with a professional website and a well-presented office space, too. Ask to see photos from previous weddings, and check to see if they are registered on the Society of American Florists Directory. Independently verifiable recommendations from happy couples who have used the florists’ services in the past are also a plus.
Visit in person. There’s only so much a bride and groom can glean from a website or phone call. It’s important to visit with the florist in person, especially at their shop, since it’s helpful to see the quality of their working environment and how professional the florist and staff appear. By bringing some inspirational floral photos and talking through ideas with the florist, couples can learn whether or not they have found someone who understands the vision for their wedding day, and who can make it happen within budget.
Ask for exclusivity. Larger floral shops will often take on several weddings in one day, while smaller shops may focus exclusively on one wedding at a time. The bride and groom should ask any prospective florist about how many weddings they book per day, and find out whether it is possible to be the florist’s exclusive client on the day of their wedding. Being the exclusive floral client on any given day means extra attention to detail leading up to the wedding, as well as on the actual wedding day.
Book early. As soon as a couple finds a florist they like who can create their wedding day vision at the budgeted price, they should lock the vendor in. This is usually done by paying a booking fee and signing a contract. It is ideal to book a florist from 6 months to 1 year prior to the wedding, especially if they will be planning to order out-of-season flowers.
Flowers play an integral part in a couple’s wedding day, and they deserve proper attention from a hired professional. By following the tips above, couples can ensure that their flowers add the desired tone and aesthetic to their wedding day festivities.
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