Don’t be shy when you’re talking through the options with your florist. Ask the right questions and your petals will be perfect
Left: White phalaenopsis orchid showering bouquet with eucalyptus cinerea foliage,
Grassroots Fine Flowers, Right: Bouquet of vendella roses and white germini, Flowers in Thyme
Words by Emma Langman
With a fair amount of focus on the florals, it’s important to do a little research before meeting with your shortlist of florists so you can be sure you’re choosing the right one for you. Here’s a few questions you might want to consider
asking to set you on the right track…
Doing research online and having a look through wedding magazines is a great way of getting your search started, as well as asking for recommendations for friends. Then, when you’ve narrowed it down to your shortlist, go and visit the florists in store and ask to see a more rounded overview of their work. Viewing photos of their bouquets, arrangements and decoration ideas in-situ is a great way of gauging whether the style of their work will suit you and your day. If you’re ooh-ing and ahh-ing at each one it’s a good sign!
If you’ve got a firm idea of which florist you’d like to cater for your day, find out how busy they are and if they’re available on your date, sign them up straight away. If they’re not available, move on to other options. Bear in mind, like many wedding suppliers, the summer months and weekends are especially busy, so don’t dilly dally once you’ve found someone you like.
There are thousands of different varieties of flowers to choose from and while you might have a rough vision of what you’d like, your florist is best-placed to help you narrow down the options. They’ll also be able to advise you what flowers are in season when you need them, which can reduce cost, too.
Every venue is different and flowers should be used to make the most of yours, creating key focal points that enhance the space. A good florist will be able to help you work out the best way to decorate your ceremony and reception venues, whether it be with pew end displays, pedestal arrangements or maybe even a floral archway at ceremony entrance.
Some florists will also be to supply you with candles, candelabras and other props for your table or venue displays, so find out if they can help you with these or if you’ll need to source these items from other suppliers.
Your florist should be able to use their creative flair to produce bouquets and arrangements that are a reflection of you and your day. If there’s a loved one who sadly can’t be there on the day, you could also ask for a charm with their photo to be attached to your bouquet handle as a nice reminder.
It’s not uncommon for a florist to deal with more than one wedding per day, especially during peak season. Enquire as to what else they have booked for the date of your
wedding and make sure you’re convinced that your florist is able to spend enough time devoted to your celebration so that everything runs smoothly.
The majority of florists will be able to deliver your bouquets and buttonholes on the
morning of the wedding but double check they can get to your address in plenty of time.
Make sure your florist is aware of your vision for the venue to make it all come together. If not, you’ll have to make other arrangements for setting up your beautiful displays.
Try not to get too carried away and remember to ask about price from the outset, so you can be sure that your vision is within your allocated budget.
(BSW:30)