Flowers make the wedding special. It’s one of the few personal occasions that you will want to go all out. Because of the time and expense involved, flowers are one of the first wedding elements you should plan – usually right after you’ve selected your ceremony and reception location and photographer. Popular and talented florists book well in advance and many experts recommend selecting your florist 6 months to a year prior to your wedding date.
BE PREPARED
At your initial consultation, come ready to discuss your ideas. Bring any photographs you have that showcase your desired look, or share a list of flowers you know that you like. The more details you share, the more the florist can envision your day and share ideas on how to complement and enhance it with flowers.
WHAT’S NEEDED
PERSONALS – Bride, Groom, Bridal Party, and Family – bouquets, boutoinerres, corsages and flower crowns.
CEREMONY SITE – Arch, Aisle
RECEPTION – Centerpieces, Bar, Cake, Head Table
Don’t forget about rentals. Many florists carry a wide variety of vases, stands, candles and decorative arches and table accessories.
BUDGET
Flowers generally account for 10-20% of your overall budget. Trust your florist to guide you thru the process of getting the most beautiful flowers that are readily available. Specialty flowers are often seasonal. Your florist can advise you on the best flowers for your date and alternatives if your favorite is unavailable or out of your budget.
DESIGN
Florists are artists and love creating extraordinary arrangements. Trust them to advise you on what you’ll need at a minimum and how to maximize what you do order. Often, they’ve worked a wedding at your venue, so have great ideas for any problem areas and how to best decorate the ceremony and reception site. A good florist will make sure that your flowers arrive fresh and on-time, and will finalize finishing touches on site.
