How to Choose Your Wedding Florist

The overall appearance of your wedding day to leave an impression — and your florist is a key element.

Flowers for weddings are at the focal point of your celebration , and they can help create the look you’re hoping for romantic, contemporary romantic, whimsical, rustic, the list can go on and on. Finding a florist is an important part of your wedding’s planning. However, there are a few things you’ll need to do before signing a contract with your flower professional. Here’s a step-by step guide to choosing the right florist to celebrate your wedding day.

What is the best time to hire an Florist for Your Wedding?

We recommend that you begin looking into wedding florists at least 11 months prior to the big day, with the intention to have a contract signed between 9 and 10 months prior to the wedding. In essence, when you’ve chosen your venue and officially set a date, you’re ready to start looking into other vendors, including your florist. Due to the current wedding boom that’s happening, vendors are booking quicker than ever (especially in the case of weddings that take place during peak wedding season) The earlier you are able to secure an experienced florist the better!

1. Establish Your Flower Style

Some florists are experts in tall, luxurious ornamental centerpieces, and others prefer modern, minimalist designs. Check out photos of bouquets centerpieces, and boutonnieres that you like to help you decide on your preferences, then select the color scheme for your wedding. Be familiar with the most commonly used floral terms and types of greenery and floral arrangements, so you’ll be able to discuss your options with your florist.

2. Make a list of your Floral needs

Are you looking for someone who will not only make your arrangements but also design the appearance of your reception tables as well as your aisle for your ceremony? The floral designer might be the best choice for you. Do you already have a wedding planner or a keen eye for style? Then a regular florist will likely suffice. Figure out which is the best fit–this will allow you to narrow your search, and also help you determine your budget.

3. Design Your Floral Budget

Decor and flowers should amount to around 10% of your wedding budget. According to The Knot Real Wedding Study, the average couple will spend two thousand pounds on floral decorations, however, that number can vary dramatically based upon your wedding venue, guests and other factors. If you’re fond of flowers and are looking for a stunning arrangement, or are adamant about peonies in November, be sure to increase up this number. And account for extras like set-up and breakdown costs, taxes and tips. It’s important to keep a contact number in mind when you start meeting your wedding floral designers.

4. Get Recommendations

Like all wedding pros, you want an experienced florist who is reliable, capable and within your price range. Also, you should choose a florist who is open to your ideas and whose taste you trust. One of the best ways to find your florist is through referrals from newlyweds you know and review online reviews of The Knot Marketplace. Also, you can look through real wedding photos from events that occurred at your wedding venue. You can also find images of floral arrangements you like and find out the person who designed the floral arrangements. When you’re working alongside an event planner or coordinator of the venue, they’ll provide suggestions for local florists.

5. Schedule an interview

You must choose a florist whom you trust to make most appropriate decisions regarding your floral arrangements. Someone who knows what will look good together. Arrange dates with your “short list” of wedding florists so you can meet in person and look over a portfolio of their work. It’s a good idea to bring a list of questions, and have the following information ready:

Your wedding date
An estimated guest count including the number of wedding party participants
Your wedding venue
Flower ideas and color schemes
A list of other wedding vendors who have been booked

6. Show, Don’t Tell

Are you a true minimalist? Or are you looking to do an uber-romantic or glamorous wedding? Your florist doesn’t have a mind-reading ability and images tell more than words. Include the images from your Pinterest board, wedding gown fabric swatch as well as an image of the dress you’re wearing or your attire to your interview. Bring your vision to the interviewer and discuss your budget.

7. Take a look at the Proposal

Select your top three choices and hold an interview with them again or a an additional discussion with them to talk about details such as exact floral arrangements, cost of materials and rentals, as well as setup along with breakdown prices. Each florist should put together an outline of your wedding floral design in accordance with what you’ve shared with them about your plans and budget. If you’ve had discussions about different options, ask the florists to create an “high” most likely scenario and a “low” minimum proposal. It’s always possible to mix and match to create a mid-range package. Perhaps you’ll spend more on the centerpieces , and then reduce the bouquets of your bridesmaids.

8. Pick a Winner

Analyze your options and choose which one is the most appropriate. If you are concerned about certain costs or aspects of the proposal, discuss them about them with your chosen florist today. Once you’re happy by the plan, the wedding florist will convert into a formal written contract.