When it comes to planning your wedding day, your flowers will play a massive role in setting the tone, whether you’re dreaming of wild and whimsical arrangements or something chic and classic. Picking the right florist is all about finding someone who gets your vision and can bring it to life beautifully (and stress-free!). To help you get started, here are 21 key questions you’ll want to ask when you meet with potential florists.
Emily Jayne Weddings1/ Is my wedding date available?
Probably the most critical question to ask, and certainly one of the first details you'll have to establish before booking. If the answer is no, ask if they can recommend another artist to take on the day.
2/ How many other weddings or events will you schedule on the same day?
In an ideal world, you would be the sole client for your wedding day, but for most vendors that aren't required to stick around for the whole day, it's pretty standard to have a few weddings/events planned for one day (Especaily if you're getting married on a weekend or holiday). If you're the first event of the day, then you shouldn't have much to worry about. But always discuss their plans in detail to get an idea of exactly how much time you'll have on the day and any backup plans they may have in place should they run over at any point.
3/ Have you hosted events at my ceremony and reception locations before? If not, are you familiar with the sites?
While your florist doesn't need to have dressed your wedding venue before, it does come with benefits. Each venue is unique, with features like lighting, ceiling height, and walkable floor space that can present challenges you don't want to face on your wedding morning. If your vendor already knows what to expect, it can streamline the process.
Emily Jayne Weddings4/ Are you available to do a venue walk-through before the wedding date? If so, do you charge a fee for this?
If your florist hasn't worked at your venue before, a walkthrough can be a great way to plan your arrangements, especially once a budget has been established. You might find yourself inspired by their vision and expertise.
5/ What flowers will be in season around my date?
Seasonal flowers are not only more affordable, but they’ll also look fresher and more natural. A good florist will suggest alternatives if your dream blooms are out of season, and you might even discover new favourites you hadn’t considered.
6/ How far in advance of the wedding will you create the bouquets and arrangements, and how are they stored?
When it comes to flowers, freshness is key, and this goes especially for smaller arrangements that can't hide wilting as well as a sculptural display. Typically, your flowers will be kept in water, in a cold storage until the last minute to keep them looking bright and vibrant.
7/ Do you have a travel, delivery, or installation fee?
Depending on the amount of blooms you've ordered for your wedding day, proper transport can be a massive job in itself, so it’s normal for there to be fees associated with these services. Just make sure you know exactly what’s included in your quote so you’re not surprised later. Some also have minimum distances included before extra travel fees apply.
8/ How much time do you need for setup on the day?
Knowing how much setup time they need helps you create a wedding morning timeline. Some installations, such as hanging flower chandeliers or large floral arches, can take hours to assemble. Others might be simple enough to set up in under an hour. It's essential to have a clear timeline that you can pass along to the venue coordinator so they can properly organise your vendors as they set up.
9/ Do you require a minimum floral budget?
Some florists specialise in larger weddings and set a minimum budget for bookings to make sure they can allocate enough resources to each event. It’s good to know early whether your budget matches their requirements, so neither of you wastes time if it’s not the right fit.
Jenny Quicksall10/ Do you offer specific packages, or is everything customised?
Some florists offer set wedding packages — think "Essentials Package" with a bouquet, boutonniere, and a few centrepieces — which can be great if you want a more straightforward process. Others pride themselves on creating everything from scratch, tailored just for you. Ask how flexible they are with personalising packages if you want a bit of both!
11/ Do you have a portfolio of weddings you've recently done that I can browse?
A picture is worth a thousand words, and when it comes to finding the right florist, the more examples they have of recent work across all budgets can make or break your decision. Being able to see their work in various venues, styles, and budgets can give you a good idea of what to expect on your wedding day.
12/ How would you describe your design style?
It's essential to ensure your design styles align before signing contracts. If you're a lover of loose, wildflower arrangements that feel organic and natural, you probably don't want to partner with a florist who typically creates large, organised displays. Finding someone who understands your vision from the start can save you a lot of unnecessary back-and-forth, money, and stress!
David Bastianoni13/ If I give you a picture of a bouquet and/or centrepiece that I like, can you recreate it?
It’s natural to have Pinterest inspiration saved! But remember, every wedding is unique. A talented florist will take the essence of what you love — the colours, the textures, the vibe — and create something that suits your venue, your season, and your budget.
14/ What other decor elements can you provide?
In addition to wedding flowers, some florists also provide other decorative items for the wedding day, such as vases, table runners, backdrops, mirrors, lanterns and candleholders. If you don't have a particular style in mind for these elements, it can be easier and cheaper to rent directly from the florist's supply or decor. Not only will you avoid having to pay for shipping fees, but you also don't have to deal with 40 glass vases once the wedding is over!
15/ Do you charge for breakages?
Chances are, there may be the odd smashed votive or cracked vase. Make sure you are aware of your florist’s breakage and insurance policy, and what charges you could incur.
Camera Shi Photography16/ How do you price your floral arrangements?
It’s good to understand how the numbers are built. Some florists work on a stem-by-stem basis; others provide a full wedding quote based on style, size, and types of arrangements. It’s helpful to know where your biggest costs will be — for example, a statement ceremony arch will take up a big chunk of your flower budget.
17/ Do you charge flowers by the season, or are they all available at the same base price?
Some blooms, like peonies and dahlias, have very short seasons and can be much more expensive if you want them imported out of season. Ask your florist to suggest swaps that give the same look without the sky-high price tag.
18/ How far in advance do I need to secure your services?
Good florists can book up more than a year in advance, especially for popular summer weekends. As soon as you know your date and venue, it’s worth reaching out. At the very least, get pencilled into their diary!
Camera Shi Photography19/ When is the final payment due?
Most wedding florists will ask for a deposit to secure your booking, but make sure you are clear about when you need to pay the final balance. Also, keep in mind that there will be an overlap with other vendors asking for payment, so knowing the timeline in advance can help you and your partner plan your cash properly. You don't want any pricey surprises before payday!
20/ Will you provide me with an itemised floral proposal of all the elements we've discussed, along with prices?
Before you send any payment or sign contracts, you need to have an itemised and priced receipt to keep on file. While we would never presume that an Irish vendor would try to cheat a bride or groom, if it does happen, having an initial price estimate with justified reasoning is super important to protect yourself.
21/ If an emergency comes up and you cannot deliver my flowers, do you have a backup option?
Life happens — illness, emergencies, all sorts. It’s comforting to know that your florist has backup arrangements, whether it’s trusted colleagues stepping in or a contingency plan already in place.
- Gráinne