Forget birthdays, anniversaries and even funerals, nothing says ‘go out and buy an entire meadow’ like your very own wedding day. Not only are you guaranteed a guilt-free flower splurge, but the florist you select will play a major role in setting the tone of your big day, so choose carefully. There are plenty of ways you can find the perfect florist for your wedding day.
Word of mouth
Brides need not only be content with a sprinkling of posies here or a bunch of daisies there; a good florist will have the creative vision to set the tone, mood, colour scheme and even the theme of your big day. Ask for recommendations from newly married friends, family and work colleagues on who best to choose. If you’ve hired a wedding planner, their extensive knowledge will provide you with plenty of options. Don’t forget to check online reviews and images of weddings they’ve done before.
Keep your options open
Don’t restrict yourself to just one florist. If time and patience are available to you, then take advantage of this and set up numerous appointments. Initially, take note of the arrangements on display in the shop and if the blossoms on show look healthy and fresh.
View their wedding portfolio and take note of colour schemes used as inspiration and insight into their work. Do not settle on just any florist, after all, this is your big day and if you’re only planning on doing it once, then do it right. Keep your options open right until it’s time to sign the contract to avoid suffering from tunnel vision with what feels like your only option.
It’s all in the detail
No amount of detail is too much for your florist! Discuss everything in depth: your overall vision, flower preferences, your budget, photos of your dress, colour choices, etc. Creating a mood board with floral clippings and extracts from magazines will help you and your chosen florist to work as a team in creating your overall vision. Remember, every detail will impact on their arrangements, even the fabric of your gown. Check out what you should bring to your florist when making decisions.
Final florist decision
Once you’ve narrowed it down to your two most favourite, meet with both once more so they can outline to you a breakdown of the total cost for the wedding flowers which includes everything from the bride’s bouquet to the boutonnieres. If, by then, you simply cannot decide, get each one to create a sample centrepiece to demonstrate on a smaller scale, what you can expect from them on your big day. The final decision is up to you.
- Michelle Storey
Image credits: Peach centrepiece: Pinterest | Bridal bouquet: Pinterest | Bridesmaids: Brides | Pink bouquet: Olivia Leigh Photographie via Elizabeth Anne Designs | Pink centrepiece: The Natural Wedding Company