Planning your wedding is an exciting time filled with countless decisions. One of the most important—and beautiful—choices you’ll make is selecting the floral arrangements. From the bouquets and boutonnieres to the centerpieces that will adorn the tables at your reception, flowers help set the tone, style, and atmosphere of your special day. Whether you envision an elegant, classic look or a vibrant, whimsical celebration, the right florist can bring your vision to life. But how do you find the perfect wedding florist? The key lies in asking the right questions. Here are six essential questions to ask when choosing a wedding florist.
1. Wedding Date Availability
Question to Ask: Are you available on our wedding date? One of the first questions you should ask a wedding florist is whether they are available on your wedding date. As simple as it may seem, florists often book up well in advance, especially during peak wedding seasons. If you’re getting married during a busy time, such as spring or summer, it’s important to reach out to florists early in the planning process to ensure they are available to take on your wedding. It’s also a good idea to ask about their experience with weddings on your specific date or season. Have they worked with other couples who got married around that time? A florist with experience working during your time of year will know which flowers are in season and can suggest the best options for your event.2. Venue Walk-Through
Question to Ask: Are you available to do a walk-through of our venue? Your florist’s ability to envision the florals in your venue can make a huge difference in the final outcome. Your florist must understand your venue’s layout, lighting, and overall atmosphere. That’s why they should visit the location beforehand. A walk-through is an opportunity for the florist to assess how their designs will fit the space, from choosing the right scale for the centerpieces to determining how flowers will complement the venue’s existing decor. For example, an outdoor venue might require different floral arrangements than an indoor ballroom. The florist can suggest floral designs that make the most of your venue’s unique features. Plus, some florists may have worked at your venue before and can offer suggestions that align with the venue’s style.
Photographer: Kelly Sea Images, Floralist: Bespoke Floral & Event Design
3. Floral Budget
Question to Ask: What is your minimum requirement for wedding florals? Can you work within my budget? Flowers are one of the key elements of any wedding, but they can also be one of the biggest expenses. When discussing your floral budget, it’s essential to be upfront with your florist about your expectations and financial boundaries. Ask if there is a minimum requirement for their services and if they can work with your budget. A skilled wedding florist can often find creative ways to make the most of your budget. For instance, they might suggest using seasonal flowers that are more affordable or repurposing ceremony arrangements for the reception. They might also offer package deals that include specific items like bouquets, boutonnieres, and centerpieces at a lower cost than booking everything a la carte. It’s important to work with a florist who is willing to help you stay within your financial limits without compromising on the quality or beauty of the arrangements.4. Background Check
Question to Ask: Can you provide reviews, testimonials, or references from past clients? A wedding florist is a crucial part of your day, so you want to make sure you’re working with a professional who has a track record of delivering beautiful, high-quality arrangements. One of the best ways to assess a florist’s reliability and skill is to check their online reviews. These can give you a sense of their style and customer satisfaction. If possible, ask for references and follow up with past clients to get an honest picture of what it’s like to work with that florist. You want to feel confident that they’ll not only create stunning florals for your wedding but also provide excellent customer service along the way. If the florist has worked with your venue before, they may have a portfolio or photos of past weddings that can give you a clear sense of their style and the results they can deliver. Don’t hesitate to ask for samples of their work—seeing their arrangements in real-life settings can help you determine if they’re a good fit for your wedding.5. Floral Design
Question to Ask: What is your experience in designing floral arrangements for weddings? Do you specialize in any particular style or type of floral arrangement? Florals come in many shapes, colors, and styles, and it’s important to choose a florist whose design expertise matches your vision. Some florists specialize in a particular style, such as rustic, garden-inspired, or modern minimalist designs. Others might have experience with specific types of florals, like exotic flowers or large floral installations. Take time to ask about the florist’s experience in designing for weddings. Have they worked on weddings similar to yours in terms of size, style, or theme? If you have a particular style or color palette in mind, it’s important to know that the florist can bring that vision to life. A florist who specializes in the type of florals and designs you envision will be able to create the perfect arrangements to fit your wedding’s look and feel.6. Payment Policy
Question to Ask: What is your payment policy? Do you require a deposit or full payment up front? Understanding the florist’s payment policy is crucial to avoid any surprises down the road. Ask about their payment structure. While some florists require full payment upfront, many only require a deposit to hold your wedding date. If a deposit is required, ask how much and when the remaining balance is due. Make sure you’re clear on the florist’s payment terms and that you understand when payments are expected. It’s also a good idea to get all agreements in writing to ensure there are no misunderstandings. A well-organized florist will have clear, transparent contracts that outline everything from pricing to delivery times, which can help make the planning process go smoothly.