Preparing to Meet Your Florist

Does floral decor rank high on your list of “must-have’s” for your wedding or event? Choosing your Florist wisely can have a large impact on both your budget and the overall feel and tone of your event. As we would recommend for any vendor you want to interview, come prepared with an idea of your budget, your color scheme, and perhaps a few inspiration photos if a particular type of flower or arrangement is important to you.  Here are some things you might want to think about before you meet potential florists. 

Typical floral arrangements and decorations include: 
•     Bouquets:
             Bridal Bouquet
             Bridesmaid Bouquet
             Bridal “toss” bouquet
             Flower girl bouquet or petals
•    Boutonnieres for groom and groomsmen
•    Corsages/boutonnieres for parents/grandparents/other special guests 
•    Entrance doors
•    Altar
•    Pews
•    Centerpieces for dining and food tables
•    Cake table

You might choose your flowers based on several different guiding mentalities:

1.)  Symbolism
Some brides prefer choosing flowers which symbolize values or emotions meaningful to the day. For example: 

Stephanotis is the bridal good luck flower

Forget-Me-Nots symbolize true love

Lily of the Valley signify happiness

2.) Aesthetics 
Some brides have a firm idea of exactly what they want their flowers to look like. Perhaps you have your heart set on emulating a picture from a magazine, the web, or an event you've attended or perhaps you have a color scheme specific to a certain type of flower.  Ask to see your florist’s portfolio to see if they've used something similar in another event and if your styles are compatible. 

3.) Budget
Some brides are working on a strict budget, and this bottom line drives their decision on what blooms will make an appearance on their big day. Choosing flowers that are in-season for your event date will definitely be the most budget-friendly option.  Your florist is the pro here, so lean on them to offer their expert advice. 

-Spring: Agapanthus, Calla Lily, Gardenia, Hollyhock, Hyacinth, Lilac, Ranunculus, Tulip, Sweet Peas

-Summer: Baby’s Breath, Bird of Paradise, Delphinium, Gladiolus, Hydrangea, Iris, Star Gazer

-Fall: Alstromeria, Anemone, Gerber Daisy, Juniper, Orchid, Sunflower, Roses, Zinnia

-Winter: Chrysanthemum, Carnation, Evergreens, Hollyberry, Pansy, Queen Anne’s Lace

Money Saving Tips: 
-If you have your heart set on a specific flower that is budget prohibitive, try using a silk version of that particular bloom hidden in the fresh bouquet.
-Candles and lanterns can be good alternate and cost-effective decorations in lieu of flowers.
-Have your bridesmaids bouquets serve as centerpieces after the ceremony, getting double the bang for your buck out of a single arrangement! 
- Factor in existing features of venue—is it outdoors? Often, less is more and you can simply provide accents that will highlight the landscape or setting.
-Ask if your florist has vases and other decorative items she/he might let you use or rent.

Happy decorating!