Introduction: Why the Right Florist Matters
Your florist plays a huge role in bringing your wedding day vision to life. From your bouquet and ceremony arch to reception centerpieces, flowers set the tone for your entire event.
But before you book, it’s important to ask the right questions—not just about price, but about style, process, and expectations. The right florist will not only understand your vision but also help you make it happen smoothly and within budget.
Here’s your ultimate list of questions to ask your florist before signing that contract.
1. Availability and Experience
Ask:
-
Are you available on my wedding date?
-
How many weddings do you typically handle in a weekend?
-
Have you worked at my venue before?
-
Can I see examples of your recent wedding work?
Why it matters: You want a florist who isn’t overbooked and who understands the layout, lighting, and logistical flow of your venue.
2. Vision and Design Style
Ask:
-
How would you describe your floral design style? (Modern, classic, boho, romantic, etc.)
-
Can you work with my color palette and theme?
-
Can I share inspiration photos or a mood board?
-
Do you have suggestions for flowers that fit my vision and my budget?
Why it matters: This helps ensure your florist’s artistic style aligns with yours. The best ones will translate your Pinterest dreams into realistic, personalized designs.
3. Budget and Pricing
Ask:
-
What’s your minimum budget requirement?
-
Can you provide a sample quote or pricing breakdown?
-
Are there delivery, setup, or breakdown fees?
-
How do you handle substitutions if certain flowers are out of season?
-
When is the final payment due?
Why it matters: Transparency about pricing helps avoid surprise costs and ensures you get the most value for your money.
4. Flower Choices and Sustainability
Ask:
-
Which flowers are in season for my wedding date?
-
Can you recommend cost-effective alternatives for premium blooms?
-
Do you use locally sourced or eco-friendly flowers?
-
Can I reuse or repurpose my ceremony flowers at the reception?
Why it matters: A sustainable or locally focused florist can help you reduce your environmental impact and often lower costs by sourcing smartly.
5. Setup, Delivery, and Timing
Ask:
-
What time will you deliver and set up on the wedding day?
-
How long does setup usually take?
-
Will your team stay for any on-site adjustments or breakdown after the event?
-
What happens if you encounter delays or weather issues?
Why it matters: Logistics can make or break your floral experience—especially for outdoor or destination weddings.
6. Communication and Process
Ask:
-
How many meetings or consultations do we have before the wedding?
-
Can I make changes to the order after booking?
-
Will I get a mock-up or sample arrangement before the event?
-
Who will be my point of contact on the wedding day?
Why it matters: Clear communication avoids last-minute surprises and keeps everything on track as your plans evolve.
7. Backup and Contingency Plans
Ask:
-
What’s your backup plan if certain flowers aren’t available?
-
How do you handle emergencies (like illness or weather-related delays)?
-
Do you have a team or partner florist to step in if needed?
Why it matters: Weddings are unpredictable. Knowing there’s a solid plan in place brings peace of mind.
8. After the Wedding
Ask:
-
What happens to leftover flowers?
-
Can I take arrangements home or donate them?
-
Do you offer bouquet preservation services or partner with someone who does?
Why it matters: You’ve invested in your flowers—why not make the beauty last beyond the big day?
Final Thoughts: The Perfect Floral Partnership
Choosing your florist is about more than just pretty flowers—it’s about trust, creativity, and collaboration. By asking these questions upfront, you’ll find someone who not only understands your aesthetic but also makes your planning process smoother and stress-free.
Pro Tip: Bring your floral inspiration, color palette, and rough budget to your consultation—it helps your florist create a vision that’s both beautiful and realistic.