Beautiful Florals Start With a Smart Timeline
Wedding flowers aren’t just décor — they set the mood, define your color palette, and appear in your most cherished photos.
But perfect florals require planning, timing, and coordination.
From booking your florist to preserving your bouquet after the celebration, here’s the complete wedding floral timeline every bride should follow.
12–18 Months Before Your Wedding: Book Your Florist
Booking early gives you:
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First choice of florist
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A spot during peak season
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Time to develop your floral vision
This step is especially important for:
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Spring and fall weddings
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High-demand venues
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Brides who want premium flowers or installations
✨ Your florist becomes part of your planning team — securing them early is key.
9–12 Months Before: Design, Inspiration & Proposal
During this stage, you will:
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Share your Pinterest boards
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Discuss color palettes
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Explore bouquet styles
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Finalize a floral wish list
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Review your florist’s design proposal
This is when your vision starts turning into a real floral blueprint.
6–9 Months Before: Lock in Design & Budget
By now, you should:
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Approve your floral proposal
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Finalize your must-have items
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Choose repurposing options for ceremony → reception
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Confirm vases, arches, rentals, and installation elements
💡 This is also a good time to discuss any potential backup bloom options.
4–6 Months Before: Revisions & Final Adjustments
This is your last major window for changes before flowers are ordered.
You may:
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Adjust quantities
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Add or remove floral elements
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Confirm bridal party numbers
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Update layout if your floor plan changes
Most florists order flowers about a month out, so this is the buffer period.
1–2 Months Before: Final Confirmation
Your florist will:
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Reconfirm your color palette
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Order specialty or imported blooms
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Finalize your bouquet style
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Establish delivery + setup timing
This is also when:
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Final payments are often due
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Your florist reviews the wedding-day schedule
1 Week Before the Wedding: Final Checks
Your florist will:
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Inspect incoming orders
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Replace any flowers that aren’t perfect
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Begin hydrating blooms for longevity
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Prep mechanics, ribbons, vases, and tools
Your job:
Relax! Your florist is doing the heavy lifting.
Wedding Day: Delivery, Setup & Styling
Expect your florist to deliver:
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Bridal bouquet(s)
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Bridesmaid bouquets
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Boutonnières & corsages
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Ceremony florals
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Aisle arrangements
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Reception décor
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Cake flowers
Typical timeline:
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Bouquets arrive 2–3 hours before photos
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Ceremony setup is completed 1–2 hours before guests arrive
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Reception florals installed while you’re getting ready
Your florist may also stay to:
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Move ceremony arrangements to the reception
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Adjust centerpieces
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Style last-minute details
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Ensure fresh blooms look flawless
✨ A great florist feels like a silent stylist on your wedding morning.
After the Wedding: Bouquet Preservation Timeline
If you want to keep your bouquet as a forever keepsake, timing is everything.
Within 24 Hours
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Keep your bouquet in water
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Store in a cool place
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Avoid direct sunlight
Within 48 Hours
Send it to your chosen preservation artist or florist.
Most preservation studios require:
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Fresh condition
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Overnight shipping
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Removal of damaged petals beforehand
Popular Preservation Methods:
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Pressed and framed bouquet
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3D resin block
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Dried floral shadow box
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Dome display
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Jewelry made from dried petals
💡 Ask your florist for preservation referrals — many work with trusted partners.
Final Thoughts: A Seamless Floral Journey
Your wedding flower timeline ensures your day is filled with blooms that are fresh, intentional, and unforgettable.
By booking early, planning wisely, confirming details, and preserving your bouquet afterward, you’ll enjoy beautiful flowers not just on your wedding day — but for years to come.
Every bloom tells part of your love story. Make sure they’re handled with care from beginning to forever. 💐✨