Florists play a huge role in bringing your wedding vision to life with beautiful floral arrangements. From stunning centerpieces and altar flowers to boutonnieres and bouquets, florists can transform your venue into a colorful, sensual, and romantic floral scape that will take your breath away. Before you begin picking out your favorite blooms, though, you need to find a floral professional who is on the same page as you are and can make your floral design aesthetic a reality. To help you in your search, Marco Island Weddings & Special Events are listing the top 20 essential questions to ask your wedding florist.
1. Do you have my date open?
If the florist you would like to is not available on your wedding date, you’ll need to move on to your second choice. Don’t get too attached to a particular florist until you know they are available on your date.
2. Have you done events at my ceremony and reception location(s) before?
Talented florists can create magic in nearly any environment, and if they are familiar with your chosen venue, they may be able to suggest florals that work beautifully within it. If not, reviewing your venue together is a great way to get ideas from the florist and discuss options.
3. How long have you been a floral designer, and how many weddings have you done?
You will want to work with a florist who has been in the business for a while and knows their stuff so they have the experience to handle any mishaps and make your wedding look amazing.
4. What design styles (e.g., ikebana, traditional, modern, trendy, European, Oriental) do you work in?
Knowing a floral designer’s esthetic and popular genres, they like to work in will help you decide if this is the florist for you.
5. Can you work with my budget? What recommendations can you give me to maximize my budget?
Florists are experts at working with a variety of budgets and can help stretch your personal budget as far as possible. Be honest about your desired price point and let the florist know your estimated guest count, flower style, and the number of people who will need personal flowers. This way, they can give you a proper quote that maximizes your budget.
6. What’s the latest date I can make changes to my order?
Make sure you note on your personal calendar when the final centerpiece counts are due and the deadline to make any changes to your design. Florists usually need 4-6 weeks before an event to order supplies, extra containers, decor, and flowers, so be sure to confirm these details with your designer.
7. Are cheaper or artificial flowers available?
Florist can help you select the best floral options for your budget. Renting faux flowers may be an option if you’re on a tight budget. Your florist is an expert in all forms of flowers, and they can help you achieve the look you want.
8. Do you offer specific packages or is everything customized?
Many florists offer packages with different price points to streamline the process. Final prices are dependent on any special requests you may have, but the packages give you a good idea of the final costs of flowers.
9. What flowers are in season for the month I am getting married?
Florists are experts at knowing which popular blooms are available throughout the year. They can tell you the blooms that are in season for your event and recommendations for substituting your favorite flowers that may not be available or in season.
10. Is there a difference in price if I use one type of flower vs. a mixed arrangement or bouquet?
Out-of-season blooms are always a bit pricier than in-season blooms, but your florist will have the knowledge of great substitute blooms or mixed varieties to fit within your budget and still provide you with the style you love.
11. If I request it, can you provide any organic, pesticide-free, or sustainably grown varieties?
Florists care about the environment, and many are already participating in sustainable wedding floristry programs. Check with your florist for the costs and benefits of going this route, especially if this is something you and your finance feel strongly about.
12. What about coordinating boutonnières, bridesmaid flowers, and centerpieces?
Your florist will help you select brilliant styles for personal flowers and centerpieces, as well as suggest coordinating styles and blooms within your color theme for additional pieces. Since your florist will be creating all of the floral details and designs for your big day, you can ensure that everything will look cohesive and seamless.
13. What other services or products do you provide?
Some designers offer additional décor items such as aisle runners, candelabras, trees, arches, votives, linens, chairs, etc. You’ll want to see if any of these products or services are included or an extra cost.
14. If I give you a picture of a bouquet and/or arrangement that I like, can you recreate it?
Some florists prefer that you bring in photos of a wedding design you like, share your wedding Pinterest board, or already have colors, theme, or style in mind. While not every florist will be willing to duplicate a bouquet or arrangement exactly, they can certainly create pieces that are similar and offer your desired style, look, feel, and content.
15. Do you have photos or live examples of florals designed in the style I want?
Florists will typically have photos on hand of the different styles, themes, and venues they’ve done. Asking to see them will give a clear picture of their design style and expertise.
16. Can you do sketches or mock-ups of the arrangements you’ve described before I sign the contract? If so, is there an additional fee for this?
Seeing a mock-up design of your floral choices is a great way to adjust anything you don’t like and allay any fears you have about your design.
17. How much time is needed to set up the flowers at the venue?
Make sure you keep the florist looped in on ceremony and reception starting times to ensure proper setup before you walk down the aisle.
18. Can you assist me in preserving my bouquet after the wedding? If not, can you recommend someone?
Your florist will likely have suggestions or even instructions for preserving your wedding bouquet, as well as associates you can contact who do this type of work professionally. Whether you want to dry your bridal bouquet or press it into a frame, your florist will be honored that you plan to keep and display this special piece of your wedding day.
19. Do you charge a delivery fee? Or do you have an extra charge for the setup and breakdown of the floral décor?
Most designers provide setup, but knowing exactly what’s expected will prevent any mix-ups on your wedding day. Some venues also offer setup and breakdown at no extra cost.
20. What is your refund policy if I need to cancel my order?
In case of anything unexpected, it’s good to know the refund and cancellation policy in advance for your florist and any other vendor as well. Canceling or postponing a wedding can be hard enough without the surprise of further invoices or charges from your wedding vendors.
Asking your florist and wedding designer these questions will ensure that you are not only well prepared to work with them but your wedding flowers will be spectacular and everything you have been dreaming of!