Things to Consider: Florists

Before you go:

  • Envision your wedding's style including colors and/or theme.
  • Save magazine or newspaper clippings of flower arrangements you like.
  • Consider the kinds of arrangements you'll need:
    • Bouquets
    • Corsages
    • Boutonnieres
    • Hair accessories
    • Flower girl baskets
    • Toss bouquet
    • Ceremony entryway decorations
    • Altar arrangements
    • Pew markers
    • Rose petals for the aisle
    • Program table and/or guest book table arrangements
    • Reception centerpieces
    • Decorative trees and shrubbery
    • Banquet table arrangements
    • Fresh flowers for cake decorations
    • Reception entryway decorations

Questions to ask:

  • Ask to see photos from previous weddings and events. The proof is in the petals. 
  • Ask about their floral style, how do they find their inspiration and how flexible are they with your vision?
  • If you are meeting in the florist's work or retail shop, ask for a tour of the fridge or samples of available arrangements. 
  • If your floral designers designs more than events, ask to see a portfolio of non-wedding work. Your style may fall outside of the white wedding box. 
  • Where does your florist get their flowers? Are they locally grown or shipped from New Zealand? 
  • Ask them to describe their production schedule. Are arrangements made the day of or before? How are they stored?
  • Ask bout staffing. Who will be on hand on the wedding day to arrange set-up and staging?
  • Does your florist offer more than florals - like invitations, gifts and other wedding decor like an aisle runner, candles, candelabras, etc?
  • If you want flowers on your cake, can your florist accommodate? Or will your baker be in charge?
  • Get straight to the point: Ask about pricing, deposits, delivery, service and staffing charges related to decorating both the ceremony and reception sites.  
  • If your ideas are more grand than your budget, ask your florist for cost-cutting measures to make the most of your decor. 
  • Are the flowers you want in-season and readily available for your big day? If not, ask your florist to suggest similar alternatives to save time and money. 
  • When the big day is done, what is yours to keep? Ask your florist about their policies on glassware and vases, flowers and other decor.
  • While most brides have an idea of what they want, the specifics may change from day to day. How many times is your florist willing to meet to fine tune your florals?
  • How many events does the florist staff in an average weekend?
  • Portfolio pictures speak a thousand words, but happy brides are the best reference any florist can have. Ask to hear from a few former clients. 

Don't Forget:
  • Make sure reception centerpieces do not obstruct guests' views of one another.
  • Avoid flowers with powerful scents, as they may interfere with your guests' enjoyment of the food.
  • Discuss the staying power, or heartiness of the blooms you choose; you don't want your flowers to wilt halfway through the event.
  • Ask your attendants if they are allergic to any flowers; you don't want your bridesmaids to be sneezing at the altar.
  • Ask your florist if they will dry your bouquet for a keepsake, or assign someone that task of attending to it while you are on your honeymoon.
  • If the vases do not need to go back to the florist, you may want to offer your centerpieces to guests as favors or donate the arrangements to a local hospital or nursing home.



Ways to Save
  • Ask about in-season flowers that are grown locally.
  • Select a small, hand-tied bouquet.
  • Have your attendants carry a large single bloom, rather than a large bouquet. Calla lilies, South American roses and large hydrangeas are all elegant choices.
  • Choose small, delicate corsages for the mothers and boutonnieres for the gentlemen. Herbs, dried flowers, leaves, berries and fabric are attractive and inexpensive touches.
  • For centerpieces, try a single color or type of blossom. Arrangements prepared with a single color or type of flower appear fuller.
  • Arrange your centerpieces in small pots or vases grouped together. The groupings add dimension without adding cost, and they can double as wedding favors.
  • Bring your altar and pew decorations to the reception site.
  • Keep altar decorations to a minimum. One or two elaborate arrangements add more drama than smaller arrangements combined with scattered accent pieces.
  • Don't decorate every pew or row. A few well-placed bows or greenery arrangements will do the trick.