What you need to know before meeting with your florist.

So, you’re planning your wedding and have no idea where to start. That’s ok! For most couples, it’s the first (and hopefully last!) time you’re embarking on planning your big day.

There’s tonnes of advice out there about wedding planning (plus actual wedding planners who will do it all for you). In a nutshell, it’s a good idea to sit down together and decide on the things that matter most to you and spend your budget accordingly. For example, if you’re really into food and wine, spend your dollars on a fantastic caterer. If going to live gigs was a big part of the two of you dating, splurge on an awesome live band that will get everyone dancing. These decisions should help guide you when it comes to budgeting and prioritising the vendors you lock in first.

Speaking of booking vendors, if your wedding is in a popular month such as November, March or April, get in early and book in advance! I usually book clients 6-12 months out. Some high-demand vendors such as venues and celebrants will book even further in advance. If you have your heart set on someone in particular the best thing to do is get in touch right away to check their availability.

Ok, so let’s talk flowers, because let’s face it, they’re the most important thing! No seriously, flowers can completely transform a room, turn a marquee into a fabulous party or help create meaning by including your most favourite people - such as giving them a corsage to wear, rose petals to throw or a bouquet to hold. For most people, flowers are the main decoration, so for that reason they should be a priority right after booking your venue, celebrant and photographer.

Apart from the basics, such as the when and where, here’s what you need to think about before having your first consultation with your florist:

1. Your wish list

It’s good to have a vague idea of the number of things that you will need; such as how many bouquets, buttonholes, centrepieces etc. you’re after.

I say vague because your florist can help you flesh out ideas and decide what/what not to include. Personally, I’m not about up-selling to clients, but I will offer suggestions on where in your venue you might like to focus your florals. I will also help couples make the tough decision on what to spend their flower budget on. For example, at your ceremony, everyone is going to be looking at the two of you, so if you need to make some sacrifices, put your flower dollars into a backdrop that everyone will see for the duration, rather than something at the entrance or start of the aisle that will only be glanced at once. 

We can also help you nut out the number of arrangements that will look good on your tables, depending on the number of people, configuration of tables and if you need to leave room for shared plates of food. For that reason it’s great if you have a seating chart you can share with your florist.

2. Timeline for the day

What time is your photographer arriving? Where are you getting ready?

These details are really useful for your florist and will assist us in quoting you for travel as well as give us a timeframe for delivery. Have a think about who needs what when - do the buttonholes need to arrive at a separate location by a certain time, or could they be left in a safe spot at the ceremony location?

Your florist can liaise with your venue about requirements and logistics for the day but if you know how much time they allow for setting up that is super helpful. Some venues have really tight windows for bumping in and that can restrict what’s possible in terms of creating installations and ceremony backdrops.

3. Reference photos of flowers

As a visual person I find these particularly helpful. Not because I will replicate the work of another florist but because it helps convey what you like. By looking at some reference photos I can get the gist about the colours, style and scale of things you like, much quicker than when you try and describe something. Us florists have our own lingo to describe floral designs, so when you say ‘loose, soft bouquet’ it might mean something different to us, than what it means to you. Looking at photos and telling us what you like about them, helps ensure we’re all on the same page. Or at least that’s how I work!

4. Come to your meeting with an open mind

You’re guaranteed to get the best out of your florist if you stay open minded rather than being too specific about exactly what you want. Florists are creative artists, so be open to letting them work their magic. 

Also, if you have your heart set on one very specific variety of flower, you may be setting yourself up for disappointment when your florist advises you they won’t be in season around your wedding date. Even if they are in season, mother nature will always have the last laugh. For example, I’ve heard of florists promising a bouquet of David Austin roses and then the roses bloomed late that year because of a cold front and were unavailable. So, be open minded and your florist will be able to choose the best and freshest local flowers available at market.

5. Budget

Yep I know this is a tricky one, you may not know how much flowers cost going into your meeting but you really need to give your florist a rough price bracket. This will help us give you a realistic idea about what you can afford and in some cases come up with some more budget friendly design options. Many vendors will have a minimum spend so that’s a good thing to keep in mind.

6. Colours

Do you have a specific colour palette in mind for your wedding? Perhaps you just want all things bright and colourful or love soft romantic pastels. Having a general idea in mind gives your florist a jumping off place to work from when designing your flowers.

I hope this checklist helps you start thinking about your wedding flowers. Once you have thought these things over, find a florist whose style you love and get in touch with them. No seriously - get on it! Ok that’s all for now, happy wedding planning x