How to find a wedding florist
Obviously every aspect of your wedding is important, but few add as much visual punch as the florals. The flowers create the whole vibe of your wedding day, they can literally change the environment of your wedding.
You want a romantic scene - you got it!
A modern look - no problem!
A rustic theme - abso-blooming-lutely!
Selecting the perfect wedding florist is crucial for ensuring your day blooms with beauty
So, how to find a wedding florist who is right for you? Read on for my thoughts.
Just married at Bryngarw House. Image by Simon and Polly Photography.
When should I start looking for my wedding florist?
Don’t put it off!
Florists get booked up early so don’t delay. Especially if your flowers are particularly important to you or if you are having a large wedding with lots of flowers, you really should be diligent. To ensure that you have access to the best selection of flowers and highly experienced florists for your wedding I recommend booking your wedding florist approximately 6-12 months in advance.
I personally only work on a set number of exclusive weddings each year and commit to work with only one couple a day, meaning I can provide all my energy and the highest quality service to my couples.
As I can only be in one place at a time, key dates can get booked up fast. If you want to work with me get in touch! And don’t worry if you are not sure of the details, everything can be tweaked and reworked throughout the year.
So once you have booked a date, picked your dream venue and dress, start arranging those consultations.
Would you like to learn more about my wedding process.
Who to choose?
Recommendations are a fantastic aid in how to find a wedding florist ideal for you. Speaking with past clients will offer invaluable insights into their workmanship, reliability, and professionalism. Ask friends and family who they used or even your venue if they have preferred suppliers.
A lot of my work is through recommendations and referrals. It really is so lovely to be booked by the sister or brother or even daughter of one of my past brides.
Make a note of whose work you like. Then check out their work through gallery pages on their websites and social media pages. Book a couple of consultations and ask questions! A good florist, like me, will know the answers.
What do their past clients say?
This point expands on above.
You should, without a doubt, read the reviews of anyone you are planning to work with, ideally you want lots of testimonials.
You want to make sure that not only were wedding couples happy with the flowers on the day, but also the communication throughout, how the florist made them feel on and before the wedding day. If a couple is willing to give up their precious time to leave a review then believe them!
Read what my couples have to say
More examples of my work
Go with your gut!
I know this might be a strange answer but ONCE you have done your research, you have trawled through websites, looked at past work, read some lovely reviews then really it is down to who you enjoy spending time with.
Your flowers are such a special part of your wedding day and you need to be comfortable with your florist, after all you will be spending a lot of time together over the next few months. You want someone to have a clear understanding of the look you want for your wedding so a good relationship is all-important.
Do you want your florist to take the time to get to know you or is that too personal? Will they know your name when you contact them or are you just another wedding on the wedding conveyor belt. This close relationship is not for everyone but it is my preferred way to run my business.
My couples want a florist who mirrors their own enthusiasm when talking about their wedding flowers, somebody that makes them feel at ease, listened to and special! People who choose me want a florist emotionally invested in their wedding and of course not everyone wants that.
If you’re worried a florist might not be for you, you are probably right.
If you want to start planning your wedding flowers
Match your aesthetics
Us floral designers are creatives at heart. We work in the business because we love making beautiful things, but as you know beautiful means something different to everyone. Understanding your florist's design aesthetic is key to ensuring they align with your flower vision, knowing their style can help you determine if they're the right fit for your event.
For the best results, don’t try to fit a round peg into a square hole when it comes to selecting your vendor. If you love ethereal, loosely composed designs, don’t hire someone with a portfolio filled with formal, compact designs. The “compromise” you’ll arrive at while working to meet halfway will likely only disappoint both parties—and that’s the last thing you want.
I specialise in creating elegant, organic, seasonal arrangements that capture the beauty of nature. I love playing with colour schemes to create the perfect atmosphere for each unique wedding. If this doesn’t match your wedding style then I am not your gal.
There is a wedding florist out there that is the right style for you.
Top table beach themed flower arrangement at Bryngarw House. Image by Simon and Polly Photography.
Top table flower arrangement at Bryngarw House. Image by Simon and Polly Photography.
Come prepared
Every florist will need you to come to a consultation with a rough idea of the way you want your wedding flowers to look.
If you can, arrive at your consultation with ideas and pictures but there is no need to stress about this. I do not expect you to know flower names or their seasonal availability but a couple of pictures will help me understand the look you like. These pictures might not be just flowers, they can be colours, dresses, invitations, etc; anything that inspires you. Just bring images that you are drawn to, I want to get a feel for the mood and style you want for your wedding day.
You don’t have to arrive with a beautifully presented mood board! A couple of pages torn out of a magazine, maybe a little bit of fabric or a picture of a dress are all you’ll need. These things will help your florist know your likes and dislikes.
If you want to read more about my consultation process CLICK HERE.
Money, money, money!
I know everyone hates talking about money, it seems ever so crass, especially to us Brits. But budget is so important and it is vital to agree on this before you start designing a look. A good designer will have great ideas of how to make the most of your flower budget so make sure you ask them.
You need to be reasonable. If you like a certain flower that is out of season and will cost a huge sum to be shipped from abroad, that is probably not the best use of your money. I have lost count of the number of times I have offered alternatives to achieve the same look as a specific flower. That being said if your heart is set on a flower, such as peonies, consider having a few stems in your bouquet - but get married when it is in season; us florists are good but we are not magicians!
Bouquet details at Bryngarw House. Image by Simon and Polly Photography.
Grooms buttonhole at Bryngarw House. Image by Simon and Polly Photography.
Ask more questions.
Beyond budget, there’s also a few logistical matters to clear up.
How many weddings does the florist work on each weekend?
Will they personally be present to oversee your event installation, or will they send someone else from their team?
Who is responsible for the clean-up and collection of vases?
An experienced designer will be able to give you those answers ahead of time.
Personally, I choose to only book one wedding a day. I will deliver the flowers on your wedding day to ensure that everything is set up the way you want it. I'll oversee every aspect of the flowers throughout the whole wedding day, making sure it's perfect. Before you walk down the aisle, I'll be there to hand you your bouquet and ensure that you feel beautiful and confident in knowing how best to hold your bouquet.
Trust me to take care of the floral details so you can focus on the most important thing- enjoying your special
Table centre at Bryngarw House. Image by Simon and Polly Photography.
Table centrepiece at Bryngarw House. Image by Simon and Polly Photography.
Trust in your florist
Make sure you pick our brains not just during the consultation process but during the whole planning.
We are the ones in the know. So if you have any flower related questions ask! How to carry your bouquet? What bouquet suits this dress? Will the flowers you want compliment your hair and complexion? Will they suit your chosen theme and work in your venue?
After 18 years as a wedding florist and having worked with more than 425 gorgeous couples I will probably know the answer. Always make the most of our expertise! A good florist will know the answers.
Sit back and relax
Once you have booked your florist (preferably me ☺) trust them to do their job and RELAX.
Make sure you stay in contact with them and keep them updated of any changes. Ensure you know what the process of working with them looks like.
I always arrange a final meeting or at least a phone call a couple of months before the wedding to go over all the final details, table numbers, approximate delivery times etc. This should avoid any issues such as extra tables on the wedding day - and yes, this has happened to me and yes, I did sort it.
I also give my couples a quick call the day before just to triple check any changes and most importantly to let them know the flowers are beautiful and all is in control.
I want them to relax and enjoy this special time. These little things help them feel in control so they can be at ease.
Terrarium centrepiece with succulents at Bryngarw House. Image by Simon and Polly Photography.
Terrarium centrepiece with succulents at Bryngarw House. Image by Simon and Polly Photography.
And that’s it, my guide on how to find a wedding florist.
What do you think? Is this a helpful?
If you like my work and would like to discuss your wedding day with me feel free to CONTACT ME HERE.
I look forward to speaking to you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Anne-Marie, the face of Petal Power
Hi! I'm Anne-Marie, Petal Power is me!
I run my weddings and event floristry business out of my studio in Creigiau, Cardiff, South Wales.
I hope you have enjoyed reading this blog.
If you want even more prettiness take a look back at my page. You will find information on the latest beautiful weddings I have been lucky enough to be a part of.
Also, you can keep up to date with essential advice, craft ideas, my favourite seasonal wedding flowers and more.
You can find out more about me and my work here.
Anne-Marie xoxo
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Are you getting married?
I have created a page just for you.
It’s only natural that you have a load of questions when planning your wedding flowers.
Some of the most common questions that keep cropping up I have already answered. You will find this page helpful; to read more CLICK HERE
I have written so many blogs, take a few moments and have a good look.
But if you are getting married and would like to learn more about how I work I have a whole page dedicated to this.
Summer bouquet wedding details
I still have some availability for this year and next year. If you have booked your wedding date get in touch to discuss your wedding flowers.
I look forward to speaking to you.