Tips for Preparing for Your Florist Meeting

Flowers are one of the most important elements of your wedding day! They really set the tone and color palette and are just simply gorgeous in pictures. Once you have your venue, planner, photographer, and gown, it's time to find the perfect florist! As wedding planners, we have met with many florists and know there are a lot of questions you might not consider asking. Whether you want something classic and simple to dramatic and lush, these are the questions you need to ask to prepare for your florist meeting.

Know Your Budget

Before you start meeting with florists, have a budget in mind. On average, couples spend 8-15% of their wedding budget on flowers. This covers not just bouquets but all the additional flowers you want throughout. Don't forget your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception! All three will need flowers.

While there are averages, remember that no two weddings are the same, so you will need some important details before the meeting. If you want peonies in the fall, they will cost a premium since they are out of season. If you are looking to keep the budget smaller, consider flowers that are local and in season.

Don't forget additional rentals! Does your venue provide a ceremony arch, or will you need to rent one?

Have Your Wedding Details Ready

Before you start meeting with florists, you need to know your color palette and overall vision. Without these, your florist can't quote you pricing! We suggest having your wedding gown picked out as well, so you can make sure your bouquet goes with it. Also, have your bridal party outfits picked out in advance, so you can decide on the final colors for the bridal party flowers. Your florist will ask how many mothers, fathers, grandmothers, flower girls, ring bearers, bridesmaids, and groomsmen you will have. So this needs to be finalized before your appointment!

You will also need to know some of your numbers. While your final guest count and table count might change, have an idea of how many tables you will have if you have a sweetheart table, and if you need additional decor for the reception (like the bar, signage, cocktail tables, etc.) This way, the florist knows how many centerpieces and additional arrangements are needed.

Have a Pinterest Board Ready - But Be Open to Suggestions

Pinterest boards are great visuals, but many of those are from 'styled shoots' where the vendors show you what is possible and include rental items. The flower budget is often quite large for these shoots and might be unrealistic for all weddings. But they still make great inspiration!

Be open to alternative floral suggestions to fit your budget. Keep your inspiration images consistent with floral types and colors to narrow down what you love. Have a list of the must-have flowers, so your florist can let you know if they are available when your wedding is.

Have a Do Not Love Board

Do you despise roses or peonies? Do you not love the look of greenery? Have a small collection of 3-7 images or details that you definitely do not love so that your florist will also know what definitely will not work with your vision! Knowing what you dislike is just as important as knowing what you love!

Chat About Repurposing Your Flowers

If there are looks you love, have a conversation with your florist about what items from the ceremony may easily be repurposed to your cocktail hour or reception space. This also helps with the budget! Items used at the ceremony can easily be repurposed for the reception. You can also use the bridal party bouquets as decor throughout, from cocktail centerpieces to reception table centerpieces!

Your wedding planner is someone who can assist with moving these decor items and setting them up throughout the day after the florist departs. But, these are all things you will want to know ahead of time, so you let your planner know!

To DIY Or Not DIY

Flowers are A LOT of work. Many couples do not realize the cost of flowers and the labor that goes into creating these beautiful pieces prior to the day. Not to mention the hours of set up on the wedding day! When flowers arrive, they need to be prepped, placed in sanitized buckets, and placed in very cold and refrigerated rooms. Some flowers, like peonies, need to arrive a week early to give them time to open up slowly. Most homes are not going to have the space and large enough refrigerators to keep the flowers fresh.

All of these details are factored into your price. If you think DIYing is going to be easier...it won't be. It may be a touch less expensive, but it will also be a lot more involved and hands-on than you may be expecting.

On top of making the flowers, you will need to purchase all of these items at retail (compared to wholesale, which your florist is getting). You will also need all of the vases, stands, foam, and flower cutters. After spending 6-12 hours making the pieces, you will need to transport them, which has it's own issues! You will need to make sure they don't overheat and get tossed around. After they are set up on the wedding day, you will need friends or family members to break these down and take them home. The setup and breakdown alone can take hours! Being prepared for the amount of work that goes into DIY is important before making that decision. 

Preparing for Your Florist Meeting

By going into your florist meeting prepared, you will feel so much more confident when it's time to select the perfect florist! As wedding planners, we help our clients find the ideal florists based on their vision and budget. We also help them create the design and vision, so it all ties together perfectly! From color palettes, mood boards to Pinterest inspiration…we are here to make your vision a reality. We offer packages that suit your unique needs so that you have the ease and freedom to celebrate your love, with your people. Because in the end, that's all that matters. Reach out today, and let's start planning your perfect wedding!

Featured Wedding + Vendors

From florist and real bride, Katherine from Thistle Bee Florist. Katherine and John were married April 24, 2021 at their private property in NJ in a beautiful outdoor, tented wedding!

Photographer: Caroline Morris Photography @carolinemorrisphoto

Florist: Thistle Bee Florist @thistlebeeflorist

Catering: Modern Fusion Catering @ModernFusionCatering

DJ/PhotoBooth: This Magic Moment NJ @This_Magic_Moment_NJ

Lounge Rentals: Cedar And Sage Rentals @CedarandSageRentals

Table/Chair Rentals: Weir Event Rentals @Weir_Event_Rentals

Tent: Smith Brothers Tent Rentals @SmithBrosTents

Drape: Eggstoic Events @EggsoticEvents

Cake/Dessert: Sweet Girlz Bakery @SweetGirlzBakery

Ice Cream Truck: LexyLicious NJ @LexyLiciousNJ

Beauty: Alisha Nycole & Co @MsAlishaNycole

All Calligraphy/Escort Card Table & Seating Cards: Adorn Market @AdornMarket

Porta A Suite @PortABowlRestroomCo