October 4, 2018

What To Look For When Choosing A Wedding Florist

Wedding Tips

Among all the wedding decor decisions a couple will make, picking out the floral arrangements is probably one of the most fun, but also quite challenging. There are so many kinds, colors, and shapes! They’re all beautiful on their own, but which ones go together? Where do you find them? How do you make sure they’re fresh for the wedding day? That’s where a professional wedding florist comes in. A floral designer is able to create blooming works of art that can transform your wedding venues.

That’s why finding a professional wedding florist is such a big deal. You want someone who not only has experience, but understands your vision and style. You want someone who is fun to work with and “gets you.”

Don’t worry if you’ve never had experience choosing a florist. I’ve laid out a few factors you should consider when looking to hire a floral designer. First, let’s define the kinds of florists you might encounter.
.

Types of Florists

.
Retail Florist: These are the local shops you can pop into and pick up a bouquet of whatever it is you’re looking for. They’re great for small orders (like flowers sent to your mom on Mother’s Day or a funeral arrangement), but not always equipped to take on large special events like weddings. Also, a retail florist is more likely to sell pre-arranged bouquets and centerpieces rather than create customized designs.

Floral Designer: The arrangements you see in magazines and on wedding blogs are most likely put together by floral designers. These are the artists who know how to combine florals and greenery to create everything from boutonnieres to blooming archways. Remi + Gold and Wildy Cultivated are great examples of Austin floral designers who combine their styles with couples’ visions to create customized floral designs that fit the event.

Full Service Event and Floral Designer: Some businesses offer a one-stop-shop for couples who are looking for someone to handle the whole shebang: candles, decor pieces, paper goods, flowers, etc. A full-service designer can help you find flowers, as well as anything else you might need in regards to wedding rentals and designs. If you want help implementing your design ideas across the board, this is a good option for you.
.

What to Look for in a Wedding Florist

.

Reputation.

• What is their service record like? Do they have testimonials?
• Do they have knowledge about which flowers are in season?
• What are their products like and where do they get them from?
• How long have they been in business?
• How many weddings have they done?
• Do they have a portfolio you can look at?

Body of Work.

• What styles do they specialize in (classic, romantic, wild, modern, boho, etc.)?
• Can they provide organic, pesticide-free, or sustainably grown flower varieties?
• Can they recreate an arrangement seen in a photo you bring?
• Can they provide a sample arrangement?
• Do they have examples of arrangements similar to the ones you want?

Compatibility.

• Are they easy to talk to and understand?
• Does their style sync with yours?
• Can you see yourself working with this person for a long period of time?
• Are they available for your wedding date?
• Can they work within your budget and offer recommendations?
• Do they provide setup and breakdown?
• What are their additional fees, if any?

Now that you know what type of florist you should hire and what to look for, it’s time to put your knowledge into action and start your search. Research your local florists, like the ones mentioned above, and ask friends and family if they have any recommendations. Then book a consult with your chosen few to see if they fit the bill.

Trying to find a florist in the Austin area? I'd love to share with you the talented florists I've worked with in the past.

RELATED POSTS

Interview with Austin, Texas Wedding Officiant Scott Payne of The Knot Tyer

Golden Hour Photos (What They Are and How They Can Transform Your Wedding Gallery)

5 Fresh Ways to Announce Your Engagement