Flowers play a massive part in the look and feel of your wedding so it can feel like a struggle when it comes to finding the right florist. I spoke to a couple of local suppliers about styles, inspiration and budgets to help you when booking a florist for your wedding.
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I BOOK A FLORIST FOR MY WEDDING?
As soon as you get engaged the list of suppliers you need to book and things you need to do can feel overwhelming. Abbie from Welwyn Florist recommends getting in there early to secure the right person for the job.
“It is best to book your wedding florist as soon as possible. Dates get booked up quickly so if there is a specific person you would like to create your flowers then it is preferred to book them early, usually a year before.”
Abbie from Welwyn Florist | @welwynflorist | www.welwynflorist.co.uk
HOW MUCH SHOULD I SPEND ON FLOWERS FOR MY WEDDING?
As soon as you get engaged the list of suppliers you need to book and things you need to do can feel overwhelming. Abbie from Welwyn Florist recommends getting in there early to secure a great florist.
“It is best to book your wedding florist as soon as possible. Dates get booked up quickly so if there is a specific florist you would like to create your flowers then it is preferred to book them early, usually a year before.”
Abbie from Welwyn Florist | @welwynflorist | www.welwynflorist.co.uk
HOW SHOULD I SPEND MY FLOWER BUDGET?
Once you have a budget in mind, you have the difficult task of working out the best way to spend it. It’s important to take into consideration the venue, time of year and look you’re going for when booking a florist for your wedding.
Tracey had some great ideas about how to maximise your budget:
“Talk to an expert about your style and venue. A good florist will be able to make many suggestions on relocating flowers throughout the day and maximising budget. For instance, flowers designed for the wedding breakfast can be “borrowed” for the ceremony service.
Tracey from Floribundi | @floribundi | www.floribundi.co.uk
“We recommend budgeting for flowers in the wedding reception as your guests spend a lot of the wedding day and evening here. Having a decorated reception will look great in your photos and will bring the room alive, contributing to the atmosphere. We also suggest spending your flower budget on your bridal bouquet, bridesmaid’s bouquets and buttonholes, these will be seen in most of your photos too”
Abbie from Welwyn Florist | @welwynflorist | www.welwynflorist.co.uk
HOW DO I FIND THE RIGHT FLORIST?
Money can be a tricky subject and it’s hard to know where to start. Tracey from Floribundi had some insights about how to establish and manage your budget.
“Without a doubt personal recommendations, reviews, venue and supplier referrals. Weddings are so personal and can be stressful as the date nears – you need to choose suppliers who put you at ease and get you …. so you are assured you can enjoy the build up and know it will all be just perfect.”
Tracey from Floribundi | @floribundi | www.floribundi.co.uk
WHERE CAN I FIND INSPIRATION?
From social media to bridal magazines, there are so many places to get ideas for your big day. It usually helps to pick a style for your wedding early on and stick with it to avoid being tempted to change your ideas.
“You can look at websites, in particular the florist who you’d like to create your wedding flowers. Pinterest is a great place for wedding floral inspiration because there is such a variety of styles and colours, which will usually help you narrow down specific designs you like and do not like. Look at friends and families wedding photos who have recently got married; you will see the flowers that are in trend at the moment.”
Abbie from Welwyn Florist | @welwynflorist | www.welwynflorist.co.uk
HOW DO I DECIDE WHICH FLOWERS TO HAVE?
When I was planning my wedding, I was pretty clueless when it came to picking flowers! Your florist can help you decide which ones to choose based on your colour scheme, the time of year and the overall look and feel of the wedding.
“Seasonal flowers are always my recommendation as they look more natural with the external environment in photographs. I use spring blossom in spring, peonies in summer and berries in winter. Popular flowers such as roses, hydrangeas, orchids are available all year. Your florist will advise the best varieties to bring your chosen colour scheme through.”
Tracey from Floribundi | @floribundi | www.floribundi.co.uk
TIPS & TRICKS
I asked Tracey and Abbie for some final tips and tricks for booking a florist for your wedding.
- Sample Fabric – Always bring in a sample fabric of your bridesmaid dresses / colour scheme to help choose flowers for your wedding to help continue the colour theme throughout. A good florist will always be able to visualise your flowers with this.
- Venue Visit – Your florist may suggest a venue visit with you, where will be able discuss your design options in situ so you can visualise what the flowers would look like on your wedding day. They may come up with ideas that you had not thought of.
- Stay local – use suppliers close to the wedding venue
- Work with Experts – Most wedding suppliers are passionate about their skill and these are the ones that will enhance and exceed your vision for your day.
- Stay in touch – Share ideas with your florist throughout your planning
If you have any other suggestions about how to find the right florist for you big day please leave your comments below.