The Florals You Fancy
Questions to ask your florist
By Katie Grenfell
Envision your wedding florals. Are they sleek and traditional or wild and wispy? Roses and carnations or scabiosas and snapdragons? Minimalistic and neutral or bright and bold? The options are seemingly endless, so working with a florist whose aesthetic aligns with your event and is capable of delivering a design that represents your vision is key.
Florals are one of the most customizable aspects of your big day and are also the second-most photographed part of a wedding, just behind you and your significant other.
Whether you already have a florist or are still searching, we have compiled a collection of questions you can ask to ensure you’re receiving the blooms of your dreams.
Some questions you should ask your florist include: Are they familiar with your venue? What time will they be delivering the flowers? Is there a charge for delivery, setup and breakdown? Are they available to remain on-site to move any ceremony florals to the reception site? What do they provide as far as vases and other decor items?
Simply getting to know your florist through asking questions can help garner a level of trust between the two of you.
While most florists display their work on their social media pages and websites, it may be helpful to ask your florist for a portfolio. Some floral pros even offer a sample bouquet for an additional fee.
Chelsea Finch, wedding specialist, with A Country Rose Florist in Tallahassee, supplies a portfolio and mock-ups at the bride’s request. Finch likes to provide examples of floral choices she might use for a wedding.
“There is a lot of trust that happens between a couple and a florist since there can be so much variety in flowers,” Finch said. “When I provide a list of suggested blooms, I always communicate the chance for substitutions and discuss what their preferences are.”
Finch recommends choosing a florist you trust.
“Sometimes, Mother Nature chooses things for us, like a blush variety blooming more pink,” said Finch. “These little details change the look, and a florist you trust will make the call to either replace that bloom with something else or decide if it will work within the color palette.”
Kristi Oliver, director of sales and marketing with SunQuest Beach Weddings in Destin, aims to get to know couples on a personal level.
“Knowing details and tidbits from their life together helps us know what direction we’re going in to create a design that is uniquely them,” said Oliver.
Similar to how your florist will simply want to get to know you and your partner, you too, should get to know your florist.
Ask your florist how long they have been in the industry, how they would describe their style, what their favorite part of a wedding day is, what their favorite floral trend is and if they have any advice for you.
“As your wedding florist, we aim to exceed your expectations. Having trust in your wedding pros to do what they do best allows them to do their best work,” said Oliver.
Slightly less fun than selecting blooms, but equally as important, is your floral budget. Ask your florist if they require a minimum, if they have any recommendations that fit your budget, if they provide itemized proposals and receipts and when the deposit and final payment are due.
Factors such as time of year, guest count, travel, arrangement size and flower type will affect your total, but most florists will gladly work to make your vision come true. There are usually substitutions to accommodate a couple’s financial plan without sacrificing the look they have in mind.
“Maybe they are requesting dahlias which have limited availability and are a higher price-point flower. I would recommend using a football mum which has a similar look at a fraction of the cost,” said Finch.
Oliver recommends mixing and matching centerpieces to maximize a floral budget. By having some tall, lush arrangements along with some smaller, more delicate arrangements, you’re saving money and creating a dynamic tablescape.
Flowers should serve as a complement to your big day, so let them reflect your personal style. Oliver notes that it’s okay to use photos of other weddings for inspiration, but your special day should embody you as a couple.
You don’t have to be completely sure of the style you want or have every detail planned to meet with a florist. Simply trust the professionals and your new floral friend.
10 MOST POPULAR WEDDING FLOWERS
Roses
Some of the most used wedding roses are standard roses for a classic, sleek look. Consider garden roses for a more wild, picked-from-the-roadside look and spray roses for a delicate, whimsical filler.
Ranunculus
Available in a huge variety of colors, ranunculus are the perfect accent flower to add some movement to your bouquet with their dainty round petals and wiggly stems.
Peonies
With their steep price tag and extremely short spring season (available between May and June) peonies are best to be reserved for the bride’s bouquet and head table arrangement where they will receive the recognition they deserve.
Anemones
These dainty, tissuey flowers are a great way to add unique, bold details to any bouquet or centerpiece. Anemones come in a variety of bold reds, pinks and purples but the most common variety used for weddings come in a classic white with a deep navy, almost black center.
Snapdragons
Snapdragons are the perfect way to add some dimension to a large arbor arrangement or provide structure to a colorful bride’s bouquet. With their long stem lined with ombre blooms, snapdragons offer a unique appearance.
Carnations
On their own, they may not have the same “wow factor”as other flower varieties, but add them to a centerpiece and you instantly have a fuller, more vibrant arrangement.
Tulips
Fringed tulips, double tulips, Rembrandt tulips, parrot tulips and star tulips are just a few of the 3,000 varieties of tulips out there. By gently bending and flipping flower petals backwards and outwards, a tulip can be transformed from its classic closed look, to an open, exotic-looking bloom.
Hydrangeas
With their sizable, showy blooms that come in a variety of pastels and muted or “dusty” colors, hydrangeas are perfect for archway arrangements and larger centerpieces.
Dahlias
If you want a flower that leaves a lasting impact, dahlias are the one for you. With some varieties, such as dinner plate dahlias, growing to be the size of a literal dinner plate, they bring a grand presence to any event.
Anthurium
With their eye-catching colors and clean lines, anthurium adds a vibrant, modern look to any bouquet. The best part? They thrive in humid climates. Florida brides rejoice!
Featured image by Charlotte Fristoe Photography