What you need to know before meeting with a potential florist
Photo taken by Madison Ellis Photography
Looking for a florist for your event? Here’s some of the first key details to nail down BEFORE scheduling any consultations and getting quotes. Your floral budget and dreams are contingent upon a few things…
Your date- this is the first thing you need to lock down because it directly relates to the second point here. If you haven’t secured a venue or date, it is hard to move forward in the planning and dreaming stages!
Your venue- the size and style of your venue is essential to finding the perfect florist. You need to know your venue in order to understand the scale of the order you’ll need, and what is feasible. Does your venue rent an arbor structure? What options are there for ceremony space?
Your guest count- you need to know a rough estimate of your guest list to estimate how many tables you need. This will be factored into centerpiece count, candle count, and even napkin treatment count if you want to add that!
Your wedding party- this influences how many maiden bouquets, boutonnieres, and other personal items a florist will need to make for your party to wear. Don’t forget about a corsage for mom or grandma, or an extra boutonniere for an officiant, ring bearer, or father.
The florist’s style- if you have a specific theme in mind, be sure to look for a florist that is familiar with that style. Or perhaps one that has worked with the venue before, or worked with your planner. This way your vision will be as cohesive as possible and you can trust that things will go smooth on your wedding day.
Your budget- this is such a huge one!!! We don’t like to talk about it, but this seriously limits the floral reality of your big day. Take your time to get educated, ask your wedding planner, and ask your local florist. We do our best to educate on what is possible given your budget.
Make a mood board- the best way for a florist to understand your creative vision is to see it! Peruse Pinterest to get some ideas. Pictures help communicate a vision where words can get subjective sometimes. Especially if you are a visual bride, pull together some pictures of what you like or colors you want to play with for your consultation.
Know what you don’t want- If you have a preference against certain themes, colors, or flowers - make sure your florist understands that in order to steer the creative vision away from it!