Floral arrangements form a key part of most weddings and combine a gorgeous aesthetic and sensory appeal with deep-seated traditions, alongside the potential for self-expression. What’s more, they’re steeped in symbolism and inform the look of the whole occasion. So it’s no wonder that most couples include flowers in the overall theme and design of their big day from the outset.
But if you’re thinking of sourcing and arranging your own blooms, that could prove to be a false economy. Do you really appreciate the best place to get the flowers from, have room to store and work on them and know how to arrange them so they look their best? With the bridal bouquet, buttonholes, table displays and more, if you’re doing everything yourself, there’s a huge amount to think about.
Professional florists bring their expertise and vision and can give you peace of mind while being able to identify the blooms that will make your day unique with your favourite flowers, as well as varieties you’d never previously heard of.
So it’s hardly surprising that most couples outsource this aspect of their celebration. Yet this decision is key to the planning process, plus you need to be fully happy with whoever you choose. So how do you choose a wedding florist that’s right for you?
Review their portfolio
As with anything else, look at their floristry gallery and check that the style and quality are consistently what you want, and that the floral designs they’ve curated previously match your vision and are in line with your own preferred style.
Some florists have different specialisms, so don’t be afraid to get prospective suppliers to describe their own style to you in detail.
Experience with weddings
A florist may be very experienced in working for other events, but wedding floristry poses unique challenges in terms of planning and logistics, meaning it requires specialist skills. An experienced florist, for example, will understand what your venue needs, plus they’ll appreciate the timelines for the day. At the same time, if you have big ideas, they’ll be able to handle large-scale floral installations.
And if your florist has previous experience of working at the venue where you’re getting married, that’s a huge bonus.
Book a consultation
Have an initial meeting with maybe two or three florists to discuss your plans before selecting one supplier. As you would with any other service provider, check that they inspire confidence and that you feel a rapport with them.
This is also your chance to views displays which may not feature online or on social media. (Equally, ask if you can go and see the florist’s arrangements at a wedding fair if they’re exhibiting at one near you.)
And if you have a set budget, be clear on whether they can work within that. If your ideas fall outside your budget, can your florist suggest alternatives? Additionally, be clear on any minimum spend that the florist may set. Agree a cut-off date for final decisions and ask the florist when you’ll need to pay their final balance.
Ask whether delivery is included and whether they charge more for long distances.
Communication
Choose a provider who encourages questions and gives you confidence that they can guide you in making the right choices. To be the right fit for you, they’ll also need to be open about their processes and how they work, and in giving you all the information you need to make decisions.
Availability
This may seem an obvious one, but check your potential supplier is available for your wedding. Not only that, but if you want exclusive access for the whole day, assess whether your florist will be doing other marriages on the same date as yours. Ask how much time they’ll give you on the day. If they’re working at more than one wedding, what are there contingency plans if things overrun?
Also ask how far in advance you’ll need to order your blooms, and how long it’ll take for them to set up on the day.
Wedding day flowers from Distinctive Elegance
Whatever you have in mind for your wedding blooms, the experienced team at Distinctive Elegance can bring it to life and execute it to perfection, with meticulous attention to detail throughout.
Working across the south-east, from Surrey to London, we love being your chosen wedding florist. We’ll work with you from start to finish to create a floral scheme within your budget, making it both exquisitely beautiful as well as highly personal.
Contact us to discuss your requirements and vision for your Wedding or celebration.
