5 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Florist

When you're planning a wedding, there are so many things to keep track of. From the guest list to the seating arrangements to the music cues, it can easily get overwhelming.

Hiring the right professionals can make all the difference in ensuring you get the wedding of your dreams. That is especially true when it comes to hiring a wedding florist. The flowers at your wedding will set the tone for the entire event, and you want to make sure you're working with a florist you can trust.

Before you hire a florist for your wedding, you should feel confident that their style matches yours. Asking certain questions can give you insight into how a particular florist works. You want to be equipped with as much information as possible.

Below, we've put together a guide of five questions to ask your wedding florist before hiring. Read on to learn more!

1. What's Your Experience?

Most brides prefer to work with experienced vendors, and a wedding florist is no exception. It doesn't matter if you're planning a small, intimate wedding or an over-the-top celebration. You want to know that your florist can handle your job.

As you're interviewing florists, be sure to ask them about their prior experience with weddings. If you are planning a grand affair and they've mostly done simpler celebrations, they might not be the best choice for you. And vice versa.

You should also ask to see samples of the work they've done for other weddings. While they might be happy to tell you whatever you want to hear, pictures don't lie. You'll be able to get a more realistic sense of their experience through these examples.
It's also good to keep an open mind when considering a florist's experience. Just because they've never done a wedding like the one you want doesn't mean they can't.

2. How Involved Will You Be?

Different brides have different expectations of their wedding florist. Some want a full-service experience, while others want something a little more hands-off. Before you hire a florist, you should decide your preference.

If you do want a florist who will be actively involved on the day of your wedding, ask them how many other events they have on the same weekend. If you expect your florist to handle all the set up of ceremony and reception flowers, you want to make sure you'll have their full attention.

On the other hand, if your only expectation is for delivery on the day of your wedding, then it may not matter how many other events they are also working on.

Just make sure you've really envisioned your wedding, and what the logistics will look like on the day-of. Once you've figured out what you want, you'll be in a better position to hire a wedding florist who can deliver on that vision.

3. Can You Work Within My Budget?

The amount of money wedding flowers cost can vary widely from bride to bride. Typically, you should plan to spend about 8 percent of your overall wedding budget on flowers, although that may vary depending on your personal priorities.

Regardless of how much you have to spend, you want to work with a florist who understands and respects that limitation. When you're meeting with florists, it's up to you to be forthcoming about your budget. Then it's their job to show you what they can do for that amount.

You should never let a florist--or any other wedding vendor--pressure you into spending more than you can afford. If you are working with a smaller amount, see how creative they can be when selecting certain blooms or putting together arrangements.

It's also on you to be realistic. If you love a particular look that you just can't afford, you have to recognize that going in.

4. What's Your Style?

Some brides go into the wedding planning process with a very clear idea of their bridal style. Other brides have never given it much thought, and are figuring it out as they go along.

There's no one right way to design a wedding, but you do want to make sure that your vision is aligned with your florists, or that you trust them enough to lead the way when it comes to design.
If you've always pictured your wedding as a glamorous event with large table settings and lush bouquets, you wouldn't want to work with a florist whose typical design style is minimal or rustic. If you picture sunflowers and greenery, you don't want to work with someone who constantly tries to sell you on roses.

Pay close attention to the words they use when describing the looks they've created in the past. Write down the adjectives that stand out. You can review the list later and see how it compares to the way you want guests to describe your wedding. If it is a match, that's a good sign that you've found the right florist.

5. How Do You Work with Clients?

As your wedding date gets closer, it's likely that your stress level as bride will rise. You'll have to make lots of decisions at once, including finalizing design details. It's likely that you'll change your mind about certain elements at least once during the course of wedding planning.

When that does happen, it helps to be working with vendors who are flexible, responsive, and communicative. You should ask your wedding florist how you can best reach them, and how long it usually takes them to get back to clients.

If you want face-to-face meetings, make sure they'll be available for that. If you prefer to communicate via email, ask if that works for them as well. You never want to feel like you're in the dark, and don't know the status of your floral design or flower delivery.

Ready To Pick a Wedding Florist?

After all of your hard work planning, your wedding should be the dream day you always pictured. Working with the right vendors plays a huge part in making sure that happens.

Asking your wedding florist the right questions is the best way to ensure you find one you can trust.
For more information on getting the best flowers for your wedding, please contact us at any time.