When it comes to hiring a wedding florist there is a lot to keep in mind. You don’t only need someone who fits your style – you also need someone who will work well with you and deliver exactly what you require! These are some of the top questions to ask a wedding florist before signing the dotted line.
Are you available for our wedding date? How many other weddings or events are scheduled for our day?
If the florist and their staff will be handling multiple events on the day of your wedding, you’ll want to make sure there is enough time and manpower for them to dedicate to your wedding’s needs.
Do you offer delivery and set-up to my venue? Do you take care of these services, or does another staff member?
Unless your wedding is on the smaller side, you’ll likely need help from the florist with delivery and set-up. Make sure they offer these services if you need them. Alternatively, if you are only doing a few arrangements, you may be able to arrange for someone to pick them up from the florist and bring them to the venue – this could help you save on costs if the florist allows it.
Do you require a minimum budget? Are you able to work with our budget?
It is vital that you find a florist who can work with your budget. It can be tricky for couples to get a good idea of what their budget can get them at first, but a good florist can help. Since this likely is your first time dealing with ordering flowers at this scale, a wedding florist can help guide you in the right direction in terms of what is doable with your budget.
How do you breakdown your pricing? Does this include a delivery and set-up fee?
Different florists breakdown their pricing structure differently. Some offer all-inclusive packages, while others provide a quote on a case-by-case basis. Ask how their pricing works, and if delivery and set-up is included in that price.
How many weddings have you done? How long have you been in business?
You want to make sure you are hiring the person who can get the job done. Check what their experience is to gauge if they’ll be a good fit.
How would you describe your design style?
Some florists have their own unique style, while others will adjust to fit the aesthetic of the wedding or event they are serving. See how your wedding florist describes themself to see if it fits with your vision.
Are you open to ideas from us? Can we send photos of ideas we like?
Some florists are open to input from clients, while others prefer to take a more independent approach. If you are looking for a more collaborative experience, make sure the florist is on the same wavelength.
What flowers and design details do you recommend, based on our budget, season, and color palette?
It is important that the wedding florist can come up with a gorgeous design using flowers that are in season and that match your color palette. Of course, they’ll also need to be able to do this within your budget.
Do you provide any other decor items (such as candles, lanterns, trees, or candelabras)? How do they affect the budget?
If you are looking for a mix of flowers and other decor elements to fill out the space, see if your florist is able to provide them.
Have you worked at our wedding venue before?
It isn’t necessary that they’ve worked at your venue before. However, it can be nice to know if they already have an idea of the limitations and opportunities the space provides.
Are you available to do a walk-through of our venue prior to the wedding?
This is particularly important if they haven’t worked at the venue. However, even a florist who is familiar with your venue could benefit with walking through the space with you (and possibly your planner) to discuss ideas.
How far in advance do you make the arrangements? How are they stored?
You’ll want to make sure your flowers are fresh for your big day! Check in with how far in advance they arrange everything, and what their procedures are for making sure the flowers look their best.
How much time will you need for set-up?
You’ll want to make sure that your florist has ample time to deliver and set-up their work. It is also important that they don’t require too much on-site set-up time – if you can only get into the venue for set-up a few hours before the ceremony, you’ll need to make sure they can work within that time frame.
Are you able to stay if we need flowers moved from the ceremony space to the reception?
If you’ll be repurposing ceremony flowers for the reception, you may need the florist or a staff member on standby to help with that transition. Keep in mind that this will likely come with an additional fee.
Do you have a portfolio we can look at? Can you provide references?
A portfolio will help you really get a grasp on what their style is and what they are capable of. It is also a good idea to get some references to talk to in order to make sure they had a good experience.
Do you create sample arrangements before the wedding? Is there an additional fee to do so?
Some couples will feel more confident having sample arrangements created before the wedding so that they can get a better idea of the final design. Ask if your florist provides this service.
How far in advance do we need to book you? When is the deposit and final payment due?
Once you’ve decided on your florist, you’ll want to book them ASAP to make sure you don’t lose them! See when you’ll need to put down your payments to secure their services.
If you are in the process of planning your wedding, come to the next Georgia Bridal Show near you. You will have the chance to meet with professional wedding vendors – including wedding florists – of all talents who can help bring your vision to life!
Georgia wedding vendors, as well as other wedding professionals across the Southeast, can contact us about opportunities for exhibition and online marketing with Georgia Bridal Show.