Start by getting recommendations from friends and family. Then, browse each florist’s website and Instagram to see their style and approach.
Ask each florist for photos from past weddings, especially those that resemble your vision. Schedule Dallas Wedding Florist consultation with each of your short-list options. This is the best time to discuss all of the intricate details without feeling rushed or stressed.
Budget
Before hiring a florist, be clear about what your budget is. Ask if they have a minimum floral budget or additional fees and taxes (like delivery, setup, and breakdown charges). If they offer packages, review them carefully. Packages typically exclude extras like boutonnieres, ceremony altar flowers, or aisle markers that will increase your floral bill. Ask the florist if they can tailor a package to fit your needs or create custom arrangements based on your price range and vision.
Narrow down the recommendations and schedule a meeting with your potential wedding florists. During this time, explain your vision for the day and share photos of bouquets, centerpieces, etc. from the inspiration you’ve collected on Pinterest or other sites. Ask your florist to make a list of all of the flower arrangements you need, including bouquets, centerpieces, and any other special decor. This list will help your florist give you an accurate quote and will help prevent any surprises on the big day.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, compare proposals from a few florists to determine which offers the best value. It’s also a good idea to get in touch with your florists as your vision evolves, so they can be aware of any changes that might affect the overall cost. Even something as simple as falling in love with peonies for your December wedding may dramatically impact your final quote.
After you’ve interviewed your top candidates, ask them to provide a detailed pricing quote that includes the types and number of floral arrangements you requested along with any other decor you might need (like chuppah flowers or aisle markers). It’s also important to understand the amount of service each florist provides, so be sure you’re comfortable with their level of commitment on your wedding day.
If you need a wedding florist to go beyond just providing flowers, look for someone with event design experience. These florists will often be more expensive, but they can provide a wide range of services to help coordinate your entire event. For example, they can assist you with table settings, candle placement, and other miscellaneous decor elements to maximize your budget.
Style
As with any wedding vendor, florists come in a wide range of styles. Some take a more minimalist approach to their designs, while others are a bit more boho-inspired. To find a florist that matches your style, start by perusing their website or social media pages. Some may even have a portfolio section where you can view their past work. If you see something that resonates with you, reach out to them and ask to schedule an initial meeting.
Once you’ve landed on a shortlist, have each florist put together a proposal for your big day. The proposals should include a high-end best-case scenario and a low-cost bare minimum to help you determine which florist will be the right fit for your budget and flower vision.
Your venue can also play a large role in your choice of florists. If you’re getting married in a botanical garden or park, for instance, you may want to keep the floral arrangements to a minimum because your venue will provide plenty of natural beauty. A rustic farm-inspired venue, on the other hand, might call for more elaborate arrangements to complement its feel.
It’s also important to consider the flowers’ scents when choosing your wedding florist. Strong fragrances like roses and peonies might be a turnoff for some guests, while more subtle scents such as lavender or hydrangea are more appealing. If your dream flowers aren’t available or affordable, your florist can suggest substitutions that will deliver the same look and feel to your big day.
Some brides choose a turnkey florist who takes care of floral bouquets, centerpieces, and more, while others prefer to select specific floral arrangements themselves. In either case, your florist should be able to accommodate your wishes, working as much or as little with you as needed. Just make sure you’re clear about what you want from the beginning of your search to avoid any miscommunications that could prove costly on your wedding day.
Experience
When it comes to choosing a wedding florist, experience matters. How long they’ve been in business, their portfolio of past work, and client reviews all factor into the decision-making process. A seasoned florist is likely to be better equipped to handle any challenges that may come up during the event planning process, from finding similar flowers to the ones in your photos to working within your budget. They’ll also be able to provide valuable insight into how best to utilize the space you’re getting married in.
Before you meet with potential florists, put together a Pinterest board or collection of photos and other inspiration that showcases your unique style. Be sure to include color swatches and photos of your venue. Bringing in as much information as possible will make it easier for them to understand and execute your vision.
It’s also helpful to consider whether you want your florals to convey a certain emotion or sentiment. For instance, some brides choose bouquets that look romantic or vivacious while others prefer the clean lines of modern design. This can help your florist narrow down the type of flowers to use and create an aesthetic that will complement your overall wedding style.
In addition to visuals, pay attention to the aroma of each flower. This is especially important if you have guests with allergies or other sensitivities. A strong, overpowering scent can be overwhelming for some people, so you’ll want to avoid fragrant flowers if possible.
Ask for recommendations from friends and family who have recently tied the knot. Chances are, they’ll have a few go-to florists they can vouch for. It’s also a good idea to consult with your wedding planner or coordinator, as they often have their list of preferred vendors.
Once you’ve shortlisted candidates, arrange interviews. This will allow you to get to know each florist in person and discuss their ideas for your wedding. In advance of the interview, be sure to review your budget and have each florist prepare a high-end, best-case proposal as well as a low-end, bare-minimum one.
Reputation
When it comes to choosing your wedding florist, reputation is everything. A great florist will have a solid portfolio of past clients you can speak with, as well as an online presence where they share photos of recent work. A good florist will also be able to answer any questions you have about their services, as well as give you quotes for your event without being too pushy with extras. If you’re not sure where to start, ask your friends and family for recommendations, or reach out to your planner or coordinator who works closely with florists regularly.
It’s a good idea to begin your search for a wedding florist shortly after you’ve finalized your date and secured the venue. This gives you plenty of time to find and interview florists without feeling rushed or stressed out. Start by asking for personal referrals from trusted friends and family members, then do a quick search online to discover florists near you. You can also check out local wedding blogs for a list of recommended florists.
Once you’ve narrowed down your list, schedule meetings with each florist to talk about your vision and budget. If you have an inspiration board or color swatches, bring them with you to help explain exactly what you’re looking for. This will save you valuable time and make it easier for the florist to understand your vision.
Don’t be surprised if a potential florist asks you how much of your budget is reserved for flowers. This is a standard part of the interview process and a good indicator that they’ll be able to meet your expectations. In some cases, it may be necessary to make compromises if your favorite blooms aren’t in season or are incredibly expensive.
Ultimately, the most important factor when choosing a wedding florist is how you feel during your interaction with them. A great florist will genuinely care about meeting your expectations and will be flexible when needed. They’ll be able to provide suggestions, alternatives, and money-saving tips, all while bringing your vision to life. When you’re working with a vendor that makes you feel confident and excited, they’ll make the entire wedding planning experience much more enjoyable!