When choosing flowers for your wedding day, you may feel a little lost in the weeds. Sprays, sprigs, bouquets, bunches… I love these. I love these not. *sigh*
Unless you are a totally DIY bride, choosing flowers for your wedding day is a job best left to professionals. When you set your wedding budget, depending on how much of a priority you determined flowers to be, you may have earmarked approximately 8% to spend on flowers. Some of that 8% will go toward the services of a professional florist. Follow our tips for making this selection easy and painless (just watch out for thorns!).
For more planning help, download these Free Wedding Planner Worksheets! They include help with anywhere from budget to the decorations.
How to Choose the Right Wedding Florist for You
There are essentially three types of florists to choose from. We recommend estimating your budget, taking a quick pass at how many people and places will need flowers on your big day and dive in. This Who Pays for Your Big Day article has some great budget tips included. Budget is important for almost all aspects of planning a wedding! Google will give you a million responses and likely leave you feeling more overwhelmed. Here are a few ways to start narrowing the options to find your perfect florist. If you start by determining your personal floral style, you can eliminate or bookmark florists in your area based on their gallery of work. While most any florist can work with any style, finding one who showcases work in your preferred style is ideal.
Determine Your Floral Style
- Romantic designs feature looser, fluffier flowers that utilize neutrals in the pink family (white, beige, and blush).
- Classic floral design is usually round and crisp, and often features roses.
- Natural designs are inspired by um… nature! They are heavy on greenery and loose, organic designs. We have the perfect galvanized vases for a vibe like this.
- Bold brides want bright flowers and maximum color. Ask your florist to dial everything up a notch or two when selecting flowers for you.
- Minimal and clean design is what a modern bride craves. Her flowers usually featuring clean lines and modern shapes.
- Wild thing, you make our hearts sing! Wildflowers are popular right now and their designs contain lots of different colors and textures. Like you, they are looser and more free-flowing. Check out this Summer Wildflower Wedding!
Who Can Your Budget Handle?
- Florist: Your local florist can create simple arrangements that are affordable
- Floral designer: Specializing in weddings and events, their price-points are higher, but their work is more custom and creative.
- Wedding designers/event planners: Manage all of the wedding décor, including flowers, decorations, lighting, and rentals.
The DIY Bride
- As you know by now, there are countless expenses that go into having a wedding and real flowers can get very expensive. Being a DIY Bride might be the way to go! We have so many beautiful floral DIY projects that can save you a little money and add a unique touch to your decorations. When your guests enter your wedding ceremony, you want them to be filled with happy vibes and excitement about your marriage. This Patina Wedding DIY Welcome Sign and this DIY Floral Boho Wedding Backdrop are great elements to create for your wedding ceremony.
- Many brides choose to make their own centerpieces for their reception. It not only saves money, but there are so many unique ideas to choose from. The key to making successful centerpieces is starting early! You could go as simple as this Blush Floral Centerpiece DIY or these DIY Wedding Floral Box Centerpieces for less traditional look.
- Being a DIY bride may not be for everyone, but is an awesome alternative for brides on a budget. And it can even be fun! We even have pre-made bouquets for the wedding party like this Blush Floral Bouquet and Ivory Peony Wedding Bouquet. If DIY is what works for your wedding style and budget, be sure to check out all our fun wedding reception DIY ideas and wedding ceremony DIY ideas.
Tips to Consider Before You Decide:
- Ask around for recommendations within your budget. Fellow brides may have great input in this area. A quick Facebook message generally elicits feedback from friends and family, although you may not wish to put your budget in the post. This free printable Wedding Budget Planning Worksheet contains spaces for you to write in your budget, and your actual spend, for every single thing you might need to purchase for your wedding.
- When contacting florists, be honest about your budget and your needs the ceremony and the reception. Give the florist a quick overview of your ceremony of reception details so they can offer money saving ideas.
- It’s time to show your Wedding Flowers Pinterest board or folder of tear sheets to someone who cares and can start to make those ideas a reality. All that pinning is finally paying off! We have some great Pinterest wedding planning tips that you may find useful.
- Florists should offer suggestions for bouquets that best suit your dress and theme, while also taking your floral style and budget into consideration. An ideal wedding florist becomes a partner to you during the final months of your wedding planning.
- Trust their opinion. If you have chosen a flower that is out of season or difficult to acquire, be open to other ideas or solutions. When money is running tight, listen to their suggestions. Let them be the professional and help you be the day’s most beautiful bride!
- Expect a proposal and service agreement or contract from your chosen florist. A deposit is not an uncommon requirement.
You're one month closer, bride-to-be! With nine months until the wedding, let's choose between a DJ or a band, select the wedding party's attire and learn all about wedding rentals.
Follow our Month-by-Month Wedding Planning Guide for more tips for every phase of your planning process. Feeling crafty? We’ve handpicked our favorite DIY wedding projects too!
Don't forget to download and print these Wedding Planner Worksheets!
Article written by: Melissa Collier
Photography by: Christie Conyer