Choosing the Right Wedding Florist
Wedding flowers mean different things to different brides. For some, they expect the
traditional bouquets and boutonnieres for the wedding party. For others, the flowers
may be essential to the overall aesthetic the bride wishes to create. Whatever your
wedding flower choices, your wedding florist should be a professional who understands
your vision and who can create arrangements that suit your unique taste.
When to Hire the Florist
Book your wedding florist much earlier than you think you need to hire them. I have
worked with many couples who believed that two months’ notice was enough time.
Depending on your wedding date, you may find that it is hard to find a florist that is
available on such short notice. You want to lock in your florist six to nine months before
the wedding day, and if you have a popular date (June, for example) book the florist as
soon as you book the venue.
Types of Wedding Flowers
If it is a flower or a botanical, I have probably used it in a wedding flower design at some
point in my career! Brides often have flowers in mind that are a family favorite or they
have a specific color palette they want to highlight in the floral presentations. There are
no rules about what flowers can be used in wedding bouquets and arrangements,
although roses, calla lilies, and hydrangeas are extremely popular.
Keep in mind that the time of year will affect what flowers are easily available. Your local
floral designer can almost always get any type of flower you want, but it may be more
expensive if it is out of season. Be open to suggestions and willing to explore beautiful
alternatives.
What Floral Arrangements Do Weddings Need
It is helpful to have flowers and colors in mind when you meet your florist, but you
should also know what your specific needs are for the wedding day. Be prepared with
an inventory of what you know you will need:
Corsages
Bouquets
Boutonnieres
Table centerpieces
Alter Decorations
Cake Topper
Flower Girl petals
You may forget something, but your wedding florist will quickly earn your trust by
prompting you to think about details you may have overlooked.
Wedding Florist or Floral Designer
There is a difference between a florist who delivers floral arrangements and a designer
who can create a botanical expression of your aesthetic ideas. In general, florists have
a short list of designs that they create from their flower stock. A designer will know how
to bring your ideas to life, using your flower suggestions to create floral designs that are
unique and specially curated for your wedding day. A floral designer will understand the
other design elements that your wedding coordinator is using in your wedding day décor
and can easily work with the other professionals hired to make your wedding day go
smoothly.
Does a Wedding Florist Really Matter
Absolutely, it does. A professional can guide you to flowers and greenery that are
appropriate, and they will know where to focus your budget so that your flower
arrangements make the biggest impact.
Gathered Stems is a professional floral design company based in McLean, Virginia.
With over 15 years of wedding experience, our floral designs have graced the wedding
days of couples in Washington, DC to Wine Country Weddings in Middleburg, Virginia,
and everywhere in between. Book a free consultation to talk about your wedding floral
couture!
