Chels Petals

Flowers are a huge part of any wedding, whether you are having a big celebration or something a little more intimate. It’s probably the only day of your life that you get to carry around a beautiful bouquet, so why not make the most of it?

Most people love fresh flowers and naturally want to have them as part of their wedding day, but don’t have much idea on all of the names, possibilities or what is in season and when. Given that the price of wedding flowers can typically be take up a sizable chunk of the wedding budget it’s no wonder that choosing a wedding florist is up there in one of the most important decisions couples will make in their planning process.

Flowers will not only contribute to your wedding attire during the day but it will also add to the look of your ceremony and reception spaces too. They will be in all the wedding photo's.

Some couples will decide to do their own flowers. Whilst this is occasionally a cheaper option, it is by no means an easy task!

Wedding florists will source and buy everything they need to bring to life the style and look you are aspiring for, whether that means early trips to flower markets or last minute changes because certain blooms haven’t opened.

They have masses of experience and training in putting together perfect arrangements and will ensure that your flowers look as fresh as possible for your wedding day. There’s more to this than you might think.

Your florist will know when the best time is to start creating your buttonholes, bouquets and arrangements so that they look perfect for you, which often means staying up quite late in the run up to your wedding. Creating beautiful arrangements can take a lot of time. There’s the cutting and wiring of each stem, and putting them into the design whether it’s a bouquet, top table arrangement or flower crowns and it all takes longer than you may think.

They’ll also take care of transporting all of your delicate flowers usually in a temperature controlled fitted van, which will ensure your flowers stay safe and arrive in the best condition at your wedding ceremony and venue.

One of the biggest things a florist can help with is choosing the right types of flowers for you and your partner. They know all of the options available and the names of flowers too. They can inform you of what’s in season when and can make suggestions for flowers to compliment your design plus make suggestions for blooms that are more sustainable or budget friendly.

If you want your flowers to symbolise something meaningful, your florist will be able to help with this too. 

The simple fact is that planning a wedding can be a stressful process and flowers are not the only things you’ll need to think about in the final few days before the wedding. Having someone to take care of this area for you will lift a lot of weight from your shoulders and allow you to focus on other areas of the wedding and enjoying the build up to your special day.

Your florist will also be prepared with spares for any squashed buttonholes or broken stems keeping stress to an absolute minimum before the wedding.

How to choose your wedding florist

Look at as many wedding florists as you can, ask your friends, family and work colleagues for any recommendations but then don’t take their word for it- your personal taste and style may differ. Do your own research – follow florists you are considering using on Instagram – this often gives you a give you insight into how they work.

Next create a shortlist of florists you’d like to meet. Send them your Pinterest boards and any other information you have for your wedding such as your dress and venue. Listen to their ideas and see how they respond to your vision and choices too. Look at lot’s of their past work not just one wedding, to get an idea of their style. Although a florist will work to your brief, a florist is a creative and will produce their best work when they are able to work within their style.

Some couples prefer to choose florists with a more structured style, some may prefer florists who work with silk flowers, and others may choose a wedding florist with a more wildflower, undone approach. Have a think about the general style of your wedding day and look for a wedding florist that shares your vision.

To ensure you get the look you’ve dreamed of and that you choose the wedding florist that’s best for you, I’ve put together a list of must-ask questions to ask your wedding florist.

• Can I see some examples of your work?
• Are you available on my wedding date?
• Have you worked at my wedding venue before?
• How would you describe your floristry style?
• Do you have a minimum spend?
• How many weddings do you work in one day?
• Which flowers will suit the style of my wedding?
• Are you able to help me choose a colour scheme?
• Which flowers will be in season when I marry?
• Which flowers are available within my budget?
• How soon do I need to order my flowers?
• Who will deliver my flowers on the day? Is there an extra charge for this?
• Can you move my ceremony flowers to the reception?
• Do you provide any other décor items? Display items?
• How will I return any rented items to you?
• Am I able to change my mind / add or take away things to my order?
• When will I need to make final choices by?
• When does the final balance need to be paid?
• Do you charge for breakages?
• Will you work with my Cake Maker and add flowers to my wedding cake?

And finally couples generally book their florist 1 year before their wedding. But if you’ve got your heart set on someone in particular…. book them as soon as you can!