Florists At Wedding Venues: Permission And Benefits

When planning a wedding, it is important to consider the role of a florist in creating the desired look and mood for the ceremony and reception. A florist can help bring your vision to life with their floral arrangements and designs. Before booking a florist, it is advisable to have your wedding date, venue, and budget finalised. This ensures availability and allows for a more efficient planning process. It is also beneficial to have a general idea of the style and aesthetic you want to achieve, as this will help guide your florist's creations.

One question that may arise is whether your florist can visit your wedding venue. This is an important consideration, as it allows the florist to familiarise themselves with the space and plan accordingly. It is recommended to ask potential florists about their availability for a venue walk-through and whether there are any associated fees.

When choosing a florist, it is essential to consider their design style, compatibility with your budget, and experience with similar events or venues. It is also advisable to ask about their process for creating and delivering arrangements, as well as any additional fees for delivery, setup, and breakdown.

By asking the right questions and providing clear guidance on your vision, you can ensure that your florist is well-prepared to create stunning floral displays for your special day.

Should I book my florist before my venue?

It is generally recommended that you book your wedding venue before your florist. This is because the venue often dictates the date of your wedding, and florists will need to know your wedding date to confirm their availability.

The venue will also impact the look and feel of your ceremony and reception, which will, in turn, affect your choice of florist and floral arrangements. For example, you may want to complement an existing garden or room aesthetic with your floral choices.

It is also important to have a general idea of your wedding flower budget before meeting with florists. This will depend on your overall wedding budget, location, guest count, and other details. The average wedding florist cost in 2023 was $2,800, but this varies depending on the specifics of your wedding.

Once you have your venue and date confirmed, you can start researching florists. It is recommended that you start this research 11 to 12 months before your wedding, with the goal of signing a contract with your chosen florist between 9 and 10 months before. This is especially important if you are getting married during peak wedding season or want elaborate flower arrangements.

When choosing a florist, it is important to consider not only your budget but also your wedding style. Look for a florist whose design style aligns with your vision. You can browse florists' previous work online or in their shops to get a sense of their style and whether they will be a good fit for your wedding.

It is also a good idea to have your wedding colour scheme and flower preferences finalized before meeting with florists. This will help them understand your vision and make suggestions that fit your style and budget.

In addition to aesthetic considerations, you should also think about the specific flower arrangements you want. For example, do you want a florist who can create large-scale installations or add cultural elements like a mandap or chuppah? Different florists offer different services, so it is important to find one that aligns with your specific needs.

Overall, while it is important to book your venue before your florist, you should also give yourself enough time to research and choose a florist that fits your vision and budget. This will help ensure that you have a range of options and that your chosen florist is available on your wedding date.

How far in advance should I book my florist?

Booking your florist nine to ten months in advance of your wedding is ideal. This will ensure availability, provide more options, and allow more time for final decisions. It is especially important to book early if your wedding is taking place during a popular month or in a trendy location.

Before reaching out to florists, it is important to have your wedding date, floral budget, style, and venue decided on. This will help you narrow down your options and ensure that the florist you choose is a good fit for your vision and budget. It is also a good idea to have your wedding dress or suit chosen before meeting with florists, as this will impact the design of your bouquet.

When researching florists, look for those whose design style aligns with your vision. Spend time looking at photos of wedding flower trends, bouquets, boutonnieres, and centerpieces to determine your style and what you are looking for. It is also important to consider the specific flower arrangements you want and whether you need a florist who can create large-scale installations or add special cultural elements.

Once you have found a few potential florists, schedule a consultation to discuss availability, starting price points, and your specific requirements. After the consultation, the florist will send you a design proposal or mood board. If needed, you can schedule a second meeting to make changes before signing a contract. It is important to read the contract carefully and pay attention to the payment timeline, delivery requirements, weather policy, and cancellation clause.

What should I ask my florist before hiring them?

When it comes to hiring a florist for your wedding, there are several important questions to ask to ensure you're on the same page. Firstly, it's crucial to confirm the florist's availability on your wedding date and whether they have experience working at your ceremony and reception locations. Ask if they're willing to do a venue walk-through before the wedding and if there's an extra charge for this. Inquire about their experience and how many weddings they've done, as well as their design style and whether they can work within your budget.

• Are you available on my wedding date, and do you have experience working at my ceremony and reception locations?
• Are you available for a venue walk-through before the wedding, and is there a fee for this?
• How long have you been in business, and how many weddings have you done?
• What is your design style, and can you provide me with a portfolio of your recent work?
• Can you work within my budget, and what recommendations can you give me to maximize it?
• What flowers would you suggest based on my colour scheme, wedding style, and budget?
• Can you provide samples or mock-ups of the arrangements before I sign a contract?
• Will you work with my cake designer if I want to add flowers to my wedding cake?
• How far in advance will you create the bouquets and arrangements, and how will they be stored?
• Do you charge any additional fees for delivery, setup, or breakdown of the floral décor?
• What other decorative items can you provide, and are these included in the cost?
• What is your refund policy if I need to cancel my order?

How much do wedding flowers cost?

Wedding flowers can be expensive and you will likely have to allocate a significant portion of your total wedding budget to flowers if you want them to feature heavily in your ceremony or reception. The cost of wedding flowers will depend on your style and needs, but the average cost of wedding flowers in the US is around $2,800, with most couples spending between $700 and $2,500. The average cost of a bridal bouquet is $160, while a bridesmaid's bouquet will typically cost around $75.

There are several factors that will influence the cost of your wedding flowers. The types of flowers you choose will have a big impact on price—peonies, gardenias, and hydrangeas are among the most expensive flowers, while freesia, baby's breath, roses, daisies, and carnations are more affordable options. The size and scale of your arrangements will also affect the overall cost, with larger florals and more elaborate designs typically costing more. If you're looking for high-impact floral installations or unique designs, be prepared to pay a premium.

Another factor to consider is the seasonality of your flowers. Using seasonal flowers can help reduce costs, as certain flowers are only available during specific times of the year. For example, if you want flowering branches, you'll need to plan a spring wedding, while summer or fall is best for dahlias. Your wedding location can also impact the cost of flowers, as some areas may have higher demand or limited availability of certain blooms.

It's important to start researching and booking your wedding florist early, ideally about 11 to 12 months before your wedding day. This will give you a better chance of finding a florist who fits your style and budget. When creating your budget, keep in mind that flowers and décor typically account for about 8% to 10% of a couple's total wedding budget. Be sure to factor in any additional fees, such as setup, delivery, and breakdown charges, as well as taxes and tips for the delivery staff.

What are the pros and cons of hiring a florist near my venue?

Hiring a florist near your wedding venue has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros:

• A florist near your venue may be familiar with the site and have experience creating arrangements that complement the existing garden or room aesthetic. This can save you time and effort in explaining your vision and requirements.
• Local florists may have established relationships with local floral farms and wholesalers, allowing them to source flowers that may not be available to the general public. This can be especially beneficial if there are last-minute emergencies or changes.
• A nearby florist can easily coordinate with your venue to ensure timely setup and takedown of floral arrangements. They can also efficiently handle post-event cleanup, allowing you and your family to enjoy the final moments of the celebration without worrying about cleanup.
• A florist near your venue may offer rental services for vases and other components, streamlining the process and reducing your post-wedding responsibilities.

Cons:

• The cost of hiring a florist near your venue may be higher than expected due to their business expenses, such as labor, utilities, insurance, and marketing. This can be a significant drawback, especially if your budget is limited.
• Some florists may have exclusivity clauses in their contracts, restricting you from bringing in flowers from other sources. This can limit your flexibility and options.
• Depending on the popularity of the florist and the time of year, you may need to book well in advance, sometimes a year or more. This can be a challenge if you are planning your wedding at short notice.
• Once booked, florists may have restrictions on making significant changes to your floral budget, color scheme, or style. This can be inconvenient if your plans or budget change unexpectedly.

Frequently asked questions