Booking Florists Before Your Wedding: How Early Is Too Early?

Planning a wedding can be a stressful experience, and it's easy to feel pressured to get everything booked as soon as possible. But is it necessary to book a florist a month before your wedding? The short answer is no. While it's important to secure your florist in a timely manner, booking a month in advance is generally not required. Here's what you need to consider when deciding on the timing.

Florists recommend booking 9-10 months before the wedding

While it is possible to book a florist with one month to go until your wedding, it is recommended that you start researching florists much earlier. Sources suggest that you should begin your research 11 to 12 months before your wedding, with the goal of signing a contract with your chosen florist nine to ten months before the big day.

The earlier you can secure a florist, the better, especially if you're getting married during peak wedding season, or if you want elaborate flower arrangements or specific types of flowers. Booking your florist nine to ten months in advance ensures availability and gives you more options. It also gives you more time to make final decisions with the florist that you hire.

Before seeking out florists, you should have your wedding date, floral budget, style, and venue decided on. It is also worth noting that certain months, like June, are heavily sought after, so florists may be booked up to a year in advance.

If you are unsure about what you want for your bouquet and centrepieces, meeting with a florist can help you decide. You can also look at their portfolio books and discuss what they can do for you.

Booking early ensures availability and more options

Booking a florist for your wedding is an exciting part of the planning process, and it's a detail that requires some forethought. While it's not the very first thing on your wedding planning checklist, it's important to get it done with plenty of time to spare.

The ideal time to book your wedding florist is nine to ten months before your wedding. This is especially true if your wedding is in a trendy location or during a popular month. If you're getting married during peak season and want elaborate flower arrangements, booking early is crucial. This will ensure that your florist of choice is available on your wedding date and that you have a wide range of options to choose from.

Booking early gives you more time to make decisions and finalise details with your chosen florist. You'll have the flexibility to make changes and explore different ideas without feeling rushed. It also gives you peace of mind, knowing that you've secured a well-matched florist who understands your vision and can bring it to life.

If you're eager to get started, there's no harm in reaching out to florists as soon as you've booked your venue and set a date. You can start by researching florists in your area, compiling a list of potential candidates, and reaching out to discuss availability and pricing. This initial research will give you a good sense of the market and help you make an informed decision when the time comes to book.

Don't worry if you don't have every detail figured out yet. Many couples don't have a clear vision for their floral arrangements at this stage. Meeting with florists and browsing their portfolios can help you refine your ideas and make more confident decisions.

Remember, the availability of your dream florist cannot be guaranteed if you leave it until the last minute. Booking early will ensure you have a stress-free experience and plenty of options to create your dream wedding.

You should have your wedding date, floral budget, style and venue decided on before booking

It is important to have your wedding date, floral budget, style, and venue decided on before booking a florist. Here's why:

Wedding Date

It is crucial to have your wedding date confirmed before reaching out to florists or any other vendors. This is because a vendor will first need to know if they are available on your chosen date. Booking your florist without a confirmed date may lead to scheduling conflicts and the hassle of cancellations, which can be time-consuming and stressful, especially if retainers are non-refundable.

Floral Budget

Knowing your floral budget is essential when deciding which florist to book. As of 2019, the average amount spent on wedding flowers is $2,000. A good rule of thumb is to allocate 8-10% of your total wedding budget to florals. Having a clear budget in mind will help you narrow down florists within your price range and allow them to provide pricing estimates early on.

Wedding Style

Before contacting florists, it is beneficial to have a general idea of the style, colours, formality, venue, and number of guests for your wedding. Creating an inspiration board or gathering photos that capture your desired aesthetic will help florists understand your vision and make suggestions. This will also enable them to provide early pricing estimates.

Wedding Venue

Securing your wedding venue is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it affects the availability of other vendors, including your florist. Secondly, the venue heavily influences the overall look and feel of your wedding, which will impact your floral choices and florist selection. It is recommended to book your venue 9-12 months prior to your wedding to ensure your desired date and venue are secured.

In summary, confirming your wedding date, budget, style, and venue are essential steps to take before booking a florist. This will ensure a smoother planning process, help you make informed decisions, and allow you to work collaboratively with your chosen florist to bring your floral vision to life.

If your wedding is during a busy month or at a popular location, book earlier

If your wedding is taking place during a busy month or in a popular location, it's a good idea to book your florist earlier than the typical nine to ten months in advance.

September and October are the most popular months to get married, with 17% of weddings taking place in each month in 2023. June is also a sought-after month for weddings, so florists may be booked up over a year in advance. If your wedding is taking place during one of these months, it's a good idea to book your florist as soon as possible.

In addition, certain locations are in high demand for weddings. For example, venues in popular destinations like Napa Valley, California, or Pittsburgh can have years-long waitlists. If your wedding is in a popular location, you may also need to book your florist well over a year in advance to ensure their availability.

Booking early is crucial to ensuring your dream florist is available for your wedding. It also gives you more options and more time to make decisions about your floral arrangements. So, if your wedding is during a busy month or in a popular location, don't wait to book your florist – the earlier, the better!

You can start researching florists 11-12 months before your wedding

It is recommended that you start researching florists 11-12 months before your wedding. This is because, at this stage, you will have already booked your wedding venue and set a date, which are both essential pieces of information when it comes to hiring a florist.

Before you start your search, it is also important to have decided on your wedding date, floral budget, style, and venue. This will help you narrow down your options and ensure that you are only considering florists who are able to work with your specific requirements.

Additionally, booking your florist 9-10 months in advance is ideal, especially if your wedding is taking place during a popular month or in a trendy location. This will ensure that you have a wider range of florists to choose from and that you have more time to make final decisions with the florist you hire.

If you are unsure about where to start your search for a florist, online platforms like Zola's Wedding Vendor Search can be a helpful tool. This platform allows you to find florists in your area or in the location where you plan to get married. You can also seek recommendations from friends or other wedding vendors, such as your photographer or wedding planner.

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