George Boyle
Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, and flowers are an essential part of the big day. While it's important to start planning early, ordering flowers too far in advance may result in certain blooms being out of season by the time of the wedding. Flowers should ideally be ordered between two and four weeks before the wedding to ensure the freshest picks are available, and to avoid paying higher prices for blooms that are in season during holidays like Valentine's Day. It's recommended to have flowers delivered two to three days before the wedding to allow for prep, rehydration, and design work. However, if the wedding is around a holiday, it's advisable to add an extra day to account for shipping delays.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time to order flowers | 6-9 months before the wedding |
| Time to choose flowers | 1 year to 1 month before the wedding |
| Time to arrange flowers | 2-4 weeks before the wedding |
| Time to deliver flowers | 2-3 days before the wedding |
| Time to rehydrate flowers | Overnight |
| Time to store flowers | In a cool, dry place |
| Time to re-cut stems | After 2-3 days of arrival |
| Time to order from specific companies | 1800Flowers: As soon as possible |
| Time to order from specific companies | Costco: 3-4 days before the wedding |
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What You'll Learn
Budgeting for flowers
Flowers are often the focal decoration at weddings, and they can be expensive. It is important to know how much you can or are willing to spend on your wedding flowers. Typically, couples allocate 8% to 10% of their total wedding budget to flowers, but this can vary depending on various factors.
Before you start budgeting, it is a good idea to browse real weddings to get inspiration. Save your favourite flower arrangements so that you can refer to them later when discussing with florists.
When budgeting for flowers, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, the location and date of your wedding will impact the flower options available and their associated costs. For example, if your wedding is around a holiday weekend, you may want to prepare for potential shipping delays. Secondly, the scale of your flower arrangements will affect the cost. Do you want floor-to-ceiling blossoms or a few buds in vases?
Another factor to consider is the type of flowers you want. If you have a certain flower in mind, but it is more expensive than the average bloom, you can mix big-budget blossoms with more affordable ones or incorporate filler foliage. Peonies, orchids, and David Austin roses are considered premium flowers, and the budget needs to account for this.
Additionally, it is important to remember that labour charges can vary. Each venue has its own rules regarding setup and pack-down times, which will impact the cost.
To save money on your floral budget, you can book your wedding at an outdoor venue that is already full of flowers and striking landscapes. You can also reuse the bridesmaids' bouquets by placing them in tabletop vases after pictures have been taken.
In terms of when to order your flowers, it is recommended to start your search for a florist between eight and twelve months before the wedding date, as their calendars can book up quickly, especially during peak wedding season (May to October). However, when it comes to choosing the type of flowers, your taste may change over the course of a year, so it is best to choose your flowers one month to a year in advance.
Regarding delivery, it is suggested to receive the flowers two days before the event to give yourself enough time to prepare them. If you are ordering bulk flowers from a store that does not deliver on weekends, you will need to receive them 3-4 days before the wedding.
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Choosing a florist
Start the search early
It is recommended to start your search for a florist between eight and twelve months before the wedding. Popular florists can book up quickly, especially during peak wedding season, which is usually considered to be from May to October. Starting early will give you more options and allow you more time for consultations and design discussions.
Define your vision and budget
Before meeting with florists, it is helpful to have a clear idea of your wedding style, colour palette, and budget. Look at photos of wedding flower trends, bouquets, boutonnieres, and centrepieces to determine your style. You should also be realistic about your budget and have open and honest discussions with florists about costs.
Ask for recommendations
Ask newlyweds you know for recommendations, browse wedding magazines, and search hashtags on social media for inspiration. If you're working with a wedding planner or venue coordinator, they may also have suggestions for florists in the area.
Interview multiple florists
Set up appointments or phone calls with a shortlist of florists to discuss your vision, their experience, and pricing. Ask about their design style and whether they have experience with the specific arrangements you want, such as large-scale installations or cultural elements. Be sure to also inquire about their process for handling multiple events and whether they can prioritise your wedding.
Request detailed proposals
Ask for a detailed price quote based on your vision and budget. Discuss the exact flowers, costs of materials, setup and breakdown costs, and any additional fees. If you've discussed multiple ideas, ask for a "high" best-case scenario and a "low" bare-minimum proposal to understand the range of options available to you.
Finalise your choice
After meeting with multiple florists and reviewing their proposals, it's time to make a decision. Choose a florist who understands your vision, fits within your budget, and has a design style that aligns with your wedding style.
Remember, choosing a florist is about finding a professional who can bring your floral dreams to life and make your wedding day unforgettable.
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Choosing the flowers
Choosing flowers for your wedding can be an exciting part of the planning process. Here are some tips to help you make your selection:
Budgeting for Flowers
Before you begin choosing your flowers, it is important to determine how much you can afford to spend on them. Flowers can be expensive, and costs can quickly add up, especially if you require flowers for the bridal party, centrepieces, and other decorations. If you are on a tight budget, consider buying flowers in bulk from wholesale or bulk stores, or opting for seasonal, local flowers. You could also mix and match different sizes of blooms for visual interest, rather than choosing large flowers for every arrangement.
Choosing a Florist
Your florist should be one of the first wedding vendors you hire. Start your search between eight and 12 months before the wedding, as florists' calendars can fill up quickly, especially during peak wedding season (May to October). Ask for recommendations from newlyweds, browse wedding magazines, or search on social media. Set up appointments or phone calls with a shortlist of florists to discuss their work, pricing, and availability.
Selecting Flowers
When selecting flowers, consider the season, your colour palette, and the venue. Florists are artists, and they can create something unique based on your colour preferences and their knowledge of seasonal flowers. You don't have to choose flowers that identically match your colour scheme, but the arrangements should complement the rest of your decor and wedding attire. For example, if you're marrying in a park or botanical garden, you may not need as many flowers, whereas an indoor venue may require bigger, more impactful arrangements. If your favourite flowers are out of season or too expensive, your florist can suggest substitutes that achieve a similar style.
Timing
While it's never too early to start looking for inspiration, your style and colour choices may change over time. It is recommended to choose your flowers when you have already selected your venue, theme, and colours. This usually falls between one year and one month before the wedding. If you choose your flowers too early, your tastes may change as you get closer to the wedding date.
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Delivery and preparation
When it comes to the delivery and preparation of your wedding flowers, timing is everything. The general consensus is that flowers should be delivered 2-3 days before the wedding. This gives them time to rehydrate and prepare for the big day. If you're nervous about the flowers keeping, greenery is a good option as it tends to last longer.
If you're using a florist, it's recommended to book them around 6-9 months in advance. This ensures you get the freshest, most on-point blooms. It's also a good idea to lock in a florist early on as they can get booked up quickly, especially during peak wedding season.
When choosing a florist, set up appointments or phone calls with a shortlist of candidates to get a sense of their work, personality, and price range. Ask for recommendations from newlyweds, browse wedding magazines, and search hashtags on social media for inspiration. Once you've found a florist, work with them to choose the right flowers for your vision and budget.
When your flowers arrive, unpack them immediately and place them in water. They may appear a little droopy at first, but don't worry, this is just from travelling. After rehydrating, they will perk back up. To extend their life, keep them in a cool, dry place and change the water every 2-3 days, adding new flower food or a little sugar to perk them up. Be sure to wash your vases thoroughly before using them to prevent bacteria from building up.
The best time to arrange your flowers is the day before the wedding. This gives them enough time to relax and open up, and they will hold up overnight without any issues. Corsages and boutonnieres can be done on the morning of the wedding but will hold up well if made the day before with hardy blooms.
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Storage and maintenance
Storage and Rehydration
Ideally, you should receive your flowers 2-4 days before the wedding. This timing allows for any necessary prep work, rehydration, and design. Upon arrival, unpack your flowers immediately and place them in water. They may appear a little droopy at first, but this is normal after travel, and they will perk up as they rehydrate.
Water and Food
Fill clean vases or containers with fresh, room-temperature water and add flower food. You can also use a little sugar or lemon-lime soda (providing sugar and citric acid) in place of flower food if needed. Change the water and add new flower food after 2-3 days, and always ensure your flowers have enough water.
Storage Location
Keep your flowers in a cool, dry place after arranging them. Do not store them in direct sunlight or near sources of heat like appliances, stoves, or televisions. Also, avoid placing them near sources of cool airflow, such as AC vents or ceiling fans. If possible, store them in a refrigerator (away from food) or a cool area like a basement to prolong their life and slow blooming.
Foliage and Bacteria
Remove any foliage that falls below the waterline in your containers. Leaves will rot and cause bacteria to form, shortening the life of your flowers. To prevent bacterial growth, always wash your vases or containers with hot soapy water or in a dishwasher before reuse. Bacteria can build up and affect a new bouquet even if the vase appears dry.
Flower Types
Some flowers, like corsages and boutonnieres, can be prepared the morning of the wedding. However, if you want to prepare them a day early, use hardy blooms, and they will still look great. Flowers like sunflowers and peonies take longer to open, so consider this when planning your timeline.
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Frequently asked questions
It's recommended to book a florist for your wedding between six and twelve months in advance. This will ensure you can grab the freshest blooms and that your florist has enough time to make any necessary orders.
It's best to order your wedding flowers between two and four weeks before your wedding. This will ensure the freshest picks are available and that you're not paying holiday prices.
Your wedding flowers should be delivered two to three days before your wedding. This will give them time to rehydrate and be arranged the day before the wedding.
Wedding flowers will last for at least a week after the wedding if they are properly cared for. To make them last longer, keep them in water, in a cool, dry place, and away from direct sunlight or sources of cool airflow.
