5 Things your Florist Needs to Know
You’re planning a wedding, and your Pinterest board is just BURSTING with inspiration - Hooray! You’ve got hundreds of aesthetically pleasing pictures, you’ve nailed down your venue, and now it’s time to book a florist.
But how will you communicate what you’re looking for?
“It’s like, wildflower, but traditional, and our venue is formal but we want it to feel casual and summer-y...”
Feel familiar? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Here are the top 5 things your florist needs to know to make sure you get the wedding of your dreams. After all, we bring the visual magic!
1. Your Color Palate
You’ve always dreamed of an all white wedding. Or maybe you LOVE color (but hate yellow). Either way, your color palate is key to creating a cohesive, continuous aesthetic across all aspects of your big day.
If it has color (yes, including white) provide a photo or swatch to your florist. Napkins, bridesmaids dresses, neck ties, your dress (ivory, cream, beige, stark white, eggshell, etc.) it all matters! Remember, your idea of “peach” may not be mine- so be clear and provide examples. The more photos, the better, and we’ll make sure the entire scope is complimented in your florals.
2. What You Love About Your Venue
You chose a venue - often the biggest and most expensive decision when it comes to planning the party of a lifetime. Tell us WHY!
What did you love? Where in that gorgeous PNW Winery will you be exchanging nuptials? Is there an altar, a backdrop, a view that drew you in? We need to know! We can use our floristry expertise to emphasize those moments that you adore, and accent what you already love about the space. Plus, when we work behind the scenes with the on-site venue team, we’ll know what questions to ask to ensure you can have all the décor you dream of, and ensure the party goes on without a hitch.
3. Your Pinterest Page
No, we don’t mean the one you’ve been keeping since 8th grade. Your ACTUAL wedding Pinterest page (If you haven’t started one, this is your sign).
This helps us understand what you mean by “Traditional” or “Wildflower”, because otherwise those words are up for interpretation. It also helps us assess your design aesthetic - are you drawn to flowing, natural centerpieces or do you love clean lines and tight blooms? We’ll use your page to research and reference!
4. Your Height and/or Size, and Any Allergies
Why do we care how you look? Because a 5’2” brides version of a “small” bouquet is not the same as the bride who is 6’1”.
And in the era of online bookings, these details may not be obvious to us florists. Simple as that! As for allergies, this one should be a no brainer. If you’re allergic to lilies, you do NOT want to be stuffed up with a red nose on your wedding day! Be sure to share if you have sensitivities to pollen, specific floral allergies, or sensitive skin. We’ll avoid using varieties that make you itch.
5. Your Budget
This is a 100% need-to-know. We have to know what you are comfortable spending early on in communication. Your budget will allow us to build a realistic expectation for what we are able to create for you.
So often, I see brides who hold their cards close to the chest for fear they’ll be taken advantage of by vendors. In fact, it's more likely the opposite! We want to MAXIMIZE the impact of your budget, whatever it may be, to serve you with the highest quality of goods possible. Whether it’s $500 or $10,000, share it with us so we can provide accurate, detailed quotes that save time, money, and energy.
Don’t have a budget yet? You should be able to provide a range that you would be comfortable with to any of your vendors. Quotes are meant to be edited, so if you find you want to add more or reduce services after receiving a quote, just ask!
Planning a wedding is hard, even for the savviest brides and grooms. Remember, your vendors are here for YOU and ready to advise, assist, and answer your 1 millionth question with a smile!
