6 Things to Know When Working with a Florist
We love florists! But who doesn’t? They bring such beauty and life (actual living breathing life) to weddings! When working with a florist, you’ll want to have accurate expectations of the work they do and what service they provide— and that’s what we’re here for! In this blog, we’ll cover six things to know when working with a florist. These are things we’ve gathered through our experience and things florists themselves have shared with us.
Having accurate expectations will allow you to move more seamlessly through the wedding planning process, have a great working relationship with your florist and see true art come to life on your day through flowers!
So, let’s jump in!
Photos by Kenz and Nick Photo. Florals by Urban Canyon Floristry.
1. Florists are artists.
Allow your florist to offer ideas, expertise and creative direction. The more freedom you give them, the more unique your design. Ask you florists if they have any ideas they have been wanting to try out and how they could implement them in your day! Share about your love story, not just the vision for your wedding day. Give your florist something to be inspired by— your story!
Photos by Shelby Ann Photography. Florals by Offerings Co.
2. Flowers are seasonal and can change spontaneously due to weather and other uncontrollable variables.
Don’t get too set on a specific flower. Your florist will do their best to accommodate your desires, but remember things change last minute. No matter what, your florist will problem solve and find beautiful replacements that complete your design.
Photos by From The Daisies. Florals by Hazel Ave Florals.
3. Flowers may cost more than you originally anticipated.
Keep in mind that you are not only paying for the cost of flowers, but for the years of experience your florist has, the creativity of your florist, and the time it takes to order, process, and design your florals. Plus so much more! Respect your florist’s pricing by holding your expectations loosely and allowing for changes that will fit your budget and the pricing your florist charges.
Photos by Heather Jackson Photography. Florals by Wildly Collective.
4. Foraged and dried flowers still cost time and money for the florists.
Though you may expect these items to cost less, they most likely will not. It takes time and resources to forage flowers and foliage. Even though foraged materials do not take payment via credit card, the time and resources to mindfully and ethically forage are costly for your designer. It will take longer, more expertise of the location they are foraging, and knowledge of the types of plants that can be foraged. Similarly, dried flowers involve more time to craft. These will cost the same or more than fresh flowers, depending on the type of flower.
Photos by Cedar and Pines. Florals by Wildly Collective.
5. Pinterest should be used for inspiration, not replication.
We all love Pinterest for creating wedding inspiration boards! Show your wedding board to your florist, but don’t expect your floral design to look exactly like your inspiration photos. Take in consideration all of the above points, as these will impact the floral design seen at your wedding. Let your florist get inspired by your Pinterest board, but do not expect your design to look flower-for-flower like the photos in your board. Something new and completely unique to you will be created for your day!
Photos by Meg White Photography. Florals by Price Cutter.
6. This is their passion and your florist is just as invested in the final result as you are.
Remember, your florist loves what they do and are pouring so much time, creativity and knowledge into your day. They may not be able to use every flower you specify— so they’ll offer alternatives. They may not be able to answer every email immediately— they’re working in their studio, honing their craft and working for clients just like you. They charge for labor, travel and rentals— they deserve a livable wage for their craft (well, this goes for all wedding vendors). They want to produce work to be proud of and that makes you so happy!