12 Questions to Ask a Wedding Florist Before Booking

January 20, 2025 Jessica Stewart

Did you know that (according to Shun Bridal) 74% of couples hire a florist for their wedding? Choosing the right wedding florist is crucial to bringing your floral vision to life. However, many couples may not know which questions to ask to ensure their florist can meet their expectations.

Join us as we take a closer look into the essential questions to ask a wedding florist before booking, helping you make an informed choice for your special day.

1. What Is Your Experience With Weddings?

When choosing a wedding florist, understanding their experience with weddings is one of the first steps. Wedding florists often deal with tight timelines, elaborate setups, and personalized designs.

Their experience ensures they understand how to manage these demands while maintaining quality. A seasoned florist knows how to handle unexpected challenges without disrupting the event.

Weddings are dynamic, and last-minute changes can occur. A florist with experience can adapt to sudden alterations, such as venue constraints or changes in flower availability, ensuring a smooth process.

2. Can You Work With My Venue's Restrictions?

When selecting a wedding florist, it's important to understand how well they can work with your venue's specific rules. Venues often have restrictions regarding what materials or setups are allowed. Knowing whether your florist can navigate these guidelines is essential for a seamless experience.

Many venues have policies about what can and cannot be used for décor. For instance, some prohibit hanging installations or require flame-resistant materials.

Ensuring compliance with venue policies can save time and stress on the wedding day. Asking your florist about their approach to these rules helps you avoid misunderstandings that might disrupt the event.

3. What Flowers Are Available for My Wedding Season?

Understanding which flowers are available during your wedding season can make a big difference in both cost and design. Seasonal wedding flowers are often more affordable and easier to source, making them a practical choice. This is why discussing seasonality with your florist is so important.

Spring weddings might feature tulips or peonies, while summer events often include roses or sunflowers. Fall brings options like dahlias and chrysanthemums, and winter weddings may feature evergreen accents or amaryllis. Your florist can help you explore these seasonal options while considering your color palette and theme.

4. Can You Work With My Budget?

Discussing your budget with a florist early in the process is an important step. It helps set expectations and ensures their services align with what you're comfortable spending. A good florist will provide guidance on how to allocate your budget while still achieving a beautiful look for your wedding.

Some florists might suggest substituting expensive flowers with similar, more affordable options. Others could recommend reusing arrangements from the ceremony for the reception. The small adjustments can have a big impact on keeping costs manageable.

5. Do You Have a Portfolio of Past Work?

Asking a florist to share their portfolio is a great way to understand their style and capabilities. A portfolio showcases their past work and gives you a sense of whether their designs align with your vision. It can also provide inspiration for your wedding, especially if you're still deciding on specific floral arrangements.

Look for examples of weddings that match your desired theme, size, or venue type. It will help you see how well the florist adapts to different settings and preferences. If their portfolio includes unique or creative designs, it's a good sign they can bring originality to your event.

6. Can You Customize Arrangements to Fit My Theme?

Personalizing floral arrangements to match your theme can make your wedding feel unique. A florist who can adapt their designs to your vision is a valuable partner in creating the right atmosphere. Asking about their ability to customize ensures they can bring your bridal bouquet ideas to life.

Themes often involve specific colors, styles, or even cultural elements. A skilled florist can recommend flowers and arrangements that align with these details. They might also suggest creative touches, like adding non-floral elements or incorporating seasonal wedding flowers that fit the theme.

Customizing doesn't just mean following your exact instructions. It also involves a florist offering input and creative ideas.

7. How Do You Handle Last-Minute Changes?

Weddings are unpredictable, and last-minute changes are sometimes unavoidable. Asking how a florist handles these situations helps you gauge their flexibility and problem-solving abilities. It's reassuring to know they can adapt without compromising the quality of their work.

Changes might include weather-related adjustments, substitutions for unavailable flowers, or shifts in the timeline. A florist who's experienced with weddings will likely have contingency plans for these scenarios. They may offer alternatives that maintain the overall look and feel of the arrangements.

It's also worth discussing how they communicate during these moments. Clear and timely updates can make a big difference in reducing stress.

8. Can You Provide Samples or Mockups Before the Wedding?

Seeing samples or mockups of your floral arrangements before the wedding can give you peace of mind. The step allows you to confirm that the florist understands your vision and can execute it as planned. Mockups can include elements like centerpieces, bridal bouquets, or table arrangements, helping you visualize how everything will come together.

Some florists offer this service as part of their package, while others may charge an additional fee. It's important to clarify whether mockups are available and what they might include. It can be a valuable opportunity to make adjustments if something doesn't align with your expectations.

9. What Is Your Team Size and Who Will Be on Site?

Understanding the size of the florist's team and who will be present on the wedding day is an important detail to discuss. Weddings often require extensive setup, and having enough staff ensures everything is completed on time. A florist with an experienced and organized team can manage large or complex designs more efficiently.

Ask if the person you've been working with during the planning process will also be on site. Their presence can be reassuring, as they'll be familiar with your vision and any specific requests you've made. It's also worth discussing how their team handles logistics, such as delivering arrangements to multiple locations or coordinating with the venue.

Knowing these details helps you feel confident that everything will run smoothly on the day of your wedding.

10. What Happens to the Flowers After the Wedding?

Discussing what happens to the flowers after the wedding is an important part of planning. Many couples don't think about this detail until the day of the event, which can lead to last-minute decisions. Understanding the options beforehand can help you make a thoughtful choice.

Some florists offer services to repurpose arrangements for donation to hospitals or care facilities. This can be a meaningful way to share the joy of your wedding with others. Alternatively, you may want to keep some arrangements for personal use, such as drying bouquets or preserving them as keepsakes.

If neither of these options appeals to you, the florist can often handle the cleanup and disposal of the flowers. This ensures that the process is seamless and doesn't add extra stress after the event.

11. Do You Offer Additional Décor Services?

Many florists provide more than just flowers, offering additional décor services that can enhance your wedding's overall aesthetic. This can simplify your planning process, as you won't need to coordinate as many vendors. It's worth asking about these options early in your discussions.

Some florists rent out items like vases, candles, arches, and table runners, which can complement your floral arrangements. They may also offer specialty services such as creating custom backdrops or installing hanging installations. These added touches can elevate the visual appeal of your event while maintaining a cohesive design.

Having your florist handle both flowers and décor can save time and reduce stress. It allows for better coordination between elements, ensuring everything works together seamlessly. By exploring these services, you can decide whether they align with your vision and simplify your wedding day logistics.

12. Can You Provide a Detailed Contract?

A detailed contract is an essential part of working with any wedding florist. It protects both you and the florist by clearly outlining expectations, timelines, and costs. Asking for a contract early in the process helps ensure there is no confusion about what is included.

A good contract should cover details like the types and quantities of flowers, delivery and setup times, and additional services provided. It should also include payment terms, such as deposit requirements and the final payment schedule. Make sure to review any cancellation or refund policies, as unexpected changes can occur.

Having everything documented provides peace of mind and avoids potential misunderstandings. It also gives you a clear point of reference if questions arise later. A transparent and well-organized contract sets the stage for a smooth collaboration with your florist and a beautiful wedding day.

Questions to Ask a Wedding Florist

Choosing the right florist involves preparation and thoughtful communication. By asking the right questions to ask a wedding florist, you ensure their expertise aligns with your vision.

Join us for The Event Planner Expo 2025 in New York City from October 14th-16th. This three-day event brings together global professionals for networking, education, and innovation. Explore 150 exhibitors, hear transformative keynote speakers, and attend VIP networking sessions. Don't miss this chance to advance your career and grow your business!

Get in touch today to find out more about reserving a booth for the Expo!

Previous Article
Celebrate BIG with These 6 Milestone Birthday Event Themes
Celebrate BIG with These 6 Milestone Birthday Event Themes

Whether young or old, captivate and amaze your client with any one of these engaging milestone birthday the...

Next Article
‘Edges of Ailey' a Must-See at the Whitney Museum of American Art
‘Edges of Ailey' a Must-See at the Whitney Museum of American Art

Experience The Edge of Ailey at the Whitney Museum of American Art, a captivating exhibit celebrating the l...