How to Pick a Wedding Florist Without Losing Your Mind (or Budget)
Finding a wedding florist is an important part of planning, right up there with deciding who makes the guest list (sorry, distant cousin Kevin). Flowers set the tone for the event, so choosing a florist who understands your style—and doesn’t make you question your financial life choices—is key. Here’s how to do it without unnecessary stress.
1. Set a Budget (and Prepare for Sticker Shock)
Wedding flowers can range from “that seems reasonable” to “do these come with a lifetime supply of coffee?” Before you fall in love with rare orchids that cost more than your dress, set a realistic budget. Consider:
Whether you want seasonal flowers or if you must have peonies in December (spoiler: they’ll cost you).
How many arrangements you actually need. Bouquets? Centerpieces? A floral arch that can be seen from space?
Hidden costs—because, yes, delivery and setup aren’t free, and no, your florist will not work for “exposure.”
Being upfront about your budget saves time, awkward conversations, and potential heartbreak when you realize those cascading roses aren’t happening.
2. Find Inspiration (Without Getting Lost in Pinterest)
It’s easy to go down a rabbit hole of perfect wedding florals, only to emerge three hours later convinced you need a wall of orchids and a flower-covered ceiling. Before things get out of hand, focus on:
Color palettes that fit your wedding vibe.
Styles you actually like—minimalist, over-the-top, wildflower chic?
Realistic expectations (because not every bouquet will look like it came straight out of a Vogue photoshoot).
Bringing reference photos to your florist gives them a clear idea of your style and preferences, making it easier to create arrangements that match your vision. While they can offer expert recommendations and adjustments, having visuals helps ensure everyone is on the same page.
3. Research Florists (a.k.a. Stalking, But Socially Acceptable)
Not all florists offer the same services, and not all will be a good fit. When researching:
Read reviews and check out portfolios. If every bouquet looks the same, maybe keep looking.
See if they offer full-service floral design or just arrangements (some florists handle everything, others just drop off the flowers and wish you luck).
Check availability, because the best florists book up fast—like, faster than a new Taylor Swift album sells out.
Bonus: If they’ve worked at your venue before, they already know the quirks of the space (and where the wind will try to blow your flowers away).
4. Schedule Consultations (and Prepare for Some Real Talk)
Once you have a shortlist, set up meetings. These are like first dates, except you’re committing to flowers instead of a person. Ask about:
Pricing (so you’re not blindsided later).
Flower availability (because if you dream of lilacs in November, your florist may break the bad news).
A good florist will offer suggestions, tell you what’s realistic, and not just say “yes” to everything to get your business.
5. Compare Proposals (a.k.a. Reading the Fine Print)
After consultations, you’ll get proposals with details on pricing, flower choices, and services. Pay attention to:
What’s included (delivery, setup, breakdown—because “some assembly required” is not what you want to hear on your wedding day).
Contract terms and payment schedules (because paying in full upfront is a red flag).
Whether their style, responsiveness, and general vibe match what you need.
The cheapest option isn’t always the best—especially if it means getting carnations when you asked for roses.
6. Book and Finalize Details (Before Someone Else Does)
Once you’ve found The One (florist, not spouse—that’s hopefully already settled):
Pay the deposit before they book someone else.
Confirm logistics like delivery times, setup details, and who’s handling breakdown.
Keep communication open for any last-minute changes (because something will change).
Final Thoughts
Picking a wedding florist doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Set a budget, do your research, and find someone who understands your vision and your financial reality. A little planning now means you’ll actually enjoy your flowers instead of stressing about them. And remember—at the end of the day, they’re just flowers. (Okay, very pretty and somewhat expensive flowers, but still.)
