You don't want to underestimate the power of preparation, especially when it comes to meeting with your florist (and other wedding vendors)—trust us. The first meeting with your florist sets the foundation for turning your floral dreams into a stunning reality. By being prepared, you can make the most of the face-to-face time you have with your florist and ensure that your vision is communicated, understood, and executed flawlessly. And we’re here to help you get ready.
From determining your budget to creating a mood board that reflects your desired vision, here’s our how-to guide for preparing for a meeting with your wedding florist.
1. Know Your Budget
Before you start meeting with vendors, including your florist, you gotta get a handle on your budget. It's crucial to have an agreed understanding of your overall budget, but also exactly how much money you’re planning to spend on every aspect of your wedding. This knowledge will come in super handy when you sit down with your florist because they’ll be able to show you some amazing blooms and arrangements that comfortably fit into your budget. It's all about getting those realistic options that won't break the bank.
2. Create a Mood Board
Before you head into the initial meeting with your florist, sit down with your partner and look through real wedding inspiration. Scroll through Instagram or create a Pinterest board to gather all the inspiration that catches your eye in one place. This will serve as your mood board for your florist to peek at before making recommendations. It'll help you communicate your vision loud and clear, giving them a solid understanding of what you're after.
But keep in mind that it's not just about knowing what you like. It’s equally important for you to understand what you and your partner don’t like. So have both lists ready to go, so your florist can help turn your floral dreams into a breathtaking reality.
3. Create a Wedding Checklist
Florals play such an important role on your big day. That’s why you want to have your wedding flower checklist handy. This will be a list of all the flower details you want to be incorporated into your wedding design. We’re talking about everything from bouquets to boutonnieres and even flowers to dress up your wedding cake. Having this magical list will make sure that no detail is overlooked or forgotten.
4. Write Down Your Questions
If this is your first rodeo, odds are you’ll have a million questions. And when it comes time to meet with your florist, you want to make sure you don’t miss a single one. This will save you from having to bombard your florist with all your questions via email. It’ll save you time and also allow you to get on the same page from the beginning—both key to successfully pulling off your wedding vision.
Not exactly sure what questions you should be asking your florist? Here are a few to consider writing down to ask your florist during your initial meeting:
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Are you available on my wedding date?
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Have you worked at my venue before?
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Do you have a minimum floral budget?
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Do you offer pre-set packages or fully customized packages?
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Which flowers do you recommend based on my wedding date/season?
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How far in advance do I need to order my flowers?
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Do you require a deposit? If so, how much?
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When is the final payment due?
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What is your cancellation policy?
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Do you deliver flowers on the wedding day? And is there a delivery fee?
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What time do you deliver flowers and set up the ceremony/reception arrangements?
5. Be Open Minded
Remember, you don’t need to have every detail sorted before meeting with your wedding vendors. In fact, it’s probably best not to have every detail 100% figured out. This gives you flexibility and allows you to remain open-minded. Remember, you're seeking the expertise of a florist because they're the pros. And while you might come into your initial meeting with a vision in mind, it’s important to stay open to any recommendations your florist may throw your way.
They might unveil some incredible flower choices or unexpected color combinations that you haven't even thought about yet. Being open-minded opens the door to a whole new set of possibilities for your wedding design.
Image Information
Florals: Hignight Florist
Photography: Priscilla Ryan Photography
