Choosing a Wedding Florist

Flowers create that extra bit of romance at a wedding. Choosing the wrong florist can put a huge damper on your big day. This handy guideline will help you to determine what to look for when choosing a florist for your wedding ceremony and reception.

Once you have decided on the color scheme for your wedding, you can start making arrangements for the flowers. Decide on the types of flowers you want and check that they are in season.

Visit a few reputable florists and have a look at some of their arrangements. Ask them if you can have a look at their wedding flower portfolio and decide on a setting that you like. Consider the type of ceremony you want to have and discuss this with your florist. She should be able to make suggestions based on your requirements. If you can, take your florist to the ceremony venue as well as the reception venue and find out what requirements she may have for you.

Find out if your florist is able to create the full range of wedding flowers, from ceremony flowers, to centerpieces, bouquets, buttonholes, corsages, petals for confetti and flower girl baskets or headpieces. Consider your dress when choosing your bridal bouquet. If you have an elaborate, over-the-top dress, opt for a simple, subtle bouquet. A single white rose works well with this. If you have a simple dress, opt for an elaborate bouquet, rich in color and full.

Some questions you can ask your florist:

• Have you done floral arrangements for a wedding at my venue before?
• What type of design do you specialize in?
• How many weddings have you done before?
• Can you do flowers for the number of guests?
• Can the flowers from the church ceremony be moved and used at the reception afterwards?
• Do you deliver or should we collect the flowers (get times and costs)?
• Are you able to decorate the venue as well?