WEDDING BLOG

Image by Pat Cori

Your wedding day is one of the most memorable occasions of your life, and choosing the right florist can make all the difference in creating the perfect ambiance. From delicate bouquets to elegant centerpieces, flowers play a crucial role in setting the tone for your special day. However, like with any other wedding vendor, finding the ideal florist amidst a sea of options can be overwhelming. 

That’s why Junebug exists. We’re here to match you with your dream vendors for your big day–including your florist. Before you find the perfect match for you, there are a few things you should know. From when to hire your wedding florist to what you can expect to pay, this is all the information you need to go into the hiring process feeling confident. We even roped in some Junebug-approved florists to give us their advice.

When Should You Hire Your Florist?

Although many weddings have been planned in the span of just a couple of months, if you want to maximize your options when it comes to vendors, we recommend starting your search as early as possible. Many vendors, including florists, book out far in advance. 

When we asked Estelle of Les fleurs d’Alkonost her thoughts on the matter, this is what she had to say on the timeline, “From my experience, the best time for couples to hire their wedding florist is eight to ten months before the wedding day. It gives florists time to dive into the floral design project and get to know the client’s needs. It also gives us time to source any special furniture and vases needed to make the day memorable. The sooner you contact a florist, the better to get a high level of details curated.” 

Image by Elle Reaux

How Much Does a Wedding Florist Cost?

The cost of hiring a wedding florist can vary widely depending on various factors, including your location, the season, the complexity of your floral arrangements, and the florist’s experience and reputation. On average, couples typically allocate about 8-10% of their total wedding budget to flowers and decor.

When meeting with potential florists, be transparent about your budget from the outset. A skilled florist will work with you to create stunning arrangements that align with your vision while staying within your budgetary constraints. Remember to account for all aspects of floral design, including bouquets, boutonnieres, ceremony decor, reception centerpieces, and any additional floral installations.

If you’re trying to make the most of your floral budget, we highly recommend repurposing your florals. Estelle agrees, saying, “Budget is often the first question we ask couples because it helps florists build a coherent design proposition from the beginning. In the last three years, flowers have become much more expensive, and floral budgets can feel overwhelming for couples. Our job is to advise couples about what’s important and where you can save costs. We always recommend having a beautiful statement floral piece to catch the eye–this piece really makes a difference as it has a “wow” effect on your guests. We also recommend, when it’s possible, to use ceremony flowers after the ceremony, moving them to another space to enjoy the flowers longer.” 

How to Choose Your Wedding Flowers

Selecting the perfect color palette and flowers for your wedding is a personal decision that should reflect your style, personality, and overall theme. Here are some tips to help you navigate this creative process:

• Consider your wedding theme – Whether you’re planning a whimsical outdoor wedding or a sophisticated ballroom soirée, your floral choices should complement the overall theme and aesthetic of your wedding. Take inspiration from your venue, season, and decor to guide your color palette and flower selection.
• Listen to professional advice – Don’t be afraid to lean on your florist’s expertise. They can offer valuable insights into which flowers are in season, what will work best with your chosen color scheme, and how to achieve your desired look within your budget.
• Think beyond the blooms – While flowers are undoubtedly the focal point of a wedding’s floral design, don’t overlook the importance of foliage, greenery, and other botanical elements. Mixing textures and incorporating non-floral elements can add depth and visual interest to your arrangements.
• Be open to alternatives – If your dream flowers are out of season or exceed your budget, be open to alternatives. Your florist can suggest similar blooms that offer a comparable look and feel while staying within your parameters.

When asked about tips for choosing flowers, Estelle said, “The tip I give to all my couples is to choose decorations that fit their personality. If you like simple things and minimalism in your everyday life, you should go for soft tones and flowers with intention. If you like colors and maximalism, then go for it! Doing so will help so that the couple doesn’t feel like they blindly followed a trend proposed by the wedding industry without really liking it. Your florist will get to know you and propose a mood board that explains the style and colors they will use on your wedding day. Try not to get too specific about flowers–your florist knows which are the best seasonal flowers to use to last all day long. ” 

Image by MK Zach Photography

Questions to Ask a Florist Before Hiring Them

Junebug vendor Jessika Fragoso of Flora Wedding Studio put together a small list of questions to ask a florist before hiring them. Of course, if you have other questions in mind, feel free to ask them. But if you’re looking for a good start, try some of these out:

• How long have you been working in the wedding industry? (It’s very important to see a portfolio)
• How do you work the florals? (Directly in the workshop or directly in the venue?)
• What do you think about the style and flower selection for the weather we’ll be in?

She also recommends putting together a meeting with your vendors (specifically the planner, rental company, and florist) to ensure that everyone is on the same page.

How Much to Tip a Wedding Florist

We understand that tipping wedding vendors may be a confusing topic. While we want to clear up any confusion for you, it’s also important to note that how much you tip your florist depends entirely on your preference and where the wedding takes place. For example, tipping is not a common practice in many international countries. That means if you’re having a destination wedding, tipping is likely not necessary.

If you’re having a wedding close to home, whether or not you tip is entirely up to you. While it is always appreciated, it’s not expected. The same can be said about the percentage that you tip. Florals can be expensive; even a ten percent tip can add up quickly. If you want to thank your florist for their hard work, choose an amount you feel comfortable with, place it in an envelope, and pass it off to your planner to give them on your wedding day.

Choosing the right wedding florist is a crucial step in bringing your floral vision to life. By following these tips and trusting in the expertise of your florist, you can create breathtaking floral arrangements that enhance the beauty and romance of your special day. To get in touch with the contact with the florist of your dreams, start with our highly-vetted directory of florists from around the world!

Image by Sav and Cam