Style Collective - Wedding Flowers - Choosing your Florist

Choosing your Wedding Flowers

Author - Devon LaSalle (LaSalle Floral Design)

Devon LaSalle is a freelance floral designer with experience over many facets of floristry. Devon provides her clients with beautiful, unique floral designs for weddings and events specifically tailored to their individual personalities.

You’re finally here! You’ve chosen your venue, the wedding photographer is squared away and you have “the dress”. Now it’s time to choose your flowers. Relax! It’s not as difficult as you might think. With the right information and a great florist, you’re sure to have the perfect flowers for your big day!

Look to the seasons!

The easiest way to get something that’s a bit unique is to look to the seasons for inspiration. There are many different flowers available in each season that will suit any wedding theme. Some of these include:

					Spring (September to November) Andromeda, Arum Lilies, Berzelia Berries, Blossoms, Canterbury Bells, Forget Me Nots, Foxgloves, Freesias, Godetias, Hyacinths, Lilacs, Lily of the Valley, Misty Blue, Muscari, Pansies, Peonies, Poppies, Ranunculus, Snapdragons, Waratahs

					Summer (December to February) Agapanthus, Asters, Bouvardia, Calla Lilies, Cattleya/Vanda Orchids, Chincherinchee, Cornflowers, Dahlias, Frangipanis, Gloriosa Lilies, Hydrangeas, Lavender, Leucadendrons, Liatris, Lisianthus, Proteas, Siam Tulips, Sunflowers, Tuberose, Zinnias

					Autumn (March to May) Amaranthus, Azalea, Banksias, Berries/Gumnuts, Brunei, Cosmos, "David Austen" Roses, Delphinium, Easter Daisies, Gardenias, Kale, Nerines, Pomegranates, Poppies, Privet Berries, Slipper Orchids, Stephanotis, Stock, Tulips, Water Lilies

					Winter (June to August) Anemones, Bixia, Blushing Bride, Camellias, Daphne, Erica, Geraldton Wax, Gymea Lilies, Helleborus, Jasmine, Jonquils/Paper Whites, Magnolias, Molucca Balm, Phalaenopsis/Cymbidium Orchids, Proteas, Rhododendrons, Sweet Peas, Thistle, Violets, Wattle

There are also many flowers that are generally available year round and nicely compliment seasonal flowers. These include Alstroemeria, Anthuriums, Birds of Paradise, Carnations, Gerberas, Heliconias, Irises, Lisianthus, Oriental/Asiatic Lilies, Roses and Singapore Orchids. Just remember that every growing season is different, so you might not be able to get the freesias you want if your wedding is in late spring. Your florist will be able to give you the best idea of what will be available for your wedding day, as well as any suitable alternatives.

Book your florist in advance

It is very important that you book your wedding florist at least three months in advance. Some flowers are less widely available than others, so try to organise your wedding flowers even farther in advance if you want a special flower such as “David Austen” or garden roses. It is also important to book ahead because while florist shops might not be booked out for your wedding date, some freelance florists only take a certain number of bookings per week and may be booked out well in advance.

There are many advantages to choosing either florist shops or freelance florists. When you’re at a florist shop, you can see many of the flower possibilities first hand. This can make choosing your wedding flowers a bit easier. However, freelance florists often specialise in one or two facets of floristry and have the potential to be more creative. Freelance florists also often have a sizeable portfolio of their previous work, giving you a better idea of what they are capable of designing for you. While there is often a team of experienced florists at a shop that can assist you, you get the security of knowing exactly who will be designing your flowers with a freelance florist.

Shop around

While every florist you meet with would love for you to book their services on the spot, it is always recommended that you shop around first. Not only are you guaranteed to get different styles of design from each florist, but you may also get very different prices. Visit at least three florists before choosing the right one for you. If you’re stuck, ask everyone you know if they can recommend a good florist, particularly recent brides. You never know when you’re going to find the florist whose products and services best match your vision.

Do your own research

The best way to show a florist your style and vision for your wedding is to bring along pictures that inspire you. Perhaps the picture shows a specific flower you like (but you have no idea what it’s called!). Maybe you like the style of a bouquet or want the exact ribbon used in that picture. There are many great resources available online, including bridal directories and individual florist websites. Be sure to also include pictures of your dress, a swatch of the bridesmaid’s dress fabric if you can get one, and anything else you think might look good at your wedding. The more information you can provide your florist, the better chance you have of getting what you want.

Follow your instincts

You’re the bride, and you have a vision of what you want your wedding day to look like. While florists are professionals in the field, a good florist will listen to your ideas and take them on board. If one or more of your ideas isn’t suitable or possible to achieve for your wedding, your florist should still try to incorporate your ideas as much as possible or come up with a similar solution. Regardless of the situation, you should always feel comfortable with your florist.

Get a good contract

To avoid any confusion about what you’re getting, the contract your florist provides should include some key information about you and your wedding day:

Your full name, mailing address, and contact telephone number.
The date, time and location of your ceremony/reception, as well as the contact person’s name and telephone number at the venue(s).
The date, time and location(s) of delivery, as well as the contact person’s name and telephone number at the delivery address(es).
An itemised list of all floral arrangements provided and materials used. This also includes sundries such as vases, details about any ribbon used or any other embellishments.
The total amount of your flower order, including any GST payable and delivery charges.
The deposit amount and the date the deposit is due.
The date the remainder of the fees are due or a clause pertaining to such.
A clause pertaining to the refund of any fees paid to the florist in the event of cancellation by either party.

And Remember…

If your wedding is close to Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day or Christmas, you are likely to pay more for certain flowers due to high demand. Florists are also very busy during these periods, so it’s important that you organise your wedding flowers as early as possible.
Always try to choose flowers that are in season. While it is possible to get some flowers outside of the season, you will often pay a lot more for them. They also might not withstand the weather conditions outside of their natural season.
Have fun!

Happy planning!

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