Finding the right supplier is essential if you want your wedding to be perfect.
Read our guide to finding a good florist and what you can expect from them.

1) Word of mouth, ask your caterer, venue or marquee company if they work regularly with a florist that they are happy to recommend. Pay attention to the flowers at any weddings you attend, even if the designs are not to your taste, you should be able to tell if the flowers are good quality.

2) Don’t be deterred from approaching a florist because you feel they maybe expensive, a true professional will rise to the challenge and use their experience to help you find solutions within your budget.

3) Phone more than one florist if possible, and ask if you can make an appointment to see someone to discuss your wedding flowers, before you go any further, check that the date is free. A popular florist maybe booked up to two years in advance. It’s a good idea to ask whether they take more than one booking per day, as, unless they run a large team they maybe over stretching themselves to accommodate you, which increases the risk of something going wrong on the day.

4) If possible arrange a meeting in the same season you plan to marry in then you will be able to see first hand the choice of flowers available.

5) At the first meeting, you should take along as much information as you can, pictures of your dress, bridesmaids outfits, and if possible a sample of the fabric. Cut out any pictures of flowers you like and dislike, so the florist can build up an idea of your style and personality, if you decide that you would like to book them to do your wedding flowers you will probably be asked to pay a deposit which will secure the date for you.

6) Most brides have a good knowledge of flowers and an idea of what they want but sometimes find it hard to explain. A good florist should be able to help you visualise what you want to achieve with your wedding flowers and you should feel comfortable with the choices and advice given, if you feel pressurised either to change your ideas radically or to spend more than you want look elsewhere!

7) Expect to see a reasonably large up to date portfolio, NOT just pictures cut from magazines, if the florist works at your chosen venue ask to see pictures of their work there.



8) If you are marrying at a venue far from where you live and work, search the web for a florist in the area with an online portfolio, we arranged the flowers for a recent wedding without meeting the bride (who was in Scotland) until the actual wedding day, communicating by email with suggestions, pictures and estimates.

9) Find out whether the florist has items for hire such as glassware and candelabra or whether you will be expected to buy them. Something to consider when planning your budget.

10) Finally expect a fully detailed itemised estimate with a delivery schedule so you know your florist has understood and listened to you.



This article was supplied by Sabine Darrall of G Lily (previously known as The Gilded Liy) named ‘Best Wedding Florist 2006’ by Wedding Ideas Magazine. Click below for a link to her listing:

Wedding Florist