Questions to ask your wedding florist

One of our favourite jobs is to support happy couples in Southampton and the surrounding areas with their wedding flowers. It’s a crucial part of the wedding day, so that’s why it’s important to ask the right questions to make sure the flowers on the day match your wishes – and your budget.

Planning your flowers for a wedding in the Southampton area? Here’s our advice on things you need to know, whether from yourselves or from your chosen florist.

Questions to ask yourself:

What’s my budget?
Decide this well ahead of the big day, and let your florist know. Perhaps create a ‘must have’ and ‘nice to have’ lists of flowers. This gives your florist a bit more help in making recommendations.

How does my wedding dress affect my choices?
Generally, bigger dresses need bigger flowers to compliment them. Colour-wise, white flowers with green leaves look good with white dresses. If you’re going for cream or ivory dresses then orange, pink or peach colours will work. Remember to choose a bouquet that suits your size too – petite brides will be overwhelmed by a large cascade bouquet.

What flowers do I like?
Do your homework before you start your search for a florist. Find out what’s in season when you get married. Visit markets or local gardens such as Exbury Gardens and Sir Harold Hillier Gardens to get some ideas. Look at colour, but don’t forget perfume. Too much perfume and you’ll be saying ‘atishoo’ rather than ‘I do’ at the altar!

As well as the look and perfume of flowers, think about flowers that have a special meaning for you both: for example the Duchess of Cambridge had Sweet Williams in her bouquet.

What’s my venue like?
Your flowers need to belong in their setting. Wildflowers may not be a great choice for a very formal setting, but could work in a more informal, relaxed venue. Think about your tables. Are they round or square? This will help you decide on your centrepiece arrangements.

Questions to ask your florist

Can I see some examples of your work?
We’re always happy to share our experience and examples of our work with you. Any decent florist will do the same.

What ideas do you have?
A good florist will listen to you and help you make decisions based on your budget. A lot of flowers have similar alternatives that may be in season. As well as flowers, a good florist will provide accessories such as votives or lamps as part of their offer.

How far in advance do I need to order?
Give them time – at least three months. Our record is the day before. We managed to help, but it was far from ideal and very restricting. Not to mention stressful for everyone!

What about the set up and the arrangements?
Will the florists be there on the morning of the big day? What is their back up plan in case of illness or emergencies? How long will it take? Is there a maximum distance they will travel?

What are your payment arrangements?
Most florists will want a deposit in advance. We ask for a deposit to secure your spot for the big day.

We’ve been designing wedding flowers for couples in Southampton and the surrounding areas for years, helping them to take the stress out of wedding planning. Get in contact with us for a one-to-one consultation and to see more examples of our work.