How soon should you start planning your wedding flowers?

How soon should you start planning your wedding flowers?
Sooner than you think. The ideal time is 12-18 months before the day of your wedding.

Why so early?

Because if you want your chosen florist to create your dream arrangement for the biggest date on your calendar, then they will need plenty of notice.

The majority of florists are only able to cater for one wedding per weekend, and you don’t want to end up disappointed.

As the bride, all eyes will be upon you. Your wedding flowers will provide the ‘wow factor’ that will set the tone for the entire occasion, from complementing your wedding gown perfectly, to providing the right ambience at the reception. In addition, wedding flowers often provide the focal point for your professional photographs.

Just as you will inevitably spend hours choosing the right dress and venue for possibly the most important day of your life, so it’s vital to devote plenty of time to making sure your wedding flower arrangements are simply stunning too.
This is where the services of a professional floral design team can prove invaluable.

And here’s how you can help them do a first class job for you:
Once you have decided on your budget, it’s a good idea to use a mood board or scrapbook to capture your ‘wedding flowers’ thoughts. Ideas can be gleaned from weddings magazines, the Internet, friends and family.

When you visit your wedding venue, take along a camera or camcorder so you can keep in mind the colour scheme. Also it would be helpful to show your chosen florist an image of your dress and one of your bridesmaids’ dresses if possible. If you don’t have a photograph, a sketch will suffice. Fabric swatches are also helpful.

Check out florists near to your wedding venue and make a shortlist of several to interview. When you phone to make an appointment the first thing you should ask if whether they are free on your chosen day. Also confirm that the consultation will be free.

If you are planning to have flowers for your hair, it is useful to take along a picture of your proposed hairstyle. It’s also a good idea to have a trial run through with your hairdresser before the big day, so any refinements can be put in place.

When you arrive at your consultation be mindful of your first impressions. Is the florist’s shop clean and orderly? Are the staff friendly? Is the person you are meeting the same person who will be responsible for creating your wedding flowers? If not, when can you meet that person?

What to ask your shortlisted florists:

• Having seen my ideas, colours and themes, what types of flowers would you suggest?

- Does my budget work for you? If not, can you offer any alte
atives without me having to compromise on style?
- Do you have any examples of work that you have done that is similar in style to the flowers that I have chosen?
- Would you be willing to visit my wedding venue with me to see how the wedding flowers might work in the space?
- What are the hottest trends in wedding flowers at the moment? Can you recommend anything that might suit my wedding?
- Is there anything I’ve forgotten to ask?
- Would you like to ask me anything?

The earlier you start planning your wedding flowers the better. Knowing you have your first choice florist on your team means you can relax and enjoy your wedding day, safe in the knowledge they will do everything within their power to make your wedding day a magical experience for you, your partner and your guests.