7 Tips for Hiring Your Floral Designer

Florals play a very important role in your wedding day and the person you choose to create them should be done with careful consideration. Fresh florals can easily transform any space, taking it from DRAB to FAB in no time! Florals make a huge impact in your photos as well, adding the perfect pop of color to every frame.

Photo courtesy of Belle The Magazine

Fresh flowers make up about 10% or more of your wedding budget so you want to make sure you’re getting the best for the money you spend. A lot goes into the floral design process and it’s important that the person you hire be able to provide you with the very best. From brainstorming to the final product, planning your flowers takes a lot of time, creativity and flexibility.

Here are some of my top tips for brides to keep in mind when choosing the florist for your wedding day:

When searching for your floral designer, look for someone who is AIFD (American Institute of Floral Designers) certified. The requirements to become AIFD are steep and the process to is rigorous. Only the best in the industry achieve this certification and the proof is in their work.
This may seem like a no-brainer, but make sure to choose a florist that specializes in weddings. Doing this will ensure they keep certain things in mind that any other florist would not think of (i.e. creating bouquets and boutonnieres, selecting centerpieces that will not obstruct anyone’s views, when to use battery operated candles vs. regular candles, etc.).
Look through their portfolio to get an idea of their design style. Ensure their taste is in line with your vision. Look for variety in their designs!
Setup a consultation prior to sending in a deposit. The consultation does not have to be that in-depth. Discuss some ideas, look through some albums, peek inside their coolers to see how well their flowers are kept and look at the various vases and vessels they have in inventory.
Ask how many people they have on staff and how many weddings they will take on each weekend.
Be sure to ask what their policies are if you’re getting married near Valentine’s Day or on Mother’s Day weekend.
When in doubt, trust your wedding planner. She can speak from experience and know whether they will align with your style and vision.