Whether you plan to hire a florist or do it yourself, there are some questions that commonly crop up when I consult with my clients. So I thought I’d collaborate with an expert to bring you some answers! We want you to feel that you have an understanding of the value of your dollar, education around the real cost of living things, and can make decisions in this area from an informed point of view. We want your floral plan to feel chosen and make it feel like an easy “Yes!” to bring life into your celebration. So whether your route is to partner with a professional or dive into the world of DIY, we hope this information helps you determine which is your camp so that you can author your floral game plan.

— Kate, Creative Director of Tapestry Event Co.

Why Hire A Florist Pt. 2

It seems pertinent to start with the first question I ask in consultations: What is the feeling you hope to provoke, in your guests and yourself, on your wedding day? What subconscious chord do you hope to strike? I have always believed that whatever is worth saying can be said with flowers, that whatever is worth remembering can be created with blooms. Flowers remind us of how beautiful the world can be; they ground us in the ephemerality of a specific time and place. I continue this blog by exploring more of the expertise that a florist can give you, as well as exploring the time commitment for DIY inspired couples.

KNOWLEDGE OF SEASONAL BLOOMS-ORDERING, PROCESSING, CARE, TRAVEL/SET-UP/TEAR-DOWN.

Through years of experience, your florist will know off-hand which flowers are in season and available on your wedding date. They will know which ones need a few days to “open” fully, which ones need to be cut in warm water, which ones to store in a cooler, etc… Each flower has its own needs, and a florist is well-versed in helping those blooms look their best for any event. Based on this knowledge, they are able to curate the perfect combinations for each floral piece, putting in hours to calculate the number of stems and groups of foliage needed for each piece and ordering through their distributors with enough time to ensure availability. They also always have a back-up plan and systems in place to ensure that if anything goes wrong, the client is never the wiser. Often, wedding flowers require a team of people to efficiently execute, and your florist will know how many people are needed before and after each event. They allow you to walk into your venue the day of your wedding, seeing it completely transformed, without you having to lift a finger! And then, when the day has wound down and you are giddy on celebration, they sneak back in and take everything away, allowing you to relish each moment with your guests without a ticking clock.

REDUCTION OF STRESS.

I have had many couples attempt to buy and arrange DIY flowers for their events. Often, these couples underestimate the time it takes to process and arrange flowers, and are left feeling strapped for time and overwhelmed by the project. What a professional can accomplish in two hours may take an entire day; even that YouTube tutorial on making a table garland was made by someone with experience, and doesn’t take into account the quantity needed for a large event, let alone the ordering and supplies needed. Each wholesale market has a staff of knowledgeable sales representatives that work with florists on ordering and pricing, and while these markets often have public hours, the help of sales staff and wholesale pricing are not available to the public. A professional florist gives couples the gift of time; time to spend with family, reveling in the ease and beauty of the planning process. Delegating tasks to professionals in the industry means your job is simply to show up to the wedding of your dreams.

If, when all is said and done and you have weighed the reality of budget restrictions or simple decor against the expenses of professional vendors, you have decided to try your hand at florals or decor yourself, here are a few tips I would like to offer!

1. Determine what is in your budget, and what is most important to you, and play around with the rest.

   I have had quite a few clients value a professionally-made bridal bouquet or large installation, and DIY the rest. 

2. Gather a group of people you trust and gauge their creative input.

   Do you have a relative who is good at carpentry that can build you a simple arch or arbor? A friend who shows skills at baking? Someone with an eye for design? A former roommate with a knack for curating playlists? Reach out to them and ask if they have the time to contribute to your wedding decor! My wedding was built, literally, by the hands of my friends who wanted to contribute to my celebration. Make sure they feel valued and not taken advantage of, and try to be realistic about how much time they will need to contribute, and make sure they are on-board! Keep a list of who is contributing what, check in with them regularly to make sure they have the resources they need, and make sure they know where to be on your wedding day. 

3. Opt for simple decor.

   Large installations and complicated centerpieces may be out of reach for DIY, but garlands and bud vases make for elegant touches without much hassle.

4. Research what florals are seasonal in your area for your wedding date.

   Most wholesale markets have public hours, and the product coming straight from the farms will be more affordable, while those shipped from other parts of the country or globe will be more expensive. Try to use mostly local product, and pepper in some imports for the wow factor!

5. Begin your thrifting early!

   So many beautiful elements can be found second hand, like brass or copper decor, mismatched and unique vases and glassware, all for a fraction of the price!

6. Be realistic about the time it will take to create things…

   …and do as much as you can before the day-of setup to ensure that you are as ready and stress-free as possible. If you are arranging your own floral centerpieces, make them the day before and bring them onsite, ready to go. Give yourself extra time, especially if you are trying your hand at something for the first time; things always take longer than you’d expect! And if you can, practice a few times in the months leading up to your wedding.

7. Have a back-up plan, or be willing to adjust your vision day-of.

   Relying on folks that aren’t vendors without contracts means that things may go awry, so be flexible and understanding. Professional vendors always have structures and back-up plans in place, so make sure you do too!

Whatever your floral needs, the most important thing is to really assess what matters to you on your wedding day. If the guidance, expertise, and time-saving knowledge offered by a professional florist guides you to those values, it is absolutely worth the investment! Any florist worth their salt will be able to help you navigate budget and style with ease, and hopefully leave you feeling excited and hopeful for your big day!

— Angelene Little, Villanelle Floral