Before saying yes to a professional wedding florist who'll bring your desired floral arrangements to life, be sure you've asked these important questions.

Your wedding florist will play a big role in planning and designing breathtaking floral arrangements. Make sure to find the right floral designer by asking the right questions.

As we all know, wedding flowers are an essential part of your big day. From the bride's bouquet to the groom's boutonniere to the ceremony decor—and everything in between—stunning blooms set the mood for your wedding.

But first, you’ll need to hire a wedding florist who’s as excited to bring your vision to life as you are. You want to choose a professional who can both meet your needs and fit your budget. So, make sure you are on the same page by diving into the heart of the matter in your first meeting.

Here is a detailed list of important questions to ask a potential floral designer before saying yes to the bouquet!

1. Are You Available on My Wedding Day?

The first thing you want to know is the schedule of your wedding florist. Confirm if they are available both before and on the wedding day. If they are, inquire about how much time they will need to craft their creations. Doing so will allow you to plan and give them enough time to meet all of your floral requests. After all, your floral designer will be one of your go-to partners on your wedding day.

It’s also a good idea to ask if your floral designer will be servicing other events on your wedding day. It’s usually not a big deal if a popular wedding florist has other bookings on the same date. However, make sure that they can handle multiple clients at the same time. The last thing you want is a slip-up in your floral arrangements right before you’re scheduled to walk down the aisle.

2. Do You Have Portfolio Samples of Your Floral Arrangement Styles?

Next, you want to ensure that the style of the floral designer matches your wedding theme. As creative experts, wedding florists can accommodate the various designs their clients dream of. But obviously, their floral arrangements stand to truly pop if they work on a theme that matches their expertise. For instance, some florists specialize in a certain type of floral arrangement—whether that be traditional, modern, rustic, or organic. It’s best to ask for their portfolio to determine if their floral arrangements are similar to the aesthetic you’re striving for.

Afarose Insider Tip: Creating a Pinterest board to collect the styles you are looking for is also a great way to start the conversation! This allows the florist to imagine the blooms that best fit the general aesthetic of your wedding.

3. Do You Customize the Flower Arrangements To Our Wedding Theme?

After understanding the wedding florist’s expertise, it is time to dig into the nitty-gritty of your floral arrangements. Feel free to present some sample pictures of the floral design you want to draw inspiration from. Any visual reference (even mere fabric swatches) can help tap into the creative mind.

If you don’t have specific ideas, prepare a description of your overall wedding theme. Are you aiming for a classic fairytale, a modern moment, or a bohemian vibe? Clueing the floral designer in on this enables them to visualize eye-catching flower arrangements to best match the theme.

Then, ask for the wedding florist’s professional recommendations to help you elicit the perfect ‘wow’ factor for your big day blooms. Talented wedding florists know their way around flowers and will suggest the best assortment based on the:

• Wedding theme
• Venue
• Season
• Preferences
• Budget

Afarose Insider Tip: Choosing in-season flowers is not only a more budget-friendly option—it is also an eco-friendly choice by eliminating unneccessary waste and minimizing your carbon footprint.

4. What Are Your Rates?

Now, here comes the part we may not love to talk about, but do need to consider: the cost. Before reaching out to any floral designer, set a budget. And remember, it’s always better to be realistic from the start.

Do your research and look into how much couples commonly spend on their floral arrangements. Depending on the time of year and location, the price of floral arrangements may fall around:

• Bridal bouquet: $175 - $250
• Bridesmaid bouquet: $60 - $80
• Boutonniere and corsage: $15 - $35
• Centerpieces: $200-$600
• Flower crown: $35 - $100
• Flower girl petals: $25 - $35

Though all wedding costs should bear a certain level of flexibility, you must ensure that the floral designer can work within your specified budget. This puts everyone on the same page and leaves no room for unsightly surprises, expectations, or bills.

Afarose Insider Tip: To cut costs, repurpose your ceremony flowers for the reception!

5. What Are the Payment Terms?

Once you’re getting close to signing a deal, flesh out the payment terms and logistics for the big day. These may include the following:

• Storage and transport of the flowers
• Staffing and sourcing
• Preparation time
• Coordination with the venue
• Deposit and final payment
• Refund policy
• Insurance

This stage of wedding vendor vetting may not be as exciting as planning the floral design. But knowing these things before shaking hands will save you from future conflicts, unforeseen incidents, or worse, unexpected expenses!

Be sure to take into account any additional costs as well—such as delivery fees, setup, overtime, breakdown fees, and more. These extra charges can quickly snowball and derail your budget entirely. Stay ahead of the curve!

6. Do Your Offer Flower Rental Options?

It’s also important to ask if the flower vases or centerpieces are included in the package deal. Some florists may even offer decorations, candles, backdrops, or lanterns for rent at a discount.

Having the same wedding florist handle all of those extra details is the ideal way to go. Even if they don’t provide these as part of their service, they’ll likely be able to refer you to another professional.

Afarose Has You Covered For Your Dream Wedding Vision

Behind impressive wedding flowers is a brilliant wedding florist—and an informed agreement between the floral designer and the soon-to-wed couple.

So, before you give the blooms a nod, ask the most important questions first. Being on the same page in terms of creative designs, budget, availability, and logistics with all your wedding vendors is always the way to go.

Need a hand in preparing one of the most important days of your life? Say no more!

Afarose is the ultimate online wedding dress vendor, assisting you every step of the way. Whether it be bridal dresses, accessories, or wedding tips, Afarose has you covered.