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Working with a Wedding Florist

We asked Elizabeth Eberly of Delilah's of Denver and David Lang of More Flowers for some advice on working with wedding florists and choosing wedding flowers. Some of their ideas are paraphrased here:

  1. What do you need to do before you meet with a florist?
    • It's important to get a sense of the florist's style: check out the florist's website, portfolio of previous events and average pricing. If you don't like what you see, it's best to keep looking.
    • Arming the florist with information on the budget, colors and preferred flowers beforehand can help the florist come prepared to the first meeting as well.
    • Have a list of places and people that will require flowers (i.e., How many people will carry bouquets? Boutonnières and corsages? What areas of the ceremony and reception venues would you like decorated?)
    • Bring pictures/magazine clippings of things you like and don't like: both are equally important.
  2. What mistakes do people commonly make when planning flowers for events?
    • Reducing the amount of flowers is one of the biggest mistakes. They are the least-expensive way to transform a room, add color and make a wedding unique.
    • It's important to be thoughtful about how the flowers' will work with and complement the wedding colors and style. Just because it's your favorite flower doesn't mean it will look good at your wedding.
    • Be sure you know what exactly will be included in an arrangement — you don't want to be disappointed if they are less full or colorful than you expected.
    • Every florist specializes in different arrangements. Work with one that is best suited for your preferences. Their website is often the best first place to gather this information.
  3. For someone looking to save money, what are a few easy corners to cut without people noticing you've done so?
    • Centerpieces with flowers submerged in water are cost effective and very cool.
    • Double duty: Get arrangements that will work at your ceremony and reception venue.
    • Use simple arrangements, but incorporate a bold container (like wrapping the containers with fabric).
    • Be selective about how many people you have carry (or wear) flowers. If the number is high, pick flowers that are large-headed, as you will need fewer of them to make an impact.
    • Your florist knows what they are doing. Once they know your budget, likes and dislikes, try not to micromanage. Give them the flexibility to find options that will work for you.
    • Choosing flowers that are in season can cut back on a lot of expense.
  4. How far in advance does a planner typically need to place an order for an event?
    • Florists can plan a wedding as quickly as about a month before the wedding, but up to six months in advance is typical (especially if it's during June, a popular wedding month).
    • There usually isn't a financial benefit to booking a florist far in advance, but you're more likely to guarantee they're available on your date by doing so.
  5. Are there any trends with flowers for weddings right now?
    • Uplighting table arrangements.
    • Eco/green flowers: organically grown flowers or plants that guests can plant in a garden after the wedding.
    • Donating leftover flowers to a hospital or nursing home.
    • Monocromatic colors.
    • Mixing blooming plants with cut florals in bouquets.
  6. If someone wanted to plan a Colorado-themed event, what kind of arrangements would you recommend?
    • Grasses, lots of greenery
    • Aspen or birch-bark containers
    • Succulents (such as a cactus)
    • Many wildflowers, like columbines, don't hold up well when cut, so they are not ideal for weddings.
  7. If a bride really wanted to splurge on something exotic, what would you suggest?
    • Peonies in the winter: they are usually a spring/early-summer flower, but they can now be ordered from New Zealand.
    • Exotic orchids, lotus flowers, blooming branches, clematis vines, ornamental pineapples or date branches.
  8. Are there deals to be found based on the season the event is held in?
    • Some flowers are cheaper when they are in season, but you can get them year round:
      • tulips (spring)
      • hydrangea (summer)
      • peonies (May–June)
      • dahlias (July–September)
      • lilac (spring)
      • poppies (late summer).
    • All flowers are more expensive the week before and the week of Valentine's Day and Mother's Day, so don't plan your wedding around then unless you don't mind paying premium prices.
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