Continuing our blog series on “Things to Consider When Hiring a Wedding…” today we are focusing on one of the vendors whose creations are seen by all, worn/held by a special few, and sometimes can even be found “lei’d” on guests... It's a florist!
As your wedding florals are not typically something that you see before your wedding day, it takes a bit of trust and confidence in your florist to know that you’ll be happy on your special day with the floral arrangements that they will create for you. Understanding that this can be an area of worry for couples who are not too sure on what to look for in their florist, the following are a few things to consider when hiring your wedding florist!
Missed our previous “Things to Consider When Hiring a Wedding…” blogs? No worries :) check them out below!
COORDINATOR | PHOTOGRAPHER VIDEOGRAPHER | Hair & Makeup Artist
Photography: Christie Pham Photography | Florist: Lulu’s Lei’s & Bouquets
Floral Style
Florists are artists! I mean if you put the word Flowers & the word Artist together you truly get the word Florist! So knowing that they are artists it makes sense that every florist has their own style when creating floral designs for their couples. To help you find a florist that has a style similar to yours, it’s important to know what you want. Not only the names of the exact flowers or greenery that you want in your floral arrangements BUT how the overall style of the arrangement should look and feel!
Photo: Derek Wong Photography | Florist: Florist Grand | Venue: Kahala Resort
Do you want florals that give the appearance of being wild and free OR florals that appear to be more clean and organized. Knowing what you want AND THEN looking through a florist’s portfolio whether that be on their website or instagram, will help you find the florist that truly matches your style! Though they may not be able to show you exactly what YOUR florals will look like, by selecting a florist based on their OVERALL vibe and style, you’ll not only be able to have a relative idea of what they will look like, but you can also trust that since you love their style you’ll love what they will create for you!
Photography: Bianca Photography | Florist: Always Flowers 808 | Venue: Hawaii Vista Weddings
Experience
Does your florist have experience creating floral arrangements specifically for weddings? Have they created arch pieces for your specific arch before? Are they familiar with the venue and the typical weather in that area? When hiring a florist not only is it important to consider the experience that they have in creating flower arrangements, but it may ALSO be worth it to consider the experience they have in working at your specific venue! Having a florist who is familiar with your wedding venue, is one way to add peace of mind to your wedding day. As they not only know the venue well but they most likely know the staff and possibly other vendors, which would only help to ensure that you have a wedding day that’s stress free!
Service & Budget
Other than floral arrangements what other services do they offer, and what are those costs? Services such as delivering the florals, setting up the ceremony & reception areas, as well as relocating the flowers following the ceremony to the reception site. Knowing the services the florist offers as well as the cost associated with each one is something to consider prior to booking your florist, in case these services are something you need but didn’t realize would cost an amount that may be out of your budget. *Insider tip: If you are taking pictures before the ceremony and/or want your flowers photographed with your details (invitation, jewelry, etc.). you will need a separate delivery of wedding party flowers (BEFORE your florist’s scheduled ceremony/reception setup time).
Budget Friendly Floral Options
Speaking of budgets! As florals are typically one of the most expensive items that couples spend on for their wedding, we wanted to provide some options if you’re looking for ways to still have florals but at a more affordable price!
Fresh flower alternatives
Photography: Michele C Photo | Florist: Borrowed Blooms
We of course have to highlight our sister company, Borrowed Blooms, which provides high quality silk/faux flower arrangements that can be rented for your special day! The fact that they are not fresh flowers and that they can be rented make them a really affordable option in comparison to fresh floral arrangements.
Lei Shops
Local lei shops, especially those in Chinatown, sell flowers and leis for a price typically less than what the cost would be at a larger floral shop. This option would be best for couples who want to include some flowers, specifically leis, rather than a lot of large floral pieces. *Insider tip: Just make sure you have someone who can pick up and deliver these items on your wedding day.
We hope this helps you in finding a “un-be-leaf-able” wedding florist! The one that will have the same style as you, has relative experience, and provides services at the price that you are looking for!
XOXOXO
Happy Planning!
(A Perfect Day)