Questions to Ask Your Wedding Florist

Wedding flowers set the visual tone of your entire day. They appear in photographs more than any other decorative element — your bouquet is in nearly every portrait.

The difference between a good florist and a great one is not just skill with flowers. It’s their understanding of your venue, your colour palette, and your budget. These 20 questions will help you find the right fit.

Style and vision

1. Can I see photos from real weddings you’ve done, not just styled shoots? Styled shoots have unlimited budgets, perfect lighting, and no time pressure. Real weddings show how a florist performs under real conditions — rushed setup times, imperfect weather, and actual client budgets.

2. Have you worked at our venue before? A florist who knows your venue understands what works in the space — which arrangements suit long tables versus round ones, where to place ceremony flowers for the best photographs, and how to work with the venue’s existing decor.

3. What style do you specialise in? Some florists specialise in wild, garden-gathered arrangements. Others do structured, architectural designs. Some are best at minimalist greenery, others at bold tropical displays. Make sure their portfolio matches your vision.

4. Can you work with our colour palette and theme? Bring a mood board, Pinterest images, or fabric swatches to your consultation. A good florist will tell you honestly which ideas will work, which won’t, and what alternatives might be better.

Flowers and seasonality

5. What flowers will be in season for our wedding date? Seasonal flowers are cheaper, fresher, and more readily available. Peonies in December will cost three times more than peonies in June — if they’re available at all. Ask your florist to design around what’s naturally in season.

6. What happens if a specific flower isn’t available on the day? Flower availability fluctuates due to weather, shipping, and demand. A professional florist will discuss substitutions in advance and get your approval for alternatives that match the look and colour.

7. Can we include foliage, dried flowers, or non-floral elements? Foliage-heavy designs (eucalyptus, olive branches, ferns) are a cost-effective way to create impact. Dried flowers and grasses add texture and can be kept after the wedding. Ask what options your florist recommends for your style.

What you’re paying for

8. Can I have an itemised quote? Your flowers budget covers more than just the bouquet. Get a line-by-line breakdown:

• Bridal bouquet
• Bridesmaid bouquets
• Buttonholes and corsages
• Ceremony flowers (aisle, altar, arch)
• Reception centrepieces
• Top table arrangement
• Cake flowers
• Any large installations

9. What’s included in the centrepiece price? Does the price include the vase, candles, or other props? Will you need to hire these separately? Some florists include vessel hire, others charge extra.

10. Are delivery, setup, and collection included? Flower delivery and setup can add £100-400 depending on the venue distance and complexity. Ask whether the florist personally handles setup or sends a team. Collection of vases and props after the wedding should also be discussed.

Logistics

11. What time will you arrive for setup? Flowers need time to be arranged on-site, especially for large installations. Check that the florist’s setup time fits within your venue access window.

12. How do you keep the flowers fresh throughout the day? Bouquets need to be kept cool and misted. Centrepieces in warm rooms wilt quickly. Ask what steps the florist takes — especially for summer weddings in venues without air conditioning.

13. Can ceremony flowers be repurposed for the reception? Moving ceremony flowers to the reception area is a smart way to stretch your budget. For example, an altar arrangement can become the top table centrepiece. Check whether your florist’s quote includes this repurposing or whether it costs extra.

14. Who keeps the flowers after the wedding? Traditionally, guests take home centrepieces. Your bouquet can be preserved or dried as a keepsake. Hired vases and props need to be returned — clarify the process.

Booking and payment

15. What’s the deposit and payment schedule? Most florists ask for a 30-50% deposit at booking, with the balance due 2-4 weeks before the wedding.

16. When do I need to finalise my flower choices? Florists typically need final choices 4-6 weeks before the wedding so they can order stock. Late changes are sometimes possible but may limit availability.

17. What’s your cancellation policy? Check what happens to your deposit if you cancel or postpone. Some florists are flexible about date changes, others are not.

Extras

18. Do you offer flower crowns, hair pieces, or wearable flowers? Not all florists do wearable flowers. If you want a flower crown, hair comb, or wrist corsage, check it’s within their skill set.

19. Can you provide flowers for the wedding cake? Fresh flowers on cakes need to be food-safe. Your florist should know which blooms are safe for cake decoration and how to prepare them. Coordinate with your cake maker.

20. Do you have public liability insurance? Some venues require proof of supplier insurance. A professional florist should carry public liability cover and be able to provide a certificate on request.

Florist comparison table

Question	Florist 1	Florist 2	Florist 3
Style / specialism
Worked at our venue?
Itemised quote total
Bridal bouquet price
Centrepiece price (each)
Setup and collection included?
Deposit amount
Final choices deadline

How to choose

Book consultations with 2-3 florists. Bring your venue photos, colour palette, and Pinterest inspiration. A great florist will listen first, then suggest ideas you hadn’t considered — flowers and combinations that work better with your venue’s lighting, table shapes, and overall style.

Choose the florist whose real-wedding portfolio excites you most. Portfolio images from styled shoots don’t count.