From the bouquet you carry down the aisle to the centrepieces on your reception tables, flowers can tie your entire theme together, add romance to the venue, and even reflect the personality of you and your partner. But with so many florists and floral styles to choose from, where do you even begin? Whether you’re dreaming of wild, whimsical blooms or structured, elegant arrangements, these nine steps will guide you through finding the perfect wedding florist for your big day.

1/ Determine Your Style

Before reaching out to any florists, take a moment to define what you love when it comes to flowers. Do you lean towards classic and timeless roses, or do you swoon over garden-style arrangements brimming with seasonal wildflowers? Pinterest, Instagram, and wedding blogs are a goldmine for inspiration—create a board or save posts that resonate with your aesthetic.

Scarlet Roots Photography

2/ Figure Out What You'll Need

Now that you know your style, consider how extensively you want to incorporate flowers into your big day. Some couples want florals to be the focal point of their décor, while others may prefer a more minimal approach. Make a preliminary list of what you’d like covered. This might include:

  • Bridal bouquet
  • Bridesmaids’ bouquets
  • Boutonnieres and corsages
  • Ceremony arch or aisle arrangements
  • Reception centrepieces
  • Floral installations (e.g. hanging arrangements, mantel displays)
  • Cake flowers or floral touches for signage

Knowing the scale of what you're after will help potential florists provide a more accurate quote and avoid any last-minute surprises. It’s also a chance to consider repurposing flowers—for instance, could your ceremony arch be moved behind the top table later in the day? Smart thinking like this can stretch your budget while still making an impact.

Still Miracle Photography

3/ Plan Your Budget

We've said it before, and we'll say it again: you need to have a rough idea of your budget before meeting with vendors. A lot of florists will offer packages depending on how extensive and expensive their work will end up being, e.g. a comprehensive package that covers lavish table arrangements, ceremony flowers, bridal and bridesmaids bouquets, versus a partial package that covers bouquets, boutonnieres, and simple centrepieces. Knowing how much cash you have to spend in advance can help you choose the vendor that will get you the most bang for your buck.

Gianni Di Natale Photography

4/ Start Gathering Potential Vendors

If you're getting married in Ireland, you're in luck when it comes to finding amazing florists! This little country is teeming with floral artists like The Irish Flower Farmer, Floral Events, Flowers by Kim Marie, and so many more, just waiting to perfect your special day. Pick your top three options from their online portfolio of work and reach out to each for a rough breakdown on their packages and prices to make sure everything lines up with what you're expecting.

Lost In Love Photography

5/ Read The Reviews

Don't discount the value of doing a proper internet search of your proposed florists! Reviews from previous clients are a hugely invaluable resource during your wedding planning to make sure you're choosing the perfect team of vendors for you. Do a little nosey in the comments of their Instagram posts, read mentions of their work on blogs (hint hint), check local wedding subreddits, and generally leave no stone unturned once you find yourself inclined to hire somebody.

Still Miracle Photography

6/ Chat With Your Venue

Ireland isn't a huge country, so it's not outside of the realm of possibility that your venue has already worked with the florist in the past. Sit down with your coordinator and ask for their opinion on working with the florist team. Are they easy to work with? Do they often decorate that specific venue space, etc.? Not only can your coordinator give you the heads up on any details to be aware of, but if the two vendors have a preexisting working relationship, all the better!

Camera Shi Photography

7/ Book A Consultation

Once you've narrowed down your list to a few promising florists, it's time to schedule consultations. This step is crucial as it allows you to meet with each potential face-to-face (or virtually, if needed) to discuss your vision in detail. A consultation serves multiple purposes: it allows the florist to understand your style preferences, it gives you a chance to see more of their portfolio up close, and lets both parties ensure they're a good fit for each other.

When booking consultations, consider these tips:

  • Schedule Ahead: Florists can get booked up quickly, especially during peak wedding seasons. Aim to schedule your consultations well in advance to secure your preferred dates.
  • Prepare Your Questions: Come prepared with questions about their experience, style, availability on your wedding date, and any specific floral arrangements you have in mind. This ensures that you receive all the necessary information to make an informed decision.
  • Bring Inspiration: Bring along any inspiration boards, colour swatches, or photos of floral designs you love. Visual aids help florists understand your aesthetic preferences better.
  • Discuss Logistics: Use the consultation to discuss logistical details such as delivery times, setup requirements, and any restrictions your venue might have regarding floral arrangements.
  • Be Open to Suggestions: While it's important to communicate your vision clearly, also be open to suggestions from the florist. They are experts in their field and may offer creative ideas that you hadn't considered.

Lost In Love Photography

8/ Discuss Scope

During your consultation, it's essential to discuss the scope of work in detail. Be specific about which floral arrangements you require, and provide approximate quantities and sizes for each arrangement so they can accurately estimate the amount of materials needed. One of the most important details to remember is that you must ensure the proposals align with your budget expectations. Don't forget, this is a business transaction, so you may be surprised at the cost-saving options or adjustments they can offer you based on your priorities.

Samm Blake Wedding

9/ Make Your Decision

Once you’ve had your consultations, received quotes, and clarified exactly what’s included, it’s time to make your decision. Choosing your florist shouldn’t come down to price alone—though your chosen supplier must fit your budget, it’s just as vital that they understand your vision, make you feel at ease, and bring creativity and professionalism to the table. If you’re torn between a couple of options, don’t be afraid to ask for one last point of clarification or a revised quote—this is a big decision, and the right florist will be happy to support you through it.

Amy Mulder Photography

- Gráinne