Avoid a Wedding Flower Disaster

Let’s face it, even if you not a ‘flower person’, they will more than likely feature at your wedding - whether they come in the form of simple arrangements or more elaborate floral pieces. So how do you make sure that they don’t end up being a disaster?

Be Prepared
Make sure that finalising your florist is one of the first things you do. The more experienced wedding florists get booked up well in advance, and may not be able to arrange your wedding if you leave it too late. Ensure a contract is signed and deposit is paid to secure your date.

It’s important to decide on your wedding flowers early, as well as colours and quantities. The florist can then let you know whether your chosen flower is available at your time of year, and they can have enough time to order the flowers required.

If a friend or family member is doing the flowers, make sure that they know exactly what you want. Perhaps ask them to do a mock-up of what they have in mind to ensure you are on the same page.

Timing is Key
An experienced florist will sprits your flowers with a special flower preservative that helps reduce water loss and therefore prevents wilting. They normally also ensure that flowers are kept in water for as long as possible before putting them on the tables.

Your biggest concern if a family member or friend is doing the flowers, is when they’ll be making them up. The last thing you want is wilted flowers on your wedding day. Make sure that if flowers are done the morning of the wedding, staff of the venue sprays the flowers to ensure they don’t start wilding and becoming brown.

Care with Lilies
Lilies such as Stargazers, are a popular choice of wedding flower, both for their look and fragrance. But beware of the pollen! If it drops onto you wedding dress it can leave an orange stain that is extremely difficult to remove. Ask your florist to cut off the pollen bearing parts to avoid a disaster.

Overbooked Florists
Check with your chosen florist how many weddings they will book for one day. No single wedding florist should have more than 1 or 2 bookings, as this could result in them not giving their 100% at your wedding.

Contract
Get your wedding quote in writing, and sign it together with your florist. This should include names of flowers, quantities and colours. It must also include a detailed description of what they intend to do for you. This will prevent misunderstandings before they occur.