or Wedding planning can be an exhilarating yet intimidating experience, especially when it comes to planning a destination wedding. The floral arrangements are one of the most important places to set the tone for the celebration on the wedding day. But sourcing and collaborating with out-of-town wedding florists can be overwhelming. This guide provides actionable tips to ensure you are hiring the right out-of-state florist for your dream picture-perfect wedding day.
Start Your Search Early
When planning a wedding away from home, early planning is imperative. Start searching for florists right after you secure your wedding venue. Planning ahead gives you time to consider all your options, review service comparisons, and book the best florist before their calendar fills up. Also, don’t wait to book — many florists in popular wedding markets are already booked months in advance.
Customize a Hotel Room Visit from Home
Get acquainted with the local floral landscape at your wedding destination. Seek out florists who specialize in weddings and preferably also have destination event experience. Search online for customer reviews, check their social media channels and portfolio. Make sure their style matches yours.
Tips for Online Research:
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Turn to Yelp, Google Reviews, The Knot, etc. to find recommendations for florists.
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Look at Instagram and Pinterest for photos of weddings in your destination.
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Read client testimonials to assess reliability and quality.
Assess Their Portfolio
Every florist has his or her own style, and it’s important to pick someone whose aesthetic matches your wedding theme. Go through their portfolio extensively to find out if they specialize in the kind of arrangements you’re hoping to get — Classic, rustic, modern or bohemian. Ensure there was consistency in quality and attention to detail in previous work.
Questions to Ask:
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Do they have previous experience at your venue?
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They should be able to design custom looks based on your ideas.
Convey the Vision Clearly
Working with an out-of-state florist requires clear communication. Go into detail about your vision, theme, and preferences. Create a moodboard or use similar tools like Pinterest to show yoir concept visually. Include specifics such as:
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Color palette
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Preferred flower types
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The types of arrangements (bouquets, centerpieces, arches, etc.)
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The more specific you are, the easier it will be for the florist to interpret and implement your ideas.
Tie Up virtual consultations
Because you may never get to meet the florist until you walk down the aisle, virtual consultations are a must. Booking platforms such as Zoom or Skype, where you can tell them your desires, pose inquiries, and get a sense of their professionalism and excitement.
Topics to Cover in Consultations:
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The availability of your wedding date
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However as flowers comes into share and sensations there are their own process for sourcing and arranging flowers
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Pricing, deposits and payment terms
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Policies for changes or cancellations
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Test Their Knowledge of Local Flowers
Doe, who also runs the organic flower site American Flora, explained that local florists often know more about flowers that are available regionally and also the ones that are in season. Talk about how available your desired flowers are and what alternatives match your color palette and price point. In a lot of cases, buying directly from your local growers can prevent you from spending way more cash than you would like and help you have fresher arrangements.
Think About Their Destination Wedding Experience
Destination weddings have specific challenges: long-distance coordination and new venues. Select a florist experienced with out-of-state weddings — they’ll be better poised to deal with possible obstacles, such as delivery logistics, preserving the flowers during transport and set up at the venue.
Ask About:
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How well they know your wedding destination
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Liaison with the venue and other vendors
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Backup plans for delays or flower shortages
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Read Contracts Carefully
Before signing a contract, make sure to check it with a microscope to confirm that everything is right and clear. What a good contract should include:
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What you will provide
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Pricing breakdown
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The time required for delivery and set up
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Cancellation and refund policies
Pro Tip:
If you’re not sure about legal vernacular, enlist a legal professional to review the contract.
Budget Wisely
Floral arrangements can take up a large chunk of your wedding budget. If you decide to get florist services out of state, be prepared for added expenses, including:
Delivery fees
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Transportation of flowers and personnel
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Taxes and tips
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Be open with the florist about budget so there are no surprises and their pricing fits into your financial plan.
Use of recommendations from other vendors
Wedding services are a team effort, particularly when it comes to destination weddings. Consult your wedding planner, venue coordinator or photographer for florist recommendations. They work closely with florists and can speak to their professionalism and originality.
Request a Trial Arrangement
If possible, ask for a sample bouquet or centerpiece so you can see the florist’s work up close. For weddings outside of your home state, this may include additional expenses for shipping, but it gives you peace of mind and can help solidify that the florist will be able to come through for you.
Confirm the Setup Timeline
The timing of your wedding day floral arrangements is critical. Work with your florist on a setup timeline to make sure everything’s ready before the ceremony and reception. This includes:
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Delivery time
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Setup duration
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Working with other vendors, such as decorators or caterers
Tip:
Make sure there’s a point person for the florist on the day of the wedding, who may be you, a planner or an appointed friend.
Have a Backup Plan
Weather changes, delivery delays, last-minute flower substitutions, the list goes on and on. Team with your florist to devise a backup plan to mitigate these issues. Veteran florists are masters of improvisation and will provide creative solutions to keep your wedding day drama free.
Trust the Professional’s Expertise
Although you’ll want to share your vision, it’s best to let the florist make the recommendations. Reason #9: They can recommend flower combinations, arrangements and setups that you might not have thought of, so that your wedding décor is gorgeous and effective.
Final Thoughts
Hiring an out-of-state wedding florist takes research, clear communication, and trust. These tips will help you in finding a specialized florist for your wedding deliveries who can work to get your event in full bloom for a memorable backdrop and experience. But get started early and stay organized and you will find planning your dream destination wedding is so much fun!
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