Flowers For All Occasions 101

Wedding Arrangements for the Bride and Entourage

After going over the basics, we discussed the elements of floral design. And now, we learn how to apply them to preparing arrangements for major events. Gatherings get much brighter and lovely with a stunning selection of flowers. And we're here to help you get started on two of the most common events decorated with flowers. For this article, we discuss wedding flowers, right from the planning phase to the reception. We take you through theme selection with your customers to the delivery or pickup of their orders. We've composed a practical guide to arranging wedding decor, no matter how grand or meticulous. Read our next article to learn about funeral flowers. We talk about how we can help grieving families with a tasteful arrangement or two.

Making Arrangements with the Customer

When meeting with customers, there are a few things every florist should determine. All florists want to bring the best possible service for every single client that asks for help. For every event, there are certain details you need, particularly for a major event like a wedding. Here are a several things florists should know about the customer's upcoming wedding.

Theme or Motif

How does the customer envision her wedding? They've dreamed of this their whole life, so make sure to get as much details as possible. Of course, if they happen to provide an inspiration or mood board for their wedding, all the better. You'll have a more accurate vision for your proposal. Win-win for everyone!

Venue

Garden weddings and outdoors ceremonies are becoming the trend today. Unfortunately, getting no shade from the harsh sunlight is every florists' horror story. Make sure to ask if tented areas are available. This way, you can plan ahead for the styles of your arrangements. Plus, you'll get to keep everything from drying out and withering too fast. After all, it's not only flowers on display. You place your creativity on display with the delicate corsages and lovely centerpieces.

Size and Headcount

Any professional knows that big events will go to pieces without important details. Florists are no exception. You're going to need every detail to make your customers' dream wedding become a reality. How many guests are showing up? What's the total number of the wedding entourage? How many are the tables, and what size? What's the size of the wedding arch? What's the timeline offered to get everything prepared before the wedding? How much time do we have to set up in the venue? Everything is important.

Flowers for the Wedding Party/ Entourage

First, find out the number of corsages you'll need to create for each member of the wedding party. Then, talk with your customer about any designs or flowers they have in mind. Whether it's lilies, lilacs, carnations, or peonies, it's a great way to add a personal touch to each design.

The Couple's Favorite Flowers

Often, only the bride is asked about their tastes. But it never hurts to connect with both spouses-to-be and ask what their favorite flowers are. It gives you the perfect peek into their lives together. Plus, it will help you customize each style. You can design the wedding to represent both their personalities in a beautiful, artistic way.

Budget and Timeline

Of course, you'll want to know how much your client's budget is. That way, you can select the best flowers for their motif. You'll also get to select the best arrangements for efficiency, quality, and aesthetic. Settle a timeline for the planning and delivery of floral arrangements. Maintain regular communication with them as well to keep them involved. That way, you make sure the flowers and designs you've picked are up to their standards.

Read all about How to Make Floral Arrangements (Part 2) in our next article.