Questions to Ask When Hiring a Wedding Florist
Questions to Ask When Hiring a Wedding Florist
(From a Nashville Wedding Photographer)
Florals are one of the most visually impactful parts of a wedding day. They help set the tone, tie your design together, and frame many of the moments that end up photographed the most — from the ceremony to the reception.
As a Nashville wedding photographer, I’ve seen how much the right florist can elevate a wedding day — and how unclear expectations can lead to stress or disappointment. Asking thoughtful questions before you book helps ensure your florals feel intentional, cohesive, and aligned with your vision.
Here are the most important questions to ask when hiring a wedding florist, and why each one matters.
Are You Available on Our Wedding Date?
This may seem obvious, but availability can vary depending on:
Delivery schedules
Setup time required
Other weddings booked that weekend
Ask not only if they’re available, but how many weddings they take on per day to ensure your event gets the attention it deserves.
Have You Worked Weddings Similar to Ours?
Every wedding has different needs.
Ask:
Have you designed florals for weddings of our size and style?
Are you comfortable with our venue layout?
Have you done indoor and outdoor ceremonies like ours?
Experience with similar weddings helps ensure smoother setup and better problem-solving on the wedding day.
Can You Work Within Our Budget?
This is one of the most important conversations to have early.
Ask:
What is your minimum spend?
What does our budget realistically allow for?
Where do you recommend prioritizing florals for the biggest impact?
A good florist will help guide your budget rather than push you beyond it.
What Floral Style Do You Specialize In?
Every florist has a signature style.
Ask:
How would you describe your design approach?
Do you lean more natural, structured, or modern?
Can you show examples similar to what we’re envisioning?
Choosing a florist whose style aligns with yours makes collaboration easier and results more cohesive.
What Is Included in Your Proposal?
Before booking, clarify exactly what’s included.
Ask about:
Bouquets and boutonnieres
Ceremony arrangements
Reception centerpieces
Installation and breakdown
Rentals (arches, vases, candles)
Understanding this upfront prevents misunderstandings later.
Do You Handle Setup and Breakdown?
Florals often require careful timing.
Ask:
Who handles setup on the wedding day?
Will someone return for breakdown or pickup?
What is the timeline for installation?
Knowing this helps ensure your florals look their best for the entire event.
Can Florals Be Repurposed Throughout the Day?
Many couples choose to repurpose florals to maximize their investment.
Ask:
Can ceremony arrangements be moved to the reception?
Who handles the transition?
Is there an additional fee for repurposing?
This can be a great way to create a cohesive look while staying within budget.
What Happens If Specific Flowers Aren’t Available?
Flower availability can change due to seasonality or supply issues.
Ask:
How do you handle substitutions?
Will you communicate changes ahead of time?
How do you maintain the overall look if substitutions are needed?
Flexibility here is key, especially for seasonal weddings.
Do You Coordinate With Other Vendors?
Florists often work closely with:
Planners or coordinators
Venue staff
Rental companies
Photographers
Ask how communication happens and who your main point of contact will be on the wedding day. Strong coordination helps everything run smoothly.
Are You Insured?
Many venues require florists to carry liability insurance.
Ask:
Do you have insurance?
Can you provide proof if requested?
A professional florist should be prepared to answer this without hesitation.
What Is Your Payment Schedule and Cancellation Policy?
Before signing a contract, make sure you understand:
Deposit requirements
Payment deadlines
Cancellation or change policies
Clear expectations here prevent stress later on.
Why Asking the Right Questions Matters
Your florist plays a major role in how your wedding day looks and feels. When expectations are clear and communication is strong, florals enhance the experience rather than add pressure.
Asking the right questions early helps ensure your florals feel thoughtful, cohesive, and beautifully aligned with your overall vision.
Choosing a wedding florist is about more than picking flowers — it’s about finding someone who understands your style, your priorities, and how to bring everything together seamlessly on your wedding day.