Are you planning a wedding and are not sure exactly how to brief your wedding florist? Here is everything I told my wedding florist to get the wedding flowers of my dreams.
So you’re planning a wedding and are looking for tips on how to prepare your wedding florist so they can masterfully execute on your vision.
It can feel like a big risk to send out some inspo images and put down a *shockingly* expensive deposit and pray for the best.
With these tips and tricks, you can feel confident that you and your florist are on the same page.
florals by @yokonegi_studio
What to Include in Your Brief
If you’re working with a florist and you’re not sure what to include in the brief, here’s a quick rundown of the major points:
- Event Details
- Date
- Location
- Venue (plus any important images to describe the space)
- Number of Guests
- Vibe (in three words)
- Types of Arrangements Needed (ie, bridal bouquet, ceremony arch, centerpieces)
- Types of Flowers
- Color Palette
- Mood Board/Inspo Images
The Vibe (In Three Words)
Wedding florals can take so many directions but one of the key ways that you can ensure you are your florist are on the same page is by describing the vibe in three words. Its short enough that they will be able to remember the words throughout their own creative process without overwhelming them with too much information.
For my wedding, I choose the three words:
- Unexpected
- Modern
- Party
To me, these words captured the spirit that I was going for. I wanted something a bit unconventional with a modern edge to it but that overall fit the vibe of the event which was a big party — nothing too traditional or classic.
Some other words you could choose are:
- Classic
- Romantic
- Whimsical
- Timeless
- Bold
- Elegant
- Minimalistic
- Vibrant
- Intimate
- Chic
- Rustic
florals by @yokonegi_studio
Types of Floral Arrangements Needed
Every wedding has different needs when it comes to wedding florals. Make sure you list out exactly what you want for your wedding. The different types of floral arrangements include:
- Bridal/bridesmaid’s bouquets
- Boutonnieres
- Flower girl flowers
- Alter/arch/aisle flowers
- Pew/chair flowers
- Welcome sign flowers
- Centerpieces
- Hanging installations
- and more!
Types of Flowers
Whether or not you specify exactly what types of flowers you want to see in the arrangements is up to you but it might be helpful to come up with a list of some of your favorite flowers to provide to the florist.
Keep in mind that not all flowers are in season all year long so make sure to have an open conversation about what’s possible and what isn’t.
At my wedding, I really wanted to include iris because they hold special meaning for my (now) husband. Our florist told us they wouldn’t be available that time of year but by some miracle happened to find some.
Here are the exact flowers that I asked for for my wedding:
- Calla lilies
- Lilies
- Orchids
- Oncidium orchids
- Anthurium
- Iris
Color Palette
The color palette and any other design details that you’ve put together are critical to share with your florist.
When it comes to the color palette, try to keep it to a maximum of 6 colors for continuity and focus. Also, keep in mind that some colors will be hard to find in the floral world such as really dark colors.
On top of sending out our color palette, I also sent our florist our logo so she could further understand the vibe I was going for.
Mood Board & Inspo Images
If you’ve already created a Pinterest board or started collecting inspo images, these are also great pieces of visual reference to send to your florist.
It’s also a great idea to discuss exactly what you love about each image when you meet with them.
Keep in mind that they are probably very busy. Try to keep your inspo images to a maximum or 10 images to avoid overwhelming them and ensure that they can really take in your vision.
The process of choosing your 10 favoritee images also helps you to focus your vision.
Final Thoughts
When it comes down to it, clear communication is key to getting the wedding flowers of your dreams.
However, it cannot be overlooked that the most important aspect is finding a talented and reliable wedding florist.
I am so grateful to my wildly talented floral artist Yoko Negi who had a vision that was brought to light in way that far exceeded my expectations.
Congratulations to you & happy planning,
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