The Do’s and Don’ts of Wedding Flowers | Thistle Bee Resources

Planning the perfect wedding involves numerous details, and one of the most crucial elements is the floral arrangements. Flowers play a pivotal role in setting the tone and enhancing the beauty of the celebration.

However, navigating the world of wedding flowers can be overwhelming, with countless options and considerations. To help you navigate the world of wedding flowers, here are some essential do’s and don’ts to ensure your floral arrangements are everything you’ve dreamed of.

Whether you’re envisioning a romantic garden-inspired ceremony or a modern minimalist reception, these tips will ensure your wedding flowers are nothing short of perfection.

The (I) Do’s

Do Start Early

Begin your floral planning as soon as you have your wedding date and venue. Popular florists book up quickly, especially during peak wedding seasons. Starting early ensures you have more options and can secure your top choice.

Do Set a Budget

Before meeting with florists, determine how much you would like to spend on flowers. A clear budget helps your florist recommend suitable options and prevents any unwelcome surprises later.

When deciding on a budget for flowers, we find that couples spend around 10-12% of their total wedding budget on flowers. So a $40,000-$60,000 wedding will most likely spend on average $5,000-$7,000 on flowers.

Do Consider the Season

Opt for flowers that are in season during your wedding. Seasonal flowers are more affordable, fresher and readily available. Plus, they can add a natural touch that aligns with the time of year.

Our team has created wedding color palette guides for each season, see each below.

Do Research and Gather Inspiration

Collect images, create a Pinterest board, and gather inspiration to convey your vision to your florist. This helps them understand your style, preferences, and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve.

Thistle Bee’s Pinterest is full of wedding day inspiration that can help you narrow down some style and color inspiration.

Do Prioritize Key Areas

Focus on the most impactful areas, such as the bridal bouquet, ceremony backdrop, and reception centerpieces. Prioritizing these areas ensures that your budget is spent on the most visible and significant floral elements.

Check out our latest blog that covers the 5 must-haves for perfect wedding florals.

Do Communicate Clearly with Your Florist

Open and honest communication with your florist is crucial. Share your likes, dislikes, must-haves, and any allergies. The more information you provide, the better they can tailor the arrangements to your needs.

Do Think About the Venue

Consider the style and features of your venue when planning your flowers. Choose arrangements that complement the venue’s aesthetic and enhance its natural beauty.

Looking for inspiration for your venue? Check out our Bear Brook Valley, The Ryland Inn, Perona Farms and Rock Island Lake Club Pinterest boards

Do Reuse Arrangements

Maximize your floral budget by repurposing ceremony flowers for the reception. For example, bridesmaid bouquets can double as centerpieces, and altar arrangements can adorn the sweetheart table.

Do Approach Your Vision with an Open Mind

While it’s important to have a vision, being too rigid can limit creativity. Trust your florist’s expertise and be open to their suggestions. They might propose alternative flowers or designs that enhance your vision.

The Don’ts

Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute

Avoid leaving your floral planning to the last minute. Early planning allows you to secure the availability of your preferred florist—research wedding florists as early as you would photographers and entertainment. Procrastination can limit your options and result in higher costs.

Don’t Forget to Consider Your Dress and Theme

Your flowers should complement your wedding dress and overall theme. Discuss your dress style and wedding theme with your florist to ensure a cohesive look.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

If you’re unsure about any aspect of the floral planning process, don’t hesitate to ask your florist for clarification. Understanding each step helps you make informed decisions and reduces stress.

Stuck on questions to ask? Read our blog on 5 questions to ask your wedding florist before booking.

Don’t Overlook the Logistics

Consider the logistics of your flower delivery and setup. Discuss the timeline with your florist to ensure the flowers arrive fresh and on time. Also, consider transportation arrangements if your ceremony and reception are in different locations.

Don’t Forget About Maintenance and Longevity

Some flowers wilt faster than others, especially in certain weather conditions. Discuss the longevity and maintenance of your chosen flowers with your florist to ensure they look beautiful throughout your event.

Don’t Neglect the Little Details

Small floral accents, like boutonnieres, corsages, and hairpieces, are important too. Make a checklist to ensure no detail is overlooked, adding a polished and cohesive touch to your wedding party’s attire.

Don’t Ignore Your Gut Feeling

If something doesn’t feel right during your consultations or planning, trust your instincts. Your wedding day should reflect your style and personality, so ensure you’re comfortable and happy with every decision.

Do Work with Thistle Bee The Florist

From personalized bridal bouquets to memorable floral accents, each element plays a pivotal role in bringing your dream wedding to life.

At Thistle Bee, our team provides you with a personalized, boutique wedding floral planning experience. We’ll work with you to bring your dream wedding to life!

Not sure where to start? Thistle Bee’s Pinterest is full of wedding day inspiration that can help you narrow down some wedding floral inspiration.

Get started with Thistle Bee—fill out our contact form today.