Your Wedding Florals Guide!
A Great Starting Point for Your Wedding Florals
Wedding florists play a critical role in creating the perfect ambiance for a wedding ceremony and reception. The flowers and greenery they choose and arrange can set the tone and enhance the beauty of the event. In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about wedding florists, from choosing the right florist to the different services they offer.
Choosing the Right Wedding Florist for You
When choosing a wedding florist, it's essential to do your research and find someone who understands your vision and can execute it flawlessly. Here are some things to consider when choosing the right wedding florist:
Experience: Look for a florist with experience in weddings specifically. Wedding flowers require a different skill set than regular floral arrangements, and you want someone who is familiar with the process.
Style: Look at the florist's portfolio to see if their style matches your vision. Some florists specialize in a particular style, such as modern or rustic, while others can adapt to any style.
Budget: Be upfront about your budget, so the florist can work within your means. A good florist will be able to create a beautiful arrangement within your budget.
Meeting with Your Wedding Florist
Once you've chosen your wedding florist, you'll want to schedule a meeting to discuss your vision and the logistics of the event. Here are some things to discuss during your meeting:
Venue: Bring photos of the venue and discuss the layout with the florist. This will help them determine the best placement for arrangements and ensure everything fits in the space.
Colors: Discuss the color palette for the wedding, including the bridesmaid dresses and decor. The florist can help you choose flowers that complement the colors and overall theme.
Style: Discuss your vision for the wedding, including the style of the event, such as formal or casual, and the overall ambiance you want to create.
Theme: Discuss your wedding theme (if you have one!) with your florist. Some themes couples have done in the past are The Roaring Twenties/Great Gatsby era, Alice in Wonderland, Tropical Paradise, etc. Your theme may help you determine the types of florals and flower arrangements you want in your wedding.
Budget: Review your budget with the florist and discuss options for staying within your means. The florist can suggest alternative flowers or arrangements that fit your budget without sacrificing the overall look.
Services Offered by Wedding Florists
Wedding florists offer a variety of services to make your wedding day special. Here are some of the most common services offered:
Bouquets: Wedding florists can create stunning bouquets for the bride and bridesmaids using a variety of flowers and greenery. They can also create boutonnieres for the groom and groomsmen.
Centerpieces: Florists can create centerpieces for the reception tables using a variety of flowers and decor, such as candles or greenery.
Ceremony arrangements: Florists can create arrangements for the ceremony space, such as the altar, aisle, and entrance.
Floral installations: Some florists specialize in creating unique floral installations, such as hanging arrangements or floral arches.
Delivery and setup: The florist will deliver and set up all of the arrangements on the day of the wedding, ensuring everything looks perfect.
Popular Wedding Flowers
There are countless options when it comes to wedding flowers, but some are more popular than others. Here are some of the most popular wedding flowers and their meanings:
Roses: Roses are classic wedding flowers and symbolize love and beauty. They come in a variety of colors, each with its own meaning.
Peonies: Peonies are a popular choice for weddings and symbolize romance, prosperity, and good fortune.
Lilies: Lilies are elegant and symbolize purity and devotion.
Ranunculus: Ranunculus are delicate and come in a range of colors. They symbolize charm and attractiveness.
Succulents: Succulents are trendy and add a unique touch to wedding arrangements. They symbolize endurance and timeless love.
Wedding Flower Trends
Wedding flower trends are constantly evolving, and it's essential to stay up to date with the latest trends if you want your wedding to be on-trend. Here are some of the latest wedding flower trends in 2023:
Dried flowers: Dried flowers have been growing in popularity in recent years, and they are an excellent option for a bohemian or rustic wedding. They are also more sustainable than fresh flowers.
Bold colors: Bold, bright colors are on-trend for weddings, including shades like fuchsia, emerald green, and royal blue.
Minimalism: Minimalist weddings are becoming more popular, and this trend is reflected in wedding flowers. Simple, elegant arrangements with only a few types of flowers are on-trend.
Monochromatic arrangements: Monochromatic arrangements, where all the flowers are in the same color family, are a trendy option for a modern wedding.
Cascading bouquets: Cascading bouquets, where the flowers cascade down in a waterfall effect, are a popular choice for a romantic and whimsical wedding.
DIY Wedding Flowers
Some couples choose to do their wedding flowers themselves to save money or add a personal touch to the arrangements. While this is an option, there are some things to consider before taking on this task:
Time: Wedding flowers require a lot of time and effort to arrange, especially if you're doing it yourself. Consider if you have the time to dedicate to this task, especially in the days leading up to the wedding.
Skill level: Arranging wedding flowers is a skill that takes time and practice to perfect. If you've never arranged flowers before, it may be challenging to create the look you want. I would recommend practicing beforehand!
Logistics: If you're doing your wedding flowers yourself, you'll need to make sure you have all the supplies you need and the space to work on the arrangements.
When couples DIY their wedding flowers, they often look for a wholesale flower supplier or wholesale flower market in their area, as that can be an affordable place to purchase the bulk of their wedding flowers.
What are Wholesale Florals?
Wholesale florals are flowers and foliage that are sold in large quantities to florists, event planners, and other professionals who work with flowers. These flowers and foliage are typically purchased directly from a flower wholesaler or distributor and are available at a lower cost than retail flowers.
Wholesale florals can include a wide range of flowers and foliage, including popular wedding flowers like roses, peonies, and hydrangeas, as well as more unusual blooms like protea, ranunculus, and anemones. They may also include a variety of greenery, such as eucalyptus, ferns, and ivy.
Wholesale florals are often sold in bulk quantities, such as by the box or by the bunch. This allows florists and other professionals to purchase the exact quantity they need for their event or project, without having to buy more than they require. This is particularly useful for large-scale events like weddings or corporate events, where a significant quantity of flowers and foliage is needed.
Many wholesale florists offer delivery services to their customers, making it easier for florists and event planners to get the flowers they need without having to leave their businesses. Additionally, many wholesalers offer a wide selection of flowers and foliage, so florists and event planners can easily find the flowers they need for their designs.
Overall, wholesale florals are an essential part of the floral industry, providing florists and event planners with high-quality flowers and foliage at an affordable price.
What is a Wholesale Flower Market?
A wholesale flower market is a marketplace where florists, event planners, and other flower industry professionals can purchase fresh flowers and foliage in bulk at a lower cost than retail prices. Wholesale flower markets are typically located in major cities and are a hub for the local floral industry.
Wholesale flower markets are often located in large warehouse spaces or open-air markets, where vendors display their flowers for sale. These markets typically operate in the early morning, as flowers are harvested and transported to the market overnight to ensure they are as fresh as possible. At the market, buyers can select from a wide range of flowers and foliage, often at significantly lower prices than they would find at a retail flower shop.
In addition to flowers and foliage, many wholesale flower markets also offer a variety of floral supplies, including vases, ribbons, floral foam, and other essentials that florists need to create their arrangements.
One of the benefits of shopping at a wholesale flower market is the ability to see and touch the flowers before purchasing them. This allows florists and event planners to ensure that the flowers they select are fresh, in good condition, and will work well in their designs.
Another advantage of shopping at a wholesale flower market is the ability to access a wide variety of flowers that may not be available at retail shops. Because wholesale markets deal directly with growers and importers, they often have access to a greater variety of blooms and foliage than a retail flower shop would.
What are Some of the Major Wholesale Flower Markets in the New England Area?
There are several major wholesale flower markets in the New England area that cater to florists, event planners, and other professionals in the floral industry. Here are some of the most prominent markets:
Boston Flower Exchange: Located in Boston, Massachusetts, the Boston Flower Exchange is the largest flower market in New England, with over 25 vendors selling fresh flowers and floral supplies.
Connecticut Flower Collective: Located in Meriden, Connecticut, the Connecticut Flower Collective is a wholesale flower market that offers a wide selection of fresh flowers and foliage.
R.J. Carbone Co. Floral Distributors: Located in Cranston, Rhode Island, the R.J. Carbone Co. Floral Distributors is a wholesale flower market that sells fresh flowers, foliage, and floral supplies to florists and event planners throughout the region.
Portland Wholesale Florist: Located in Portland, Maine, the Portland Wholesale Florist is a cooperative of local florists who have joined together to purchase fresh flowers and floral supplies in bulk.
Each of these wholesale flower markets offers a unique selection of flowers and foliage, as well as floral supplies and accessories, to meet the needs of florists, event planners, and DIY wedding couples in the New England area.
When researching the floral look you want for your wedding and meeting with potential florists, you may come across language that you don’t necessarily understand. So here’s a basic list of florist language terms and their definitions:
Stem: The main part of the flower that supports the blooms and foliage.
Blossom: The flower or flowers on a stem.
Foliage: The leaves, stems, and branches of a plant used to enhance the overall design of a floral arrangement.
Filler: Small flowers or foliage used to fill in space and add texture to a floral arrangement.
Accent: A unique or eye-catching flower or foliage used to draw attention to the arrangement.
Arrangement: The art of placing flowers and foliage in a design that is pleasing to the eye.
Bouquet: A grouping of flowers that are tied together with ribbon or string.
Boutonniere: A small floral arrangement worn by men on the lapel of their jackets.
Corsage: A small floral arrangement worn by women on the wrist or pinned to the clothing.
Centerpiece: A floral arrangement placed in the center of a table or room to serve as a focal point.
Hand-tied bouquet: A bouquet that is arranged and tied by hand, often using a spiral technique.
Oasis: A floral foam used to hold flowers in place in a vase or other container.
Vase: A container used to hold flowers and water.
Ribbon: A decorative material used to tie bouquets and floral arrangements.
Garland: A long strand of flowers or foliage used to decorate a space.
These are just a few of the many terms used in floristry. A skilled wedding florist will be well-versed in the language of flowers and will be able to help you choose the perfect blooms and arrangements for your special day.
What is the Spiral Technique?
The spiral technique is a method used to create hand-tied bouquets that are both beautiful and functional. The technique involves arranging flowers and foliage in a spiral pattern, which creates a natural-looking bouquet that is also secure and easy to hold.
To create a bouquet using the spiral technique, the florist will start by selecting the focal flower, usually the largest or most eye-catching bloom. The florist will then add flowers and foliage to the bouquet, rotating the bouquet slightly with each addition so that the stems are arranged in a spiral pattern. This creates a natural flow and ensures that the flowers are evenly distributed throughout the bouquet.
As the bouquet grows, the florist will adjust the angle of the stems to create a rounded shape. Once all the flowers and foliage have been added, the bouquet is tied with ribbon or string to hold it together.
The spiral technique is popular with florists because it creates a beautiful, natural-looking bouquet that is also practical. The spiral arrangement of the stems ensures that the flowers are securely held in place, so the bouquet won't fall apart or shift during the wedding ceremony or reception. Additionally, the rounded shape of the bouquet makes it easy to hold and comfortable to carry for extended periods.
Seven Tips to Keep Your Wedding Florals Fresh and Beautiful as Long as Possible:
Choose hardy flowers: When selecting your wedding flowers, choose hardy varieties that are known to last longer, such as roses, carnations, and chrysanthemums. These flowers are less delicate and can withstand more wear and tear than other varieties.
Keep flowers cool: Flowers are sensitive to heat, so try to keep them in a cool, shaded area as much as possible. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight or near a heat source.
Use clean water: Make sure your flower vases or containers are clean before adding water. Use room temperature water, as cold water can shock the flowers and cause them to wilt.
Change water frequently: Change the water in your flower vases or containers every 2-3 days to keep it fresh and free from bacteria. Re-cut the stems at an angle each time you change the water to allow for better water uptake.
Use floral preservatives: Floral preservatives are packets of plant food that can be added to the water in your flower vases or containers. These preservatives help to extend the life of your flowers by providing them with nutrients and reducing bacteria growth.
Mist your flowers: Mist your flowers with water using a spray bottle to keep them hydrated and fresh. Be careful not to over-mist them, as too much water can cause the flowers to become waterlogged and wilt.
Keep flowers away from fruit: Ripening fruit releases ethylene gas, which can cause flowers to age and wilt faster. Keep your flowers away from ripening fruit to extend their lifespan.
Wedding floristry involves creating beautiful floral arrangements and designs for weddings, including bouquets, centerpieces, boutonnieres, and more. A wedding florist works closely with the bride and groom to understand their vision for their special day and create arrangements that match their style and color scheme. Wedding floristry also involves understanding the different types of flowers and foliage, as well as techniques for arranging them, such as the spiral technique. Florists often purchase wholesale florals from wholesale flower markets to save costs and provide their clients with a wider range of options. To keep wedding florals looking fresh and beautiful for as long as possible, it's important to follow tips such as choosing hardy flowers, keeping them cool, changing the water frequently, using floral preservatives, and misting the flowers. Overall, wedding floristry is an important aspect of creating a beautiful and memorable wedding day.
If you’re looking for a Wedding Planner to help you tackle all the details that go into your wedding, please schedule a Call with me! I’d be happy to discuss how I can make your dream wedding come to life!
