How to Work with a Wedding Florist: A Step-by-Step Guide for Stress-Free Planning

Once you start planning wedding flowers, you probably imagine lush, gorgeous flowers—the bouquet in your hands, delicate blooms adorning your tables, and soft petals framing your ceremony backdrop. But if you’ve never worked with a florist before, the process might feel overwhelming.

How do you choose the right florist? How much should you budget? What if your favorite flowers aren’t in season?

Whether you’re dreaming of whimsical, garden-inspired flowers, a custom floral experience, or a DIY-friendly option, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about working with a wedding florist—so you can make confident decisions and for a beautiful day.

1. When to Book a Wedding Florist

Timing is everything when it comes to wedding flowers! Most florists (especially those using seasonal, locally grown blooms) book up early.

Here’s when to start floral planning:

✔ 8-12 months before → Ideal for full-service floral design and brides who want custom colors or flowers. Flower farmers like us can custom grow blooms just for you!
✔ 4-8 months before → Fine for a la carte florals or DIY bulk flowers.
✔ Last-minute? Some florists (like us!) offer elopement and bulk flower options for flexible pickup (if availability allows).

Earlier is usually better. More notice = better flower availability. But more than 12 months in advance may actually be too much, especially for farmer florists. A lot can happen in a year - changes in ideas, quantities, colors, etc. that can mean starting floral planning over again. 

Aim for the sweet spot of 8-12 months in advance. 

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re getting married in peak season (May or October in Raleigh-Durham, NC), book early!

2. How to Choose the Right Florist for Your Wedding

Finding a florist who matches your style AND budget is key. Here’s how to start:

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Booking a Florist:

• What floral style do I love? (Wildflower-inspired? Classic and timeless? Modern and minimal?)

• Do I want a full-service florist or a DIY-friendly option? (Not sure of the difference? Read this)

• Am I open to seasonal flowers, or do I have must-have blooms?

• How many of everything do I need? (Make a list of names/categories for anyone needing flowers: bridesmaids, grandmas, flower girl, etc.)

• Is sustainability or local business a priority?

• What’s my estimated budget for flowers?

Where to Find the Best Wedding Florists

• Instagram & Pinterest (Look for florists who match your aesthetic!)

• Wedding & floral directories (The Knot, WeddingWire, Zola, Localflowers.org)

• Word-of-mouth from venues, planners, and past brides

3. Understanding Wedding Flower Pricing & Packages

💰 What Do Wedding Flowers Cost in Raleigh, NC?

If you can dream it, a florist can probably do it. Everything comes down to time vs money. Which do you have more of for your wedding day? 

And while every florist prices differently, knowing your budget will help you prioritize your essential floral elements and set expectations on what’s realistic.

• Full-Service Floral Design → $3,000 +++ 🚀 (Bouquets, centerpieces, installations, full setup)

• A La Carte (Bouquet + Key Pieces) → $1,000-$3,000

• DIY Bulk Flowers (Pickup) → $250-$1,500

💡 How to Save Money:
✔ Stick with seasonal, locally grown flowers
✔ Strategically use focal blooms + affordable filler flowers
✔ Repurpose florals from ceremony to reception

 ✔ Use seasonal elements to extend your decor

 ✔ Consider rental options

4. How to Share Your Floral Vision with a Florist

Not sure how to explain your floral vision? Don’t worry—you don’t need to be a flower expert! Your florist will guide you, but here are a few ways to help:

🌸 Best Ways to Communicate Your Vision:
✔ Create a Pinterest board with colors & bouquet styles
✔Share boards, photos or swatches of your dress and bridal party attire

✔ List a few must-have flowers (and any you dislike)
✔ Use mood words like "whimsical," "organic," "boho," or "romantic"

🚫 What NOT to Do:
❌ Expect an exact Pinterest replica (flowers are as seasonal & unique as you are!)
❌ Demand specific flowers out of season (we can suggest gorgeous alternatives!)

5. What Happens After You Book Your Florist?

📅 A Full Service Wedding Flower Planning Timeline:

• 8-12 months out: sign a contract & pay a retainer to secure your date

• 6-8 months out: Discuss design style, floral choice & details

• 2 months out: Venue walkthrough & design confirmation

• 1 month out: Confirm final quantities

• Wedding week: Florist preps, designs & coordinates with your planner/venue

But what if you are designing the florals yourself? I’ve got a full DIY Wedding Flower Checklist that will walk you through all of the considerations.

But here’s the TLDR:

📅 A DIY Wedding Flower Planning Timeline:

• 4-6 months out: sign a contract & pay a retainer to secure your date

• 1 month out: Confirm final flower quantities, secure your vases/materials

• 1 week out: Confirm helpers, pick up time and storage space

• 1 day before: Pick up your designed floral or DIY buckets.

6. Wedding Day: What Your Florist Handles vs. What You Do

✔ If Full-Service: We deliver, set up, & clean up flowers throughout the day.
✔ If DIY Pickup: You (or a helper like Dad!) pick up and arrange the flowers at your venue.

💡 Pro Tip: Have a bridesmaid or planner handle flowers on the wedding day so you can relax!

🌿 Ready to Start Planning Your Dream Wedding Flowers?

Flowers should be as unique as your celebration. Whether you want a full-service floral experience or a DIY-friendly option, we’d love to help bring your vision to life.

Ready to talk flowers? 📅 Schedule a consultation today!

Still planning? 📖 Want to know what’s in season for your date? Download our Seasonal Color Palette Guide.