Picture this: your partner proposes, of course, you say “yes”! After the initial celebration of your engagement, it’s clear that you’re about to embark on a brand new journey together— planning a wedding! Wedding planning is not intuitive or common knowledge. The wedding industry is intricate, with many factors in choosing the right vendors and making the right decisions.

At Lulu Events, we recognize and empathize with the stress associated with wedding planning due to its elusiveness. With this in mind, we are committed to providing you with the most knowledge possible about the different aspects of wedding planning so you are informed, comfortable, and confident when choosing your vendors! Of course, when working with us, your planner acts as your primary advocate, applying these concepts specific to your event.

To kick off this series, we are starting with the focal point of wedding design— florals! We have interviewed two of our preferred florists, Feather + Bloom and Jacksonville Flower Market, to answer your FAQs to help gain a thorough understanding of what can initially be a confusing and intimidating aspect of wedding planning. Grab a snack and get cozy, we’re diving into the world of a florist!

About our Florists

Based in St. Augustine, Florida, Feather + Bloom specializes in floral design custom to any client’s vision. Feather + Bloom was founded in 2015 by Josh and Brandy, a couple driven by their love for creativity and pushing the boundaries of floral arrangements. Initially starting in South Florida, Josh and Brandy soon relocated to North Florida, where they found their retail space and began their journey into the floral industry. What sets Feather + Bloom apart is the artistic vision provided and Josh’s background in carpentry and construction. This unique combination allows them to offer custom floral installations and designs, fulfilling every client’s desires beyond traditional floral arrangements. With a passion for creativity and a commitment to exceeding expectations, Feather + Bloom strives to make each wedding and event a unique and unforgettable experience, where reality surpasses even the wildest dreams of their clients.

Whether clients seek simple bouquets or elaborate event setups, Jacksonville Flower Market is a one-stop shop, providing everything from floral arrangements to rentals and event cleanup. They cater to various needs, from day-to-day arrangements to weddings and events. Customers can purchase individual stems and bulk flowers for DIYs, or opt for comprehensive design services. Their full-service approach includes free consultations and custom designs tailored to client’s preferences and price range. With a finger on the pulse of contemporary trends, they provide valuable insights to help customers achieve their vision while honoring their price range. Jacksonville Flower Market’s commitment to personalized service, flexibility, and comprehensive offerings sets it apart in the floral market, making it a reliable destination for all floral needs in the Jacksonville area.

How much could a couple anticipate spending on florals for their event?

The answer from both florists was pretty much the same: it depends.

Floral pricing depends on various factors like guest count and size of the event (this determines the number of florals needed), flower choices (as the prices of flowers vary), and the types of arrangements wanted (instillations and arrangements also widely vary).

As a (very) general blanket statement, couples could anticipate spending between $3,000-$5,000 on florals for their wedding. However, this varies heavily between different florists and factors specific to you. A florist’s location could significantly impact pricing, so these figures generally apply to Northern Florida. Again, every florist is different. With this, you could spend more or less depending on your vision for the event!

How do you work with couples to create beautiful floral arrangements while being mindful of their price range?

Every florist’s process is different. Josh from Feather + Bloom told us his approach is to first understand the couple’s dream wedding vision without considering pricing or other limiting factors. Then, he works to scale the design to fit within their requirements while preserving the essence of their vision. Generally, florists can offer various options like recommending cost-effective flower choices, suggesting alternative arrangements, or providing DIY options.

How do you help couples understand the costs involved in floral arrangements, and how can they effectively allocate their budget to achieve a stunning look without overspending?

The florists stress the significance of educating couples about floral costs, emphasizing a breakdown of expenses like:

• Transportation: Distance and logistics can impact transportation costs for flowers.
• Hands: Labor-intensive designs or intricate arrangements may require more hands-on work, affecting the overall cost.
• Logistics: Venue restrictions, setup time, and delivery schedules can influence pricing.
• Lost product cost: Any perishable items or delicate flowers that may not survive transport or handling could result in lost product costs.

They both advocate for transparent pricing, comprising design fees, supply costs, and rental fees, empowering couples to understand the value they receive in their service and make informed decisions to align with their price allocation while preserving their desired aesthetic.

It is VERY IMPORTANT to note that couples should consider the convenience and peace of mind that hiring professional vendors, including florists, provides. While DIY options may seem cost-effective initially, they can entail additional responsibilities and may not result in significant cost savings in the long run. Florists can access support and materials that the public cannot (like refrigerated trucks, trustworthy tools to achieve quality aesthetics and safety, etc.) that are included in the baseline cost. At the end of the day, we pay for experience and knowledge, which takes an event from good to great!

Real Florals vs. Fake Florals: What makes real flowers worth the investment?

The florists emphasize the natural beauty, fragrance, and versatility of real flowers, highlighting their ability to elevate the ambiance of any event. While acknowledging the perceived cost-effectiveness of faux florals, they discourage their use for essential elements like the bride’s bouquet or ceremony decorations. However, they recognize instances where faux flowers, suitable for DIY projects, can complement the overall floral design without compromising the aesthetic integrity. Faux florals could be used in areas where longevity and durability are more important than authenticity, such as outdoor settings where real flowers may wilt quickly. They could also be used for decorations that are less focal or interactive, such as table centerpieces in large venues where guests may not closely inspect the details.

It is essential to consider that faux florals may be more costly than authentic florals, depending on whether the florist already has a stock of the faux florals needed. Our florists are here to help you, so they will advise based on your needs and desires!

What are popular uses for florals in weddings?

• Ceremony Arches and Designs: Josh from Feather + Bloom emphasizes creating “wow” moments with unique designs, such as trailing florals or double arbors.
• Aisle Decor: Incorporating floral arrangements down the aisle to enhance the overall ceremony experience and photos.
• Cocktail Hour: Utilize florals to add elegance and charm to the cocktail area.
• Reception: Enhancing tables and other features with floral arrangements to create a memorable atmosphere.

(Both Cocktail Hour and Reception florals can be repurposed from the ceremony (more on this later)!)

In-Season vs. Out-of-Season: What does it mean?

Okay, this is definitely important to note here! I went in-depth with Josh of Feather + Bloom and Miranda of Jacksonville Flower Market, who clarified this topic.

Understanding the impact of in-season versus out-of-season flowers is crucial when planning events. In-season flowers are more readily available and cost-effective, providing better quality and availability. For example, peonies, hyacinths, and tulips are popular in spring, while dahlias and yarrows shine in the summer. However, out-of-season flowers may have compromised quality and limited availability. The moral of the story is to choose flowers based on seasonality to ensure better quality and availability for your wedding day! Here’s a list with examples and characteristics of seasonal flowers:

• Summer: tropical florals with bright, vibrant shades like Ranunculus and specific Peonies (for example, Peonies that are a coral color).
• Spring: Pastel florals.
• Fall: Burnt orange, burgundy, and deep-color florals.
• Winter: Christmas greens and white, reds, and other natural colors including Pine, Cedar, and Pinecones.

To exemplify this concept, if you want a pastel vibe (maybe a garden theme), opt for a spring date, not a winter date! The necessary florals will be out-of-season, making them more expensive and difficult to get.

What are some super versatile florals that can work in any event vibe?

Versatile florals like roses, hydrangeas, and greenery complement various event themes, from elegant to rustic or modern vibes! Queen Anne’s Lace offers understated versatility suitable for diverse floral arrangements. Poppies evoke a Southern garden vibe or organic garden style. Dahlias are prized for their versatility and availability in different varieties, while Proteas, especially the King Protea, bring size, longevity, and a tropical vibe to arrangements. Unique Japanese flowers like Hanoi Ranunculi add diversity and interest, while options such as carnations, antique carnations, mums, roses, and stocks when used appropriately, elevate the overall look of arrangements.

The bottom line is, florals are flexible to match many aesthetics! Again, consult with your florist to get personalized, knowledgable recommendations. 

What are some popular expensive florals, with inexpensive substitutes?

Expensive florals like peonies or orchids may have more affordable substitutes, such as garden roses or lilies, enabling couples to achieve a similar aesthetic within their budget.

Trends for 2024 and Predictions for 2025:

In floral design, trends for 2024 may include sustainable arrangements, bold color palettes, and unique textures, while predictions for 2025 might shift towards minimalist designs, dried flowers, and interactive installations. These trends manifest in various ways, such as petite bridal bouquets, pocket bouquets, and innovative bridesmaids’ bouquet styles like those carried in rattan baskets or featuring floral prints. Additionally, accent pieces like seating chart displays and floral-draped chandeliers create enchanting wedding atmospheres, emphasizing the importance of “wow” factors in event aesthetics!

How can arrangements be repurposed from ceremony to reception?

The florists recommend maximizing the use of floral arrangements by repurposing them from the ceremony to the reception. For instance, flowers initially placed along the aisle can transition to elevated arrangements or be repurposed as decor for tablescapes or other areas. Similarly, arbor pieces can find new life behind sweetheart tables or as focal points in photo booth areas. Columns and arches offer versatility, seamlessly transitioning between ceremony and reception spaces.

What’s your ideal timeline with a client?

The ideal timeline for our florists typically begins with initial contact six to eight months prior to the event but no more than a year in advance (since we want to ensure a solidified theme choices). Before contacting a florist, couples should prioritize selecting a venue and solidifying their color palette. Every venue has its own beautiful aesthetics. Your venue’s natural beauty could impact the number (and type) of flowers you need. This early engagement allows ample time to plan, make necessary adjustments, and coordinate with vendors effectively. Detailed timelines are necessary to seamless execution on the wedding day, minimizing stress and ensuring that every aspect of the event aligns with the couple’s vision. That, my friends, is where Lulu Events come in!

From a wedding planning perspective, how can planners coordinate with florists on behalf of the couple to ensure timely delivery and setup of floral arrangements?

Effective coordination between the wedding planner and florist is crucial, with the complexity of the wedding determining the necessary setup time, ranging from a minimum of two and a half hours to potentially a full day for elaborate installations. Direct communication between the florist and the couple ensures a clear understanding of their vision, minimizing misunderstandings. The florist emphasizes the importance of detailed planning and communication, particularly regarding venue access times, photographer schedules, cake delivery, and pickup times for various floral elements. This information exchange, including floorplans, ensures that every aspect aligns seamlessly with the wedding timeline and vision (ideally made by an experienced wedding planner).

In your experience working with wedding planners, how do you collaborate to ensure that floral designs seamlessly match the wedding theme? How does working with a wedding planner make your process of creating + delivering better?

Collaboration between wedding planners and florists is essential for aligning floral designs with the wedding vision. Our florists emphasize the importance of strong communication, using tools like vision boards or Pinterest to understand the couple’s preferences fully. Trust between the coordinator and florist is crucial, as it fosters a collaborative environment where both parties can effectively translate the bride’s vision into floral arrangements. Working with a trusted wedding planner like Lulu Events streamlines the process for your florist, as we transparently recommend and communicate the florist’s qualifications to the couple, allowing the florist to focus on design with everyone on the same page. The wedding planner’s role in guiding the client and facilitating communication with vendors ensures a smoother process from conception to delivery. Think of a wedding planner as a translator between the couple and the florist!

Well, there you have it! Your comprehensive guide to the world of florals. Do you have questions that were not addressed here? Do you need a wedding planner to help you through this process? Reach out to us— we’ll help and advocate for you along this new and exciting journey!