If you don’t ask your florist the right questions, you’re not hiring a professional — you’re placing a very expensive gamble.
We say that with love.
Most couples are excited, overwhelmed, scrolling Pinterest, saving Instagram reels, and thinking, This should be easy. Weddings are worth it — but they are not easy. And florals? They’re one of the least understood vendor categories in the entire wedding industry.
In this episode of The Flower Files, we’re walking through the questions you must ask your wedding florist before signing a contract — whether you’re a couple planning your day, a planner wanting smoother timelines, or a florist raising the standard.
Because the right florist will love these questions.
Why Asking the Right Questions Matters
Wedding flowers aren’t “just decor.”
They impact:
- Your timeline
- Your stress level
- Your photography
- Your guest experience
- The emotional feel of your entire day
Pinterest teaches what weddings look like. It doesn’t teach how weddings work.
When florals go wrong, it’s usually not a lack of effort — it’s a lack of aligned expectations.
So here are the questions that create alignment.
1. Do You Specialize in Weddings?
Weddings are not everyday floristry.
They require:
- Detailed timelines
- Production crews
- Install mechanics
- Transportation logistics
- Contingency planning
Someone can be incredibly talented and still not be equipped for wedding production. That’s not shade — it’s just a different skill set.
If a florist is newer, transparency matters. A professional should be honest about capacity and experience.
2. How Many Weddings Do You Take Per Weekend?
There’s no “right” number — but there should be transparency.
If your florist is handling multiple weddings on the same day, ask:
- Who’s loading the truck?
- Who’s leading setup?
- Who handles problems on-site?
You’re not being demanding. You’re being informed.
3. Who Will Be On-Site on My Wedding Day?
Will it be:
- The person you met with?
- A lead designer?
- An assistant team?
Teams are great. But clarity is everything. You deserve to know who will physically be present on one of the most emotional days of your life.
4. Where Do Your Flowers Come From?
This isn’t about judgment — it’s about understanding.
Flowers can be:
- Farm-grown locally
- Shipped domestically
- Imported internationally
Local flowers behave differently. They’re often fresher, more seasonal, and handled differently than flowers bred to survive long-haul shipping.
Your florist should explain sourcing without defensiveness — and without promising specific stems months in advance.
5. What Happens If a Flower Isn’t Available?
This is huge.
Weather happens.
Shipping delays happen.
Crop failures happen.
Global logistics happen.
If someone guarantees an exact stem and exact shade months out — be careful.
A professional florist promises:
- The correct overall feel
- The right color palette
- The intended mood and movement
Not one specific rose variety six months in advance.
Flexibility is not lowering standards — it’s working with nature.
6. Can You Explain Your Design Process?
Listen carefully to how they answer.
Do they talk about:
- Collaboration?
- Mood and movement?
- Flexibility?
- Adapting to your venue?
Or do they reference a strict template?
There’s a difference between having a system and using a rigid formula. Weddings need structure — but not stiffness.
7. What’s Included in Setup and Breakdown?
This is where budgets quietly explode.
Floral pricing often includes:
- Labor hours
- Installation time
- Candle setup
- On-site mechanics
- Late-night teardown (“strike”)
- Cleanup and transport
After your reception ends, someone has to return, dismantle installations, clean mechanics, remove waste, and reset inventory.
If anything feels vague — ask again.
Clarity now prevents stress later.
8. What Does My Investment Actually Cover?
You’re not just paying for flowers.
You’re paying for:
- Flower sourcing
- Conditioning and processing
- Design time
- Labor and staffing
- Transportation
- Insurance
- Waste removal
- Equipment cleaning and reset
Flowers are perishable. Loss is built into pricing. That’s reality — not greed.
Professional floristry is production work layered with artistry.
9. What’s Your Backup Plan If Something Goes Wrong?
This question feels uncomfortable — but it shouldn’t.
Weather changes.
Illness happens.
Vehicles break down.
Venues don’t cancel for storms.
Experienced professionals don’t fear this question. They answer it clearly.
If the answer is vague — “We’ll figure it out” — ask again.
Experience shows up most clearly in contingency planning.
10. How Do You Communicate Leading Up to the Event?
After the contract is signed, what happens?
Will there be:
- Check-in meetings?
- Email updates?
- Phone calls?
- Timeline confirmations?
You don’t need constant communication — you need predictable communication.
Contracts protect:
- You
- The florist
- The working relationship
A professional walks you through the contract, not past it.
11. What Do Past Clients Say About Working With You?
Pretty photos are easy. Flowers photograph beautifully.
What you’re looking for in reviews:
- Calm under pressure
- Clear communication
- Follow-through
- Timeliness
- Professionalism
Look for consistency in language across testimonials.
That tells you far more than a highlight reel ever will.
The Quiet Question: Are We Aligned?
This is the one no one teaches you to ask.
Do you:
- Feel heard?
- Feel calm?
- Feel excited?
- Trust their process?
Alignment matters.
If your vision is tight, traditional white roses and baby’s breath — and your florist’s portfolio is wild, organic, and movement-driven — that mismatch matters.
The right fit creates ease. The wrong fit creates tension.
Your florist will be with you on one of the most emotional days of your life. The energy has to feel right.
Better Questions Create Better Experiences
This episode isn’t about fear.
It’s about empowerment.
The right florist:
- Welcomes questions
- Answers clearly
- Doesn’t rush you
- Doesn’t pressure you
- Makes you feel confident
Wedding flowers are deeply emotional — but they’re also logistical.
When expectations align from the beginning, everything flows more smoothly.
And that’s what we want for you.
