Questions to Ask Your Wedding Florist

Wedding flowers are one of those things that you think “yeah, this looks easy and fun” and then you really think about all the work that goes into it and that thought quickly changes to “….this is definitely best left to the professionals.”

With that in mind, you might understandably have some questions about the whole picking/arranging wedding flowers process, and if you’re at square one, you might not even know what to ask your potential wedding florist – but don’t worry! That’s why we’re here.

I spoke with Nick of Cityside Flowers – Metropolitan Wholesale in Saddle Brook, NJ, and asked some of the pressing questions I anticipate a lot of clients may have. Interested? Keep reading!

Q: How far in advance do you suggest looking at florists?

As soon as they pop the question – the sooner the better. Start looking as soon as you can, so you can develop a clear vision of what you want and you can give your florist time to help you weed out things you’re definitely not looking to do. (Good pun, btw).

Q: What do you recommend for couples who don’t know anything about flowers?

Start looking at a design scheme or a color scheme. Look at pinterest boards, anywhere you’ll find inspiration for a theme you want.

Q: Is there a “most popular” floral choice?

Right now I think succulents are pretty popular. Garden roses, too, but it changes all the time. Mason jars used to be a very popular design element, not so much anymore, but things change.

Q: What about colors?

Classic colors like creams, whites and light pinks are always generally popular among couples.

Q: Are there specific flowers to avoid for a particular season? Is there a safeguard?

It all depends, but dahlias tend to be a little difficult to work with. Importing, especially if it’s a last minute decision, can be tricky, but timing is the most important thing when designing an arrangement.

Q: What inspires your designs the most?

We don’t have a set package or template we work with. Everything is tailor made and customizable, so the customer’s input is really the most inspirational part of every design.

Q: Is there a design element you wish would be used more?

Carnations are generally overlooked as a “cheap” flower, but there are some that are exceptionally beautiful. The moon series, for example, has some beautiful variations of carnations. (+ 5 points for rhyming).

Q: What’s your personal favorite floral element?

Orchids are always really beautiful; they’re not as high maintenance as you would think. They need everything you need. Not too much sun, not too much shade, and just enough water to keep them hydrated.

Q: What’s your favorite part about designing floral arrangements?

Knowing you made the customer’s vision become a reality is really rewarding. In the beginning of the consultation, you know, we sit down with them and they’re sketching stuff out and describing everything they want, and then when they finally receive their flowers they say ‘that’s exactly what I wanted!’ That’s the best part.

Q: Is there anything you want your inquiring couples to know ahead of time?

Make sure you give your florist time. As long as you allow enough time for your ideas to become real, it’ll all run smoothly and we can help you get the flowers you really love.

Besides the fact that the Q&A kind of felt like a floral-themed interrogation, it seems like Nick really knows his stuff and passed with flying colors.

Well, you heard it here first, everyone! Come down (or up, whatever direction you need to drive) to Cityside Flowers – Metropolitan Wholesale for all your wedding flower inquiries. The team there couldn’t have been nicer. I even bought a blueberry bush on my way out! I wonder if anyone has ever included fruits or veggies in their wedding florals? Maybe you, the reader, can be the first. Follow your dreams, everyone.

Happy floral-arranging!

xx

Metropolitan Wholesale

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