5 Insider Secrets about Wedding Flowers
Finding a wedding florist can be hard!
I get it! You’ve probably made ALL THE DECISIONS for your wedding, and floral design is a whole new world. Plus, sometimes it can feel impossible to find useful info on florist websites (process, pricing, etc). That can be frustrating when you just want somewhere to start.
Don’t worry!! We make it easy. We listen. And, we’re happy to be your floral confidante.
So let’s answer “Five questions that are totally okay to ask your florist” with five insider secrets to wedding floral design.
1. I don’t know much about flowers. What do I need to know before I talk to a florist?
Answer: Not much! A lot of the wedding advice about flowers is outdated. It originated when most people worked with a local brick & mortar florist. Back then, couples ordered wedding flowers just like any other occasion. So, things like colors, flower types, and vase styles were just part of the order form.
Insider Secret: We know you’re planning a wedding, not planning to start a florist business. So, it will be easier to talk about what you DON’T need to know. Because you’re going to have the perfect florist who will help guide you through all these decisions. :D (BTW - if you already have ideas we love to make them happen)
So, here’s what you DON’T need to know (but it’s totally ok if you do):
Wedding Colors: They’re helpful, but a lot of wedding colors don’t translate to flowers. There aren’t metal-toned flowers. We’ll make sure the flowers compliment all the rest of the decor elements.
Flower Types or Seasons: There are literally thousands of options for weddings today (hundreds of roses alone!). We can help decide the best options to line up with your vibe.
Vases: We have a curated rental library of vases that are perfect for a wide variety of arrangements, arches, and installs.
Types of Arrangements: Every wedding and venue is different. We’ll guide you through all the options for tables, bridal parties, and arches. (BTW - You don’t have to have an arch - check these out.)
2. Do you have A price list? Why do florists always want to meet to provide a quote?
Answer: The simple answer is there are too many variables to provide pricing without a consultation. Unlike some other vendors who can provide set packages, because they provide a similar service for each wedding, your wedding flowers will be very different to suit your day. You may need just a bridal bouquet and few flowers for reception tables because your ceremony is on a mountain. (love this!) But someone else may need a wild, elegant green wall to bring nature into their indoor event space. These are very different events, and will take different materials, time, and labor. It’s just too hard to provide simple package answers without more information to fit your wedding.
Insider Secret: That isn’t very helpful for most couples. But, here’s the secret about Bramble Floral. We want to chat with you! We want to hear your love story. We want to hear your concerns and dreams. That allows us to ensure your flowers will be a reflection of who you are, not just some generic wedding colors and basic flower combinations.
Plus, we’re happy to share with you all the value you receive before we chat - you can check it out here: PRICING & SERVICES.
3. what about my flower budget?
Answer: Wedding magazine advice suggests budgeting 10% - 15% of the overall wedding budget for flowers. This comes from averaging all weddings from elopements to luxury events and destination weddings.
Insider Secret: Most couples underestimate ALL vendor pricing. That’s ok! - It’s usually your first time! Based on our experience working with hundreds of couples, their weddings tend to be a little larger than they think AND they learn florists provide more than just flowers. Many designers also provide rental inventory, candles, delivery and tear down services. We suggest budgeting between 15% - 20% of the budget for your florist.
We got you! We have hundreds of weddings under our belt, with all the tips and tricks to ensure you're wow’d by the flowers at your wedding.
4. what are the best value/simplest/cheapest flowers?
Answer: It depends. Flower cost has a wide range of factors but the two biggest are seasonality and location.
Insider Secret: It’s true orchids tend to cost more per stem than zinnias. But, the truth is you can trust us to make the best decision when it comes to choosing flowers for your wedding. Let’s breakdown those factors, because that’s where a good designer provides real value to you.
Seasonality - Different flowers grow in different seasons! Big fluffy peonies grow in late spring and roses peak in summer. When flowers are in season they’re more available and cheaper. We have over 10 years of experience which means we know exactly when flowers are available and how to create your look in any season.
Location - Flowers are a worldwide industry. Dutch tulips are shipped worldwide! Japan has beautiful ranunculus. Portland ships roses all over the United States. But the further the flowers ship, the more they cost. Fortunately, Portland is a flower growing powerhouse! We use local farms as much as possible and pass that value on to each couple.
With all that in mind, focusing on certain blooms for price isn’t the best strategy. We help guide you to the best combination of flowers at the best value for your vibe.
5. how do I decide what I need for wedding flowers?
(aka - Who needs boutonnieres? And will there be room for flowers on the tables with the place settings?)
Answer: Most florists recommend flowers for each part of the wedding day - ceremony, reception, and wedding party. That’s a lot of flowers for a lot of wedding traditions.
Insider Secret: There’s no set “must do” wedding flowers. So, feel free to dream! We have a simple process to make sure your wedding will be full of beautiful flowers - right season, right size, right atmosphere.
Right Season - The best floral options for the healthiest, fullest, and most eco-friendly flowers.
Right Size - The perfect amount of flowers and design elements for what you need.
Right Atmosphere - Wild, natural, or elegant flowers for your mountain top, backyard, or urban wedding.
We want all our couples to feel heard and confident that their flowers will be the perfect fit. Just shoot me an email and let’s chat as soon as possible.