Essential Checklist: What to Bring to Your Florist Meeting

If you’re just getting started with wedding planning, one of the first steps you’ll take is meeting with potential vendors—your planner, photographer, and, of course, your florist. These initial consultations help make sure you're aligned and on the same page prior to signing any contracts. But if you’re new to the process, you might be wondering what exactly you need to bring along to these meetings to make the most of the time given

That’s where we come in! We’re breaking down everything you need to bring to your florist meeting to ensure you’re confident and prepared.

Wedding Day Details & Information   

Before diving into wedding inspiration, start with the essentials—your wedding date, venue details, and overall theme. There's no point in dreaming up floral designs if your florist isn’t actually available on your wedding day!

Beyond just the location, come prepared with all the venue information, including layout and any floral restrictions that could impact your floral design choices. This helps your florist suggest ideas that work within your space’s limitations. For example, if you envision stunning hanging floral installations but your venue has restrictions against them, you might end up disappointed. Discussing these ahead of time with your florist is key. 

As for your wedding theme, give them an idea of the vibe you’re going for—boho, modern, moody, romantic? Having an idea of your vision will help them determine if they're the right fit and allow them to help craft floral designs moving forward that tie into your desired aesthetic.

Logistics & Budget

Next up—let’s talk budget and guest count. Be upfront about how much you’re willing to spend. Many florists have a minimum spend, so this should be one of the first things you discuss. Your guest count and table numbers matter, too. The more tables you have, the more centerpieces you need, which will impact the overall cost.

Don’t forget your wedding party size, too! The number of bridesmaids and groomsmen will determine how many bouquets and boutonnieres you’ll need. Covering these details early on ensures your florist can provide an accurate price breakdown before you sign a contract, so there are no unexpected costs later down the line.

Wedding Inspiration 

Now that the logistics are covered, it’s time for the fun part—wedding inspiration! This is your chance to pull out those Pinterest boards and share all your ideas. Spend time with your partner before the meeting, gathering photos of your dream bouquets, boutonnieres, aisle decor, ceremony backdrops, centerpieces, and really anything that catches your eye! 

It’s equally important to share your dislikes too. Florists understand that every couple is different, therefore, preference will change from couple to couple. Make sure you create a Pinterest board that showcases the styles you don’t love. This gives your florist a clear picture of what to avoid so thye can truly create arrangements that feel uniquely you.

Wedding Attire Details 

Your wedding attire plays a major role in shaping your floral designs, so be sure to bring along inspiration photos and details about your dress and suit choices. The shape and style of your wedding dress will influence which bouquet works best—your florist can design something that enhances your look without overpowering it.

For your wedding party, bouquets and boutonnieres should complement their outfits, too. Sharing your bridesmaids’ dress colors and groomsmen’s suits will help your florist craft arrangements that tie everything together beautifully.

List of Preferences & Must-Haves

You’ll probably bring tons of photos showcasing all your dream floral ideas—and that’s a great start! But with so many options, it’s important to determine your priorities. Depending on your budget, you likely won’t be able to do everything, so make a list of your non-negotiables. These could be must-have flowers, arrangements you can’t live without, or even specific stems you want to avoid. Having a clear vision of your top priorities will help your florist bring your dream wedding florals to life while staying within budget.

List of Questions to Ask Your Florist

Last but not least, come prepared with a list of questions for your wedding florist. You’re only given so much time face-to-face, and you want to make the most of it. Avoid having to send a long list of questions over email later. Your main goal is to leave this meeting feeling confident and secure—not left with a million questions. 

You can ask about seasonality, service offerings like setup and teardown, rental options, and so much more! 

Ready to Schedule Your First Meeting with Flowers Valley?

Now that you know exactly what to bring to your florist meeting, it’s time to book your first consultation! If you’re saying “I do” in the San Francisco Bay Area, Flowers Valley is here to bring your vision to life. With over 15 years of experience, we specialize in crafting luxury floral designs tailored to each couple’s unique style. 

We work closely with each couple to create stunning, personalized florals that will make your special day unforgettable. Reach out today for a custom floral visualization, and let’s turn your dream flowers into reality!