When Should You Order Your Wedding Flowers? A Simple Guide
Learn when should you order your wedding flowers to avoid stress and get the best blooms. This guide helps you plan ahead for a smooth wedding day.
Depending on how you plan, your wedding can be both exciting and overwhelming.
There are so many details to think about, and one of the things that often gets pushed to the back burner is ordering your wedding flowers.
You might be wondering, “When should you order your wedding flowers?” and that’s a great question!
Getting your flowers sorted early takes away stress and ensure you have exactly what you want for your big day.
In this guide, we’ll talk about why timing matters when ordering wedding flowers, and we’ll also help you figure out the best timeline to follow.
This article will give you the step-by-step info you need to make sure your flowers are perfect.
Why Timing Matters for Wedding Flowers
It might seem like flowers are just a small detail in the grand scheme of your wedding, but trust me—when it comes to wedding flowers, timing is everything.
If you wait too long to order your flowers, you might not be able to get the exact ones you want.
Florists also get super busy during wedding season, so if you leave things to the last minute, you could end up with a smaller selection.
Flowers are also seasonal, meaning different flowers are available at different times of the year.
Some flowers are easier to get year-round, but others, like peonies or gardenias, have specific blooming seasons.
Ordering your wedding flowers early gives your florist enough time to find the best blooms for your wedding season and can help you avoid disappointment.
Ideal Timeline for Ordering Wedding Flowers
Now, when should you order your wedding flowers? I’ve broken it down into a simple timeline that you can follow to make sure you stay on track:
- 9-12 Months Before Your Wedding:
This might seem early, but it’s the best time to start doing your research. Begin by looking for a florist and scheduling consultations. This gives you plenty of time to decide on the style and type of flowers you want. If you’re getting married in a busy season (spring or summer), florists often book up months in advance. It’s a good idea to lock in your florist early so you don’t end up with fewer options. - 6-8 Months Before Your Wedding:
This is the time to finalize your florist. Once you’ve met with a few florists and chosen one, book them. You’ll also want to start discussing your flower preferences—whether you’re thinking about large, colorful bouquets or more subtle arrangements. Your florist will need time to plan and figure out what flowers will be in season around your wedding date. If you’re getting married in a location with a very specific climate, like Colorado, make sure to find a florist Colorado that knows the local floral scene. - 3-4 Months Before Your Wedding:
By now, you should have a pretty good idea of what you want for your flowers. Finalize the details with your florist. This includes choosing the exact flowers for each bouquet, centerpiece, and arrangement. Your florist will also work with you to make sure everything fits your wedding theme, color scheme, and budget. If you’re on a budget, now’s the time to discuss substitutions or alternatives for some of the more expensive flowers. - 1-2 Weeks Before Your Wedding:
This is the time to confirm everything with your florist. You’ll want to make sure they have all the correct delivery details and any last-minute changes. It’s also a good time to check the weather and see if it might affect the flowers’ availability or freshness.
If you follow this timeline, you’ll avoid last-minute stress and ensure your flowers are exactly what you want.
How to Choose the Right Florist
You don’t want to choose the wrong florist for your wedding. You need a florist who can understand your vision and can work within your budget.
The best way to start your search is by looking for a florist near me.
This helps you find local florists who are familiar with your area and the flowers that thrive there.
If you’re planning a wedding in Colorado, it’s essential to find a florist Colorado who knows how to handle the state’s unique climate.
When looking for a florist, be sure to:
- Read reviews: Check what other couples have said about their experience with the florist. Reviews can tell you a lot about their reliability and quality of service.
- Ask for a portfolio: Most florists have a portfolio of past weddings. This can help you see if their style matches your vision.
- Set up a consultation: Meeting with a florist in person is a great way to see if they understand your ideas and if you feel comfortable working with them.
Also, don’t forget that your florist should be a good communicator.
You’ll be in contact with them a lot, so it’s important that they’re easy to talk to and quick to respond.
Seasonal Flowers and Budgeting
The best flowers for your wedding are often the ones that are in season.
Seasonal flowers are fresher, more affordable, and easier to find.
For example, roses and daisies are available year-round, but flowers like peonies, lilacs, or tulips are only available in certain seasons.
It’s helpful to discuss your flower preferences with your florist early on so they can suggest the option that’ll best fit the season of your wedding date.
Some flowers, like lilies, are available in both spring and fall, but others, like lilacs, are only available for a short window in the spring.
How to Budget for Wedding Flowers
When planning your wedding flowers, you’ll need to set a budget.
Flowers are one of the bigger costs of a wedding, but they don’t have to break the bank.
Generally, couples spend about 10% of their total wedding budget on flowers.
But this can change based on how big or small your wedding is and the types of flowers you go for.
Some ways to stay within budget are:
- Use more greenery: Greenery like eucalyptus, ferns, or ivy is a beautiful, affordable alternative to flowers.
- Opt for seasonal blooms: As mentioned, flowers that are in season tend to cost less.
- Limit the number of arrangements: Focus on a few key areas, like your bridal bouquet and the ceremony altar, and skip flowers in places where they aren’t necessary (like the reception hall if it’s already decorated).
Sharing your budget and preferences with your florist allows them to help you find the best flowers within your price range.
Don’t Forget Other Floral Arrangements
While you’re planning your wedding flowers, don’t forget about other floral needs, such as arrangements for funerals or memorial services.
If you need funeral flowers or funeral arrangements for a loved one during the same time, it’s a good idea to coordinate these with your wedding florals.
This can save you time and ensure everything is taken care of.
Planning for multiple floral events at once might seem a little overwhelming, but working with the same florist for both can help you stay organized.
Final Thoughts
Ordering your wedding flowers may seem like a small detail in the grand scheme of things, but it’s actually pretty important.
You want to make sure that your flowers reflect your style and enhance your big day.
And by planning ahead and ordering early, you’ll avoid unnecessary stress and give your florist enough time to get the best flowers for you.
So, when should you order your wedding flowers? Start planning 9-12 months before your wedding.
This gives you enough time to choose the right florist, decide on your flower choices, and stick to a timeline that works for you.
Just remember to stay organized, stick to your budget, and communicate clearly with your florist.
By doing that, you’ll have beautiful flowers that help make your wedding day perfect.
