Wedding Flowers - 3 Steps to Hiring Your Florist

Even if you plan to create and arrange your own wedding flowers, consulting with a florist first is still a good idea. A florist's first-hand knowledge and years of experience can prove extremely useful, ensuring that you don't overlook small but important details. Hiring a florist ensures your wedding flowers and floral scheme match your vision. Not sure how to even begin hiring a florist? Follow these steps, and you will be sure to find the florist that suits you.

Do Your Research

It is never too soon to begin exploring your options. If you don't already have a favorite florist, research and find local florists. Your wedding facility coordinator or recently married friends are a great place to start. Browse Elegala.com's directory of local florists for a complete list of preferred florists in your area. Once you have a list of local florists, make appointments to review their work and discuss your floral vision.

Meet with Potential Florists

Plan to review portfolios and discuss your overall vision during your first appointments with potential florists. Your florist's previous work should match that vision. Remember that these portfolios showcase their best work, so if you don't like what you see, continue shopping. When they follow-up with proposals for your wedding based on your discussion, you should be able to make a decision on which best suits both your vision and wedding budget.

Determine the Details - Pick your Wedding Flowers

Now that you have selected your florist, schedule planning meetings at the ceremony and reception locations to determine the wedding flowers you'll use and their placement (or provide photos so that the florist will have an idea of what the locations look like) Consider your wedding facility as a blank canvas upon which your florist will create his/her work of art. The look and feel of the setting will lead your discussions, determining both the wedding flowers you choose and where they will be placed.

For ideas and inspiration to help you plan your floral scheme, visit Elegala.com's complete Wedding Flowers guide.

Cori Locklin is editor-in-chief for Elegala.com and Elegala Magazine (and a recent bride!). Elegala is a new wedding planning resource offering the most comprehensive portfolio of superior wedding reception sites and wedding services, along with planning tips, photo galleries and checklists to keep brides in-the-know on today's wedding trends and styles.

For a complete guide to creating an elegant and memorable wedding celebration, visit Elegala.com, your ultimate wedding planning resource.