Questions to Ask Your Wedding Florist Before You Book

Choosing a wedding florist is a big decision. Your flowers set the tone for your whole day. That is why it helps to ask the right questions to your wedding florist before you sign anything. At The Bloomerie, we sit down with hundreds of Vancouver couples every year. We have noticed that the couples who ask good questions early always feel more confident later. This guide walks you through the nine questions we think matter most, plus what to bring to your first meeting.

Questions About Style and Experience

Have you designed weddings with our style?

Every florist has a natural style. Some love loose, garden-style bouquets. Others love clean, modern shapes. Before you book, ask to see:

• Real photos from real weddings, not just styled photo shoots.
• Past work that matches your colour palette.
• Examples in a similar season to yours, since flowers change throughout the year.
• A range of budgets, so you know they can work within yours.

This gives you a true sense of what a florist can actually deliver, not just what looks good in a portfolio.

Have you worked at our venue or a similar venue?

A florist who knows your venue can plan better. They know the lighting. They know the access points. They know what has worked well there before. If they have not worked at your exact venue, ask if they have worked somewhere similar in size and style. It also helps to ask:

• How they usually handle load-in and setup timing at unfamiliar venues.
• Whether they have photos from a similar space.
• If they need a site visit before finalizing your design.

Questions About Flowers and Seasonality

Which flowers will be available?

Flowers change with the seasons. Some blooms are only around for a few weeks each year. A good florist will tell you what will likely be in season on your wedding date. This helps you plan a realistic colour palette from the start.

If you already love a specific flower, like roses, peonies, or hydrangeas, ask your florist directly whether it will be available and at what cost.

Some useful follow-up questions here include:

• Which flowers are at their peak during my wedding month?
• Which flowers are imported, and how that affects pricing.
• Whether locally grown BC flowers are an option.

How are substitutions handled?

Sometimes a flower becomes hard to source close to the wedding date. Ask what happens then. A florist should have a clear plan for swapping in a similar flower without changing your overall look. Ask specifically:

• Will you be notified before a substitution is made?
• Will the substitute match the original colour and shape?
• Is there ever an added cost for a substitution?

Questions About Pricing

What is included in the proposal?

This is one of the most important questions to ask a wedding florist before booking. Ask for a full, itemized breakdown. This should include:

• Personal flowers, such as the bridal bouquet and boutonnieres.
• Ceremony pieces, like arch flowers or aisle decor.
• Reception flowers, including centerpieces and head table arrangements.
• Any rentals, such as vases or stands.
• Delivery, setup, and teardown fees.

A detailed proposal protects you from surprise costs later. If you want a general sense of pricing before your first meeting, our guide on wedding flower budgets breaks down typical costs by category.

Are setup, delivery and teardown separate?

Some florists include these in the price. Others charge separately. Ask this clearly so there are no surprises on your final invoice. It also helps to ask whether teardown includes removing arrangements from the venue at the end of the night, since some venues require this.

Questions About the Design Process

How many consultations are included?

Most florists offer at least one design consultation. Some offer more. Ask how many meetings are included in your package and what happens if you need extra time. It is also worth asking whether consultations happen in person, over video, or by email, so you know what to expect.

When are the final designs approved?

You want enough time to make changes if needed. Ask when the design is locked in and what the process looks like if you want to adjust something after that point. A few good follow-up questions:

• How far before the wedding is the final headcount needed?
• Can small changes be made after the deposit is paid?
• What is the cutoff date for major design changes?

Questions About Wedding Day Logistics

Who installs the arrangements?

Ask who shows up on the day. Is it the same designer you met during your consultation, or a delivery team? Both can work well, but it helps to know in advance. You should also ask:

• What time does the team arrive to set up?
• Whether they coordinate directly with your venue or planner?
• How long does setup usually take for a wedding your size?

Can ceremony flowers be repurposed?

Many couples move their ceremony flowers to the reception space afterwards. This can save money and reduce waste. Ask your florist if this is something they offer, and whether there is a fee for the extra labour involved in moving arrangements mid-event.

Questions About Contracts and Changes

Before you sign anything, read the contract carefully. Ask about the deposit amount, the cancellation policy, and how postponements are handled. Ask what happens if your guest count or table count changes closer to the date.

A clear, well-written contract protects both you and your florist.

What to Bring to Your Floral Consultation

Coming prepared makes your first meeting far more productive. Here is a simple list to bring with you:

• A photo of your dress, if you have chosen one.
• Any colour swatches or inspiration photos.
• Your venue name and ceremony time.
• A rough guest count and table layout.
• Your floral budget range.
• Examples of bouquet styles you like, such as garden style or cascading bouquets.

Bringing these details speeds up your first meeting. It also helps your florist give you a more accurate quote right away.

Book a Vancouver Wedding Flower Consultation

Asking the right questions of your wedding florist is the first step toward a stress-free wedding day. Whether you already know you want a custom bridal bouquet, full wedding centerpieces, or you are still exploring flowers by variety, our team is happy to walk you through your options.

If timing is on your mind, our guide on when to book a wedding florist will help you plan your ideal timeline so you are not rushing as your date approaches.