Long-Distance Wedding Planning? Here Are Tips for Flowers

Planning a wedding is a daunting task, and it can be even more challenging when you are doing it from hundreds (or thousands!) of miles away. Many feel they are at a disadvantage if planning their wedding flowers from afar. Alas, we're here to ease some of those fears with our best tips for planning your flowers long-distance.

Start with research

The KEY to planning your wedding flowers from afar is going to be finding the right florist. You want to look for a company that will be able to meet with you by phone or video call and accommodate you during convenient hours for your time zone and schedule. Electronic communications and documents are also a plus so you can review and sign contracts electronically.

There are many types of floral providers such as:

traditional brick and mortar shops

independent floral designers

farms

grocery stores

We have a quick & easy breakdown of the pros and cons of the 4 main florist types to help you narrow your search. Check it out in this previous post.

Make a list

Once you have a general idea of the type of florist you're looking for, ask for recommendations from your venue or other vendors or seek advice from a Facebook group with geographically similar couples who have experience getting married in the area.

Make a list of 5-10 businesses and reach out to inquire about their availability. The ease and speed with which they get back to you will likely be indicative of how they'll communicate throughout the entire process.

Schedule a consultation

Schedule a consultation with your florist to discuss your vision for the wedding flowers. Be sure to provide as much detail as possible, including the color scheme, flower types, and any special requests. If you are unable to meet in person, schedule a virtual consultation via Skype or Zoom.

The right florist will guide you through the process, recommending the best flowers for your budget, the season and location.

Go with Your Gut

After you've reviewed your proposals and had your questions answered, think about whose expertise you can trust. Keep in mind that you aren't just paying for the flowers when hiring a florist, you're getting the level of service you need. If piece of mind is your ultimate goal when planning from afar, you may not be able to go with the lowest cost option.

Planning your wedding flowers long-distance may seem overwhelming, but with the right research and a trusted florist, you can have beautiful flowers that will make your special day unforgettable.