Flower Shop vs. Wedding Florist: Where to Order Your Wedding Flowers

As you begin the process of ordering wedding flowers, the decision between a traditional flower shop and a specialized wedding florist may be confusing. Let's explore the key differences to help you make an informed choice that aligns with your vision for the big day.

Pros and Cons of a Flower Shop

Pros:

• Established Relationships: Ideal if you have a longstanding rapport with a specific flower shop from a previous order, such as school dances, Valentine's Day, or Mother's Day.
• Physical Storefront: Allows you to visualize flowers in person.
• No Vase Returns: Simplifies taking home arrangements at the end of the night.
• Predetermined Looks: Cost-effective with easy selection from set designs.
• Duplication: Control over the design turning out exactly like inspiration pictures.

Cons:

• Generic Designs: Less uniqueness and intricate details.
• Limited Communication: Quick consultations with minimal ongoing interaction.
• Stem-Based Pricing: May lack flexibility in design completeness.
• Less Detail-Oriented: Not as complex or textural designs.
• Limited Use of Local Blooms: Often sourced globally.
• Longevity Over Openness: Flowers designed to last longer may not be as open.
• Limited Luxury Varieties: May not use high-end floral and greenery varieties.
• Arrangements are usually available for pickup or delivery but must be set up or taken down personally. Delivery drivers typically do not have any design knowledge.
• Limited Installation Expertise: arrangement types may be limited to what can be delivered, eliminating arch or ceremony backdrop options.

Pros and Cons of a Wedding Florist

Pros:

• Customization: Tailored designs to match your style.
• Wedding Specialization: Expertise in wedding logistics and venue coordination.
• Dedicated Team: Sets up, installs, and tears down large arrangements.
• High-End Blooms: Utilizes luxury floral varieties.
• Overall Wedding Design: Considers the wedding's aesthetic holistically.
• Repurposing Services: Offers repurposing and teardown services.
• Vendor Relationships: Collaborates with other wedding vendors for a cohesive event.
• Rental Inventory: Provides rental options like vases, arches, and candles.
• Event-Specific Contract and Insurance: Ensures peace of mind and coverage in case of an adverse event and clarifies the boundaries of the relationship and service.
• Online Portfolio: Showcases their style through galleries of past events.
• Exclusive Attention: You become the sole focus for the day, ensuring undivided attention and dedication to your event as they do not take on multiple clients per team each day.
• Advocacy for your vision: Serving as your advocate, the florist communicates with farmers to secure the best colors and blooms, deeply invested in realizing your vision.
• Flexible Pricing Approach: Offers a flexible pricing model, charging either per arrangement or for the entire event. They add blooms until the design aligns seamlessly with your envisioned aesthetic.

Cons:

• Higher Price Point: Typically comes with a higher cost.
• Virtual Communication: Interaction often occurs through virtual channels.
• Lack of Storefront: No physical location to visit.
• Research Intensive: May take more effort to find the right one.
• Creative Freedom: Designer takes creative freedom with designs, requiring trust.
• No Flowers on Hand: Unlike shops, may not have flowers readily available.
• Shorter Lifespan: Chooses open and showy flowers that may not last as long.
• Exclusivity Clauses: Some may prohibit bringing in flowers from other sources.

When deciding between the two, assessing the complexity of your floral needs is essential. Determine the significance of flowers in your overall wedding vision- how high are they on your priority list? Consider if you're willing to handle the flower pickup and setup yourself. Do you want a more customized event, or are you simply checking the box to order flowers and are not as particular about having them be unique?

This is also a great article on the pros and cons.

How to Find a Flower Shop:

The easiest way to find a flower shop is through Google or internet searches for storefronts near the event. You can also use past experience with shops you have found through flower delivery platforms such as FTD or 1-800-FLOWERS or note flower shops you see when driving around the area. 

How to Find a Wedding Florist or Floral Designer:

Ask other vendors, such as the venue, for recommendations. Explore the social media of your other vendors or search sites such as Instagram for Wedding Florists in the area. Check out preferred vendor lists with local bridal magazines or wedding websites. Attend bridal expos or open houses. 

What is the best way to get started with a Flower Shop Wedding Order:

Go in person or call to set up a consultation. 

What is the best way to get started with a Wedding Florist Order:

Go to their website and fill out their inquiry form. From there, you should get an email with general pricing information and a link to sign up for a consultation. If they list a phone number, you can also call or text them to schedule a consultation. 

Whether you opt for the convenience of a flower shop or the specialized expertise of a wedding florist, the key is to align your choice with the complexity of your needs, the importance of flowers in your wedding vision, and your willingness to take on specific responsibilities. Regardless of your choice, come prepared with your arrangements and inspirational photos for a productive consultation.