What Does a Wedding Florist Actually Do?
- Dorina
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Hint: It’s so much more than turning up with a bouquet…
If you’ve ever picked up flowers from a shop or had a bunch delivered, you might think floristry is all about choosing pretty blooms, wrapping them in paper and adding a bow.
And to be fair — sometimes, it is. I know this first-hand, having once run a flower shop myself, when we were based at Newport Market in Wales. It was fast-paced, joyful and often a little chaotic… but wedding floristry? That’s a completely different story.
It’s a world where everything begins long before the big day.
As a wedding florist, my role goes far beyond taking orders over the phone and making gift bouquets. I’m part designer, part planner, part installation artist and part calm presence on what’s often one of the most emotional days of a couple’s life.
So, if you’ve ever wondered what a wedding florist actually does — here’s a little behind-the-scenes insight, from the very first email to the final clean-up.
1. It all starts with your story
Before we even talk flowers, I want to know about you. Who you are as individuals and as a couple, what you love, how you want your day to feel. We’ll chat about your venue, colour palette, season and any ideas or inspiration you already have (Pinterest boards welcome but not necessary!).
Together, we shape a floral vision that reflects you — not a copy-paste of what’s trending.
Want to see how this works in real weddings? Browse my wedding flower portfolio here.
2. Designing the day
Your wedding flowers are never just flowers in a vase. Each piece is designed to work beautifully with the others — from your bouquet and buttonholes to larger installations like arches, chandeliers or floral meadows.
I think about movement, texture, structure and how the flowers will photograph in different light throughout the day. I consider what complements your venue and brings harmony between your style and the space.
Visiting the venue together to walk through ideas in person is a great way to really have a feel what your day will be like. I’ll create visual sketches and reference images so you can truly picture what we can create together — no guesswork, just shared excitement and clarity.
I also take into account how it works in practice:
✔ Will the flowers cope with summer heat?
✔ Will they hold up during transport?
✔ Can we reuse designs between ceremony and reception?
It's not solely about beautifully artistic design — it's also about thoughtful, conscious and mindful concepts.
3. Sourcing materials and prepping flowers
Once the designs are confirmed, I start sourcing. I work with trusted growers (local when possible) and importers to find the best quality, seasonal blooms that align with your vision and values.
Then comes the less glamorous part: prepping. Flowers are conditioned, trimmed, hydrated, cared for over several days and mechanics are prepared — all to ensure they’re at their best for your day.
4. Liaising with your team
Behind the scenes, I’m also communicating with your planner, stylist, photographer and venue. We’ll confirm access times, set-up needs and how florals will interact with other design elements.
This collaboration is what allows everything to run smoothly and takes part of the stress away from you — because no one gets married in a vacuum. And I believe good communication makes beautiful things happen.
5. Set-up and styling on the day
On your wedding morning, I arrive bright and early. You’ll usually find me climbing a ladder to hang an installation, pinning buttonholes onto nervous groomsmen or making last-minute tweaks to make sure every stem is just so.
I stay until everything is perfect — bouquets delivered, tables styled, ceremony arch fluffed. If any floral elements are intended to be reused, we remain onsite to ensure they look flawless for their new purpose.
Curious about what this looks like in action? Read a recent couple's wedding story where I share the process start to finish.
6. Rehoming and tidy-up
When the celebrations wind down, I return to carefully clear installations and collect any reusable mechanics — but it doesn’t end there.
I often bunch up the remaining flowers for your family and friends to take home or donate them locally where they can bring joy to others. Giving your flowers a second life is one of my favourite parts of the process.
So, what sets a wedding florist (especially us) apart from a high-street shop?
✨ Custom designs tailored to your style, season and venue
✨ Deep collaboration with you and your entire wedding team
✨ On-the-day support and styling so you don’t have to lift a finger
✨ Shared enthusiasm and excitement about your flowers for your big day
✨ Sustainable practices that are kind not only to you but the planet
In short: we help shape the feeling and flow of your wedding through flowers — making sure they become one of the most meaningful parts of your day. The details you’ll remember, smile about, and talk about for years to come.
I am excited to hear about you and your dream plans. Enquire here if you are ready to find out more.
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