floral design

Table of Contents Choose Flowers That Last Build Your Base with Affordable Blooms Plan Your Design to Be Photographed Take the Time to Process Your Flowers Be Realistic About Your Clients' Expectations Ready to Bring Your Wedding Vision to Life? There’s something truly magical about transforming a venue into a floral wonderland that captures the couple's vision and leaves a lasting impression. However, creating a memorable installation requires more than just choosing pretty flowers. It’s about knowing which blooms will stand the test of time, how to create layers that will add depth and cost-effectiveness to your design, and making sure that every element works seamlessly with its surroundings. Here’s some tips to keep in mind when planning wedding installations that are both beautiful and practical. Choose Flowers That Last Photo source: @katephelpsphotography When designing large pieces, it's essential to select flowers that don't easily wilt. You want your arrangements to last throughout the entire event, especially if your installation is outdoors or in a warm venue. Flowers like ranunculus, some rose varieties, mums, lilies, alstroemeria, and hypericum berry are perfect for this. These blooms hold up well, even without a constant or minimal water supply, and will look fresh throughout the wedding day. Protea are also a great choice, not requiring water at all. Be sure to water-pick more delicate blooms, and hydrate all blooms with a finishing spray when finished. Build Your Base with Affordable Blooms When planning for large floral pieces, the goal is to create a luxurious, lush effect, but that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank on every flower. Start by building the foundation of your design with more affordable, hardy flowers. Inexpensive greenery, such as huck or leatherleaf, can help fill in large areas at a fraction of the cost of premium blooms. Use these less expensive elements to form the structure and fill out the background of your installation. This allows you to reserve your budget for the statement flowers—think roses, ranunculus, or even orchids—that you want to stand out in the final design. Layering in this way creates a stunning, visually rich composition without overspending. Plan Your Design to Be Photographed Photo source: @katephelpsphography One of the biggest mistakes I’ve seen in wedding installations is using flowers or greenery that blend into the background. If you’re creating a ceremony backdrop in a forested area or near a garden, be mindful of the surrounding colors and textures. A lush green installation in front of a leafy canopy can get lost in photographs, making the investment in those materials seem wasted. When designing, try to select flowers that contrast with the surroundings. Bright, bold flowers like mums, hydrangea, or rich-colored garden spray roses can make sure your design stands out, even in the middle of a natural setting. Consider the color palette of the venue, and always ask yourself: “Will this design pop in the photos?”. Take the Time to Process Your Flowers Once you've selected your flowers, proper preparation is key to ensuring they last throughout the event. Hydrangeas, for instance, are known for wilting quickly if not handled properly. Before incorporating them into an installation, soak the blooms in water to hydrate them fully. Quick dip solutions can help rehydrate certain flowers and improve their longevity. Finishing sprays like floral sealers or setting sprays are also a great investment to help maintain the flowers' freshness. These products create a protective layer over the petals and help reduce wilting, especially in high-heat environments. Remember, a little extra time spent processing your flowers can make all the difference in the longevity of your designs Be Realistic About Your Client's Expectations When working with clients, it’s important to be upfront and realistic about what will work for their wedding installation. Outdoor weddings can be absolutely beautiful, but they also come with challenges, especially when it comes to heat. Hydrangeas, for example, may not be suitable for a large outdoor installation during the peak of summer, as they can wilt in high temperatures. As a florist, it’s your job to guide your clients toward flowers that will thrive in their venue and season. Take time to consider the climate, venue, and budget when suggesting floral choices. Help your clients understand what will work best for their vision, while also staying within their budget and realistic about the flowers that will look great and last throughout the event. Ready to Bring Your Wedding Vision to Life? Creating breathtaking wedding installations is a delicate balance of creativity, knowledge, and practical considerations. By choosing the right flowers, building with affordable blooms, and processing your flowers with care, you can ensure your designs last and also leave a lasting impression. Want inspiration for spring weddings? Check out our seasonal spring mood boards! If you’re planning your next wedding or event, let us help! Our wide selection of fresh, high-quality wholesale flowers can make your vision a reality, no matter the size of the event or your budget. Browse through our flowers today to order your flowers for future weddings and events—we’re here to help bring your designs to life!