Questions to ask a florist before booking

You've pinned three wedding mood boards, sketched a rough idea of white roses and greenery, and now you're staring at a florist's Instagram. Their work looks beautiful. But before you send that enquiry or book a consultation, you need to ask the right questions—the ones that separate a florist who can deliver your vision from one who'll disappoint you on the day. Here's what matters, why it matters, and how to read the answers you get.

"What's your experience with events the size of mine?"

This question tells you whether the florist has the systems and team to handle your guest count and layout. A florist comfortable with intimate 40-person dinners may struggle with 150 people across multiple rooms. Ask for a specific example: a wedding or event similar in scale to yours.

A good answer includes details—the number of arrangements, the setup time, how many people were in the team that day, and where the work was positioned. Watch for vagueness. If they say "Oh, we do all sizes" without citing an example, or they give you a generic response, that's a red flag. You want someone who can picture exactly what your day will look like and has done it before.

"How far in advance do you source your flowers, and what happens if something's unavailable?"

Florists don't magic blooms out of thin air. Depending on the season and their suppliers, availability varies. Ask whether they source flowers days before your event or weeks ahead, and whether they have backup options if a particular flower is sold out or unexpectedly fragile.

A florist with a solid answer will explain their supply chain—local growers, importers, auction houses—and will tell you honestly which flowers are risky close to your date. They'll also ask you which blooms matter most to your vision so they can flag potential issues early. If they promise to source exactly what you want without discussing any contingency, they're being optimistic rather than realistic. Seasonal limitations are real, and a professional florist will discuss them upfront.

"Walk me through your timeline from consultation to delivery and setup"

Understanding the florist's workflow protects you from surprises. You need to know:

• How long between your initial brief and their formal proposal
• When they'll need final headcount confirmation
• Whether they deliver and set up, or drop arrangements and leave you to arrange them
• What happens if your venue access time changes
• How many site visits they include, and whether there's a cost for extra visits

Listen for specifics—names of their team members who'll be on site, exact timing windows, and clarity on who's responsible for watering, refreshing, and removing arrangements after the event. Evasive answers ("We'll work something out closer to the time") mean you're rolling the dice. A trustworthy florist will give you a written timeline in their proposal.

"What do you need from me to give an accurate quote?"

Florists price based on flower type, volume, complexity, and logistics. Before they quote, they should ask detailed questions: How many arrangements? What's the venue layout? Are there height restrictions or specific placements? What's your must-have flower versus your flexible flowers? What's your colour palette? What's your aesthetic—romantic, modern, wild, minimal?

If a florist quotes you on the spot without asking much, their estimate won't be accurate. A good florist will ask enough to understand your vision, the practical constraints of your space, and the flowers that matter most to you. This conversation also signals whether they listen and adapt or whether they'll push their own style regardless of what you've described. Ask them to explain what drives cost so you understand where your budget is going—and where you might adjust if needed.

Once you've asked these questions and compared answers across florists you're considering, you'll have a clearer sense of who's organised, realistic, and responsive to your needs. That matters far more than Instagram photos alone. When you're ready to book, check that they're based in a location they can reliably serve and that you have their answers and proposal in writing. You can find vetted florists on Strove and see their past work, client reviews, and availability all in one place—making it easier to shortlist the ones worth having this conversation with.