Top 10 Wedding Planning Tips from a Florist

Engaged and in need of some wedding planning advice? We got you! We’re Romee Willow Florals, an artful and eco-friendly wedding florist in the city of Chicago. We’ve been in the wedding business for over ten years now, so we’ve accrued our fair share of wedding planning wisdom. Here are our top ten wedding planning tips for planning an easeful, eco-friendly wedding that you and your partner will be obsessed with. 

1.  Book Your Favorite Vendors Early:

Once your wedding date is set, it's wise to start booking your vendors soon after - especially the ones that matter most to you! In a big city like Chicago, couples start booking their vendors anywhere from 8 months to a year and a half in advance. For example, we are already booking up for 2024, and have even booked a few 2025 dates. Booking vendors sooner than later is better in a competitive market like Chicago. Don’t wait!

Photos by Ed & Aileen Photography

2. Do Your Research on Pinterest and Instagram Before Your Consultation:

Before attending any floral consultations, it’s wise to take a virtual stroll through social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram. Gathering inspiration online lets you show up prepared, helping florists understand your style and preferences from the get-go. It’s ok if you don’t know exactly what you want, but when you start gathering photos of the styles and flowers that you do like, typically a common pattern emerges and we will come to a good jumping off point.  Make sure to browse the Romee Willow Pinterest and Instagram profiles!

Photo by Natalie Probst Photography

3. Go to Your Floral Consultation In Person If You Can:

While virtual meetings are convenient, there's no substitute for face-to-face interaction. When you attend your floral consultation in our Logan Square studio, you get to play around with our collection of vases and candles and look at arches and all the rental inventory. Think of it as a brainstorming session where we can share ideas, have a chat, and bring your vision to life in real time.

4. Consider What’s in Season When Requesting Certain Flowers:

Just as you dress appropriately for the weather, flowers also have their seasons. Choosing blooms that match your wedding time allows for your flowers to be the most local and fresh as possible. Using in-season and local blooms is also much more eco-friendly since they have a smaller carbon foot print than the alternative. So, if you love peonies, then a Spring time wedding is best. Or if dahlias are your jam, then your wedding should be in the late summer, early fall.

Photo by Ed & Aileen Photography

5. Hire a Wedding Planner:

Having a wedding planner is always recommended. There are many reasons why you should hire one - the number one being that they will ensure all goes according to plan, on time, and you or family don’t have to be the point of contact on your wedding day. There are so many tasks to check off the list leading up to your wedding day, and they will help you get everything done. As a florist, we love working with planners because they’re professionals who have done this countless times, and who have processes that ensure wedding days go seamlessly. Having a wedding planner involved brings order, organization, and proactive communication to create flawless events. Here are some of our favorite wedding planners in Chicago (in no specific order): Naturally Yours Events, LOLA Event Productions, Ohana Events, Cygnet Events and Design, A Fresh Event, Olive Fine Weddings & Events, Bridget Mary Weddings, Plum & Ivy Events, Rachael Steacy Events, Paris Events.

Photo by Collin Pierson Photography

6. Don’t Just Compare Florists by Pricing:

While budget is important, it shouldn’t be the only consideration when booking your florist. Remember that each wedding florist has a unique artistic approach. You are paying for experience, artistry, and overall good business practices. You want your florist to have a vision, and also have the years of design experience to execute the style you want.  You also want a business person who is responsive, flexible, and kind about any changes or requests that pop up. Before booking your florist, consider the value they bring beyond just numbers.

7. Repurpose Floral Decor from the Ceremony to the Reception:

Why limit the spotlight to just one act? Moving your ceremony blooms to the reception is like giving them an encore. This continuity adds a cohesive touch to your day, creating a seamless visual narrative. It’s also easier on the budget! Instead of buying one piece per location, you can reuse pieces from the ceremony to the reception. For example, you can repurpose your bridal and bridesmaids bouquets on the head table.

Photo by Ed & Aileen Photography

8. Give Your Florist Artistic Freedom!

We're not just arranging flowers; we're crafting visual stories. Trust us to curate pieces of floral art that blend your vision with our creative touch. Let your florist pick out most of the flowers since they know what looks best together. It’s ok to have a couple favorites, but leave the rest to them! A good florist will also help you create your color palette- often adding suggestions of colors that you might not have otherwise thought about.

Photo by Wes Craft Photography

 9. Rent Your Decor Items if Possible, to Reduce Cost and Waste:

Especially if you’re on a specific budget, remember that you can rent decor items rather than buying it all. Many wedding vendors, like florists and wedding planners, have items that you can rent from them. For example, we rent things like ceremony arches, chuppahs, vases, candle holders, lanterns, terrariums, and more. Renting not only reduces cost but also waste.  It’s a win-win!

10. Donate Your Flowers at the End of the Night:

As your celebration wraps up, let your blooms spread joy beyond your wedding day. Donating your flowers to places like nursing homes or hospitals extends the love and beauty of your day to others in the community. We work with a couple different organizations that pick up flowers from us the day after your wedding and bring them to people who could use a bright moment in their day. 

So if you’re starting your wedding planning journey, take these tips into consideration for an easeful and eco-friendly wedding. We’d love to bring your dream wedding flowers to life! If you’re interested in working with us, be sure to send us a message through our contact form. Can’t wait to chat flowers with you!