We love featuring experts here on Bridal Musings. Because as much as we're immersed in all things weddings, it's great to hear from someone who's working one-on-one with couples, and involved behind-the-scenes in wedding planning every day.
Which is why we're massively excited to welcome back acclaimed New York florist, Rachel of Rachel Cho Floral Design, to share her insider advice.
Rachel knows all about creating an event to remember with beautiful blooms and clever styling, and today she's telling us all about making the most of your vendors, and tapping your wedding florist for their advice, contacts, and styling skills to give your big day that professional polish.
Over to you Rachel…
Bouquet by Rachel Cho Floral Design, Photo by Kelly Kollar Photography via Style Me Pretty
Hello to the newly-engaged and all the wedding enthusiasts out there!
Last time I shared some quick tips for how to navigate your wedding florist “interview”. We discussed what questions to ask and which qualities to look for in your perfect floral vendor. I hope you have found inspiration in your florist search since then.
This month we’ll have lot of fun as we explore the incredible versatility of the modern wedding florist.
In a day and age filled with beautiful blog inspiration, the typical couple is looking for something really special when it comes to décor – flowers, of course, but unforgettable linen pairings, snazzy lighting options, and unique favors, too.
That’s of course a wonderful thing to want. But what most brides and grooms don’t realize is how valuable a florist can be in achieving that wow-factor wedding.
Photo by Vivid Photography via Bridal Musings
Much more than “just” florists, we are often design stylists, event planners, and production coordinators, too. Indeed, your wedding florist can be a profoundly impactful member of your production team – you just have to know what to ask for help with.
It is of course important to note that not every florist will be able to provide you with the full event design services described below, as the scope and infrastructure of each company can vary. However, it’s always worth checking with your florist to get a better idea for his or her capacity – you might be surprised!
With that, I invite you to read on and learn various ways your wedding florist can help your blog-daydreams come true.
Linens
Centerpiece by Rachel Cho Floral Design, Photo by Kelsey Combe Photography
Stuck on which color tablecloth to pair with your gorgeous aqua and pink-inspired centerpieces? We can advise you on which colors to steer toward, which patterns to avoid – we can even show you swatch options.
Wondering where to get those linens? Never fear, we can handle that, too. From sourcing the perfect linen to coordinating the set up, we can take the hassle and worry out of your hands.
Furniture Rentals
Photo by Vivid Photography by Christine Crawford via Bridal Musings
Today’s couples look for special furniture items to set her wedding apart. From an amazing accent mirror to hang over the guestbook table to specialty chairs for your bride and groom table, we florists are up on the latest trends and can help you choose your favorites.
We can even source and coordinate setup of the options you decide on.
Lighting
Photo by Terralogical Photography via Bridal Musings
Looking for a specialty crystal chandelier to hang from the center of your super-chic barn venue? We can help you source it.
Thinking about up-lighting, too? Ask us for our best advice on hues that would work well for your overall wedding look.
In most cases, we will be able to coordinate the installation of these items as well, saving you lots of stress, worry, and back-and-forth phone calls between vendors.
Place Card Table
Guest Card Centerpiece by Rachel Cho Floral Design, Photography by William Chang Photography
Any florist can help you formulate a creative and unique place card concept based around your theme.
Going for an upscale wedding with a woodland feel? Why not have a miniature tree built of fresh-cut branches and blooming greenery as the focal point of your table.
Looking for something non-floral? We are happy to source your design items and curate the installation process on the big day.
Favors
Photo by Infraordinario Studio via Bridal Musings
One of our favorite items to take charge of!
It’s so easy to get creative with favors, and the options are virtually limitless. Leave it to your florist to come up with a cute idea and implement it, too!
Referrals
Photo by Q Avenue Photo via Bridal Musings
Of course, more than anything, we as wedding florists want to be helpful to you. Always feel free to make good use of our years of experience by asking for great referrals for photographers, bakers, day-of coordinators, and more.
The average wedding vendor has met many other vendors throughout the years, and we are always happy to offer our advice.
Bouquets by Rachel Cho Floral Design, Photo by DP Studio, Ting Yi Photo & Cinema
Florists can advise you and assist you with all of this, and so much more. For example, we at Rachel Cho can source vintage cake stands, trendy photo frames, jars and scoops for a candy table – we can even handcraft customized guest table numbers that match the rest of your table setting.
The bottom line is that when it comes to anything design-related, the modern-day florist is often a useful, informed, and creative resource.
Our goal is to help you achieve the wedding you’ve always dreamed of, so be sure to reach out often with your questions!
Photo by Studio 1208 via Bridal Musings
So great to know all the ways your florist might be able to help, right? Having them coordinate set-up can be so helpful on the day of your wedding, especially if you're not having a planner.
Have you read Rachel's advice on spotting a good wedding florist? It's a must-read!
Thanks once again to Rachel Cho Floral Design for her great tips, visit her website and follow her on Instagram for more gorgeous advice and inspiration.
Check out more Advice from Wedding Experts.
