Tying the Knot: Picking Flowers

Annie Mueller of A New Leaf Studio is fast-earning a name in town for naturally elegant floral designs that mirror her brides’ sensibilities. But Annie’s no mind reader. Instead, she’s got a handful of tools to get her on the same page as her clients. To form a dream team with your own florist, read on.

Word Up
“Key words can be very helpful when choosing a mood or a theme,” explains Annie. “Recently a bride planning a farmhouse wedding said she wanted a ‘rustic, elegant, and playful’ look,” says Annie, who answered the call with copious amounts of wildflowers in French floral containers trimmed with rough silk ribbon. Another bride requested a “modern and funky” wedding, so Annie paired bright-colored blooms with glass vases, submerging the flowers under water for a twist.

Picture This
“Pictures are worth everything,” says Annie, even if they’re not specifically of flowers. One client came to her with an Anthropologie catalog and said she liked the company’s style. “That actually gave me tons of ideas, from colors to containers,” says Annie.

Mind Your Money
Some brides are scared to talk prices, but know your budget and stick to it—that way your florist can work within your parameters and give you a reasonable design based on reality. Stray off the path, and it’s a shame for either of you to get excited about ideas you can’t afford to pursue.

Get Details Down
Talk to your florist about the terms of service, such as your contract, methods of payment, timing of invoices, and so forth, and be sure to get the information in writing so everyone’s expectations are fully managed. This protects both of you in case unforeseen issues crop up.

Follow Up
As you shop for a florist, it’s good manners to tell prospects when you’ll make a decision. Charleston is popular for weddings, and florists need to firm their schedules well in advance.

Coordinate Your Cast
If have a wedding planner, make sure the florist has their contact information. These two will work directly together after you’ve hired each.