8-12 Months Before Your Wedding 

Start looking for your wedding florist as soon as you have set a date for the big day. Begin by asking friends, family, and other vendors for recommendations. Once you have a few names, check out the florists' websites and social media pages to get a feel for their style. Schedule consultations with the top 3-5 florists on your list so that you can meet them in person and get a better sense of their personalities. 

6-8 Months Before Your Wedding 

Now it's time to start narrowing down your options. After meeting with the florists on your shortlist, you should have a good idea of who you click with and who will be able to bring your vision to life. Send each of your top choices a copy of your wedding inspiration board (if you have one) or a detailed description of the flowers you would like for your wedding. Ask for pricing information so that you can compare rates and make sure they fit within your budget. 

4-6 Months Before Your Wedding 

You should now be ready to book your wedding florist! Sign a contract with the vendor and put down a deposit (this is typically 50% of the total cost). Be sure to get all of the details in writing, including what flowers will be used, how many arrangements there will be, delivery and setup fees, etc. Some couples choose to do a final walkthrough with their florist closer to the wedding date to ensure that everything is still on track; if this is something you're interested in, be sure to ask about it when you're signing the contract. 

Selecting a wedding florist may not seem like a top priority early on in the wedding planning process, but it's important to start thinking about it sooner rather than later. By following this timeline, you'll be able to find a vendor who understand your vision and fits within your budget—leaving you one less thing to worry about as your wedding day approaches!