Wedding Flowers — Frequently Asked Questions

Wedding Advice and Guidance — Help Me Choose

Where do I start when choosing wedding flowers?

A lot of my couples think they need to know what they want before seeing me.

You don't.

In fact, many of the best weddings I've worked on started with a simple conversation.

You tell me a little about your venue and the mood you're looking for and hat's usually enough to start with.

The flowers come later. What matters first, to me, is seeing how you want the day to feel.

How much of my wedding budget should go towards flowers?

There's no fixed amount or percentage.

Some couples want their flowers to be a major feature but others are looking for something simpler and understated.

I usually suggest that you decide where flowers will have the most impact. 

You don't need flowers everywhere.

A few carefully chosen arrangements have more impact than lots of flowers thinly spread.

Should I choose flowers first or colours first?

Neither. Start with the feeling you want. 

Elegant? Relaxed? Romantic? Contemporary? Garden-inspired?

Once I know your atmosphere, the colours and flower choices will fall into place naturally.

Don't spend too much time choosing individual flowers. That's my job.

Guests will notice the overall "look".

Do I need to know exactly what flowers I want?

Not at all. You're probably not a flower experts and you're not expected to be.

Again, that's my job.

You've probably got a mood board or Pinterest page and that's helpful. After those, it's my job to guide you through what's in season, what suits the venue, and what will work together.

Should I choose seasonal flowers?

Generally, yes.

Seasonal flowers tend to look better, last better ,and offer better value.

They also feel more natural to the time of year.

Of course you can ask for something specific, but be open to seasonal alternatives.

That often leads to the most beautiful results.

Reassurance — Am I Doing The Right Thing?

Do wedding flowers really make a difference?

Yes, but probably not for the reason you may think.

Flowers aren't the first thing your guests will remember. They will remember how your wedding felt.

Sure, flowers help create that feeling.

They soften spaces, they add warmth and they help bring everything together but good wedding flowers don't demand attention. They support your day.

Am I spending enough on wedding flowers?

This question comes up all the time.

My answer is always the same, "Spend what feels comfortable."

I've worked on large weddings with monster budgets and small weddings with only a handful of flower. All were beautiful.

Your guests won't know what you spent. They'll remember the experience.

What if I don't know anything about flowers?

That's completely normal and, again, that's my job.

Most couples organise one wedding in their lifetime. I've designed wedding flowers for over forty years. (I met my husband after he photographed my first "freelance" wedding,)

You don't need to arrive with all the answers. That's what me and the Susan Avery team are here for.

Is it okay to keep things simple?

Absolutely. It's never about quantity and simple doesn't mean less meaningful.

Some of the most elegant weddings I've worked on have used very few flowers.

For you, it's choosing the right flowers for the right places.

Will my flowers look like the inspiration photos?

Inspiration is useful, but every wedding is different.

Venues are different. 
Seasons are different.
Flower availability changes.

Don't think the goal is to copy a photograph. The goal is to create something feeling right for your and your partner.

Logistics — Can You Help Me?

How far in advance should I organise wedding flowers?

For most weddings, several months is ideal.

In Sydney, popular dates will be booked well ahead, particularly between spring and autumn.

Now that I've said it, don't panic. If your wedding is closer that's no problem. Let's get in touch and I'll tell you what's possible.

What information should I have before meeting with a florist?

The wedding date. 
The ceremony and reception venues.
The guest numbers. 
Your rough budget.

That's enough to start. If you've got Inspo photos, mood board etc. bring those too.

When do final flower decisions need to be made?

Usually several weeks before the wedding.

By then your guest numbers will be confirmed and we'll have a clearer picture of the day.

Up until that point, everything can remain flexible.

Do you deliver and set everything up?

Yes. Most weeks we are delivering and installing weddings. 

The usual sequence is...
Bouquet delivery.
Ceremony installation.
Reception delivery and installation.
Re-locate the ceremony to the reception.
Pack-down and bump-out (sometimes that night)
Collect all props and hire items the next day.

We'll explain exactly what's involved for you.

What happens to the flowers after the wedding?

Some couples take them home and some share them with family and guests. 

We usually supply paper and ribbon. Then the venue staff can wrap flowers for your guests to take as they're leaving to go home.

Personalisation — Can This Reflect Us?

How can we make our wedding flowers feel personal?

Start with something meaningful.

It could be a favourite flower. A colour with significance. A memory. A family connection.

You don't need an elaborate concept. One detail often creates more meaning than a long list of decorative ideas.

Can flowers reflect our venue and surroundings?

They should.

A harbour venue, a country property, a garden setting or a ballroom all need something different.

The best wedding flowers are connected to the venue where and don't compete with it.

Can we include flowers with family significance?

Of course.

It could be a flower carried by a parent or grandparent. Sometimes it's a variety growing in a family garden.

Small details can be the most meaningful part.

Can Australian wildflowers be used in weddings?

Yes, and they work beautifully.

Australian flowers bring texture, character and a sense of place.

They are (obviously) distinctly Australian and easily blended with softer flowers for a more layered look.

How do I create something timeless rather than trendy?

With over forty years experience, here's my three point "Susan Avery Summary".

Good design lasts.
Focus on feeling and not fashion.
Trends come and go. 

If flowers suit the venue and the people, they will look just as beautiful ten years later.

My Conclusion

Don't start with flowers.

Start with the two of you.

The flowers will take care of themselves.