5 Things Every Pacific Northwest Couple Should Know
Choosing your wedding florist is about so much more than finding someone who can make a beautiful bouquet.
Your florist helps create the atmosphere for some of the most meaningful moments of your wedding day, from the flowers you’ll carry down the aisle to the centerpieces where your family and friends gather to celebrate.
If you’re planning a wedding in Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, or anywhere in the Inland Northwest, here are five things to consider before choosing the right florist for your day.
1. Look Beyond Pretty Pictures
Beautiful photos are important, but they only tell part of the story.
One of the first things we encourage couples to look at is a florist’s experience and training. How long have they been designing weddings? How did they learn their craft?
The wedding industry is unique because many people discover a passion for flowers and decide to start a business. While passion is wonderful, professional education and mentorship can make a tremendous difference when it comes to handling the logistics and pressure of a live event.
When I first decided to become a wedding florist, I didn’t simply wake up one morning and decide to open a business. I found a mentor – Melanie, owner of Bella Blooms in Orange County and learned from someone who had already built a successful floral company. At the same time, I returned to school. I have a bachelors degree in Economics and a minor almost a major in Art. I went back to Long Beach Community College who had an entire Associates degree in Floral Design and started taking classes.
Those experiences shaped the way we approach every wedding today: with preparation, intention, and a commitment to continually learning our craft.
2. Every Florist Has a Signature Style
One of the fun secrets of the floral industry is that many of us can often recognize another florist’s work just by looking at photographs.
Every designer has certain techniques, color preferences, and design tendencies that naturally show up in their work.
That’s why it’s important to spend time exploring a florist’s portfolio.
Do you love lush, romantic garden-style arrangements? Clean and modern designs? Organic, whimsical movement? Classic elegance?
Look through their website, social media, and galleries. Ask yourself:
“If my wedding looked exactly like these photos, would I be thrilled?”
If the answer is yes, you’ve probably found a great fit.
3. Make Sure They Understand Your Vision
You don’t need to know the names of flowers or have every detail figured out before meeting with a florist.
In fact, most couples don’t.
A good wedding florist should help you discover your style, not expect you to arrive with a perfectly organized Pinterest board.
Your consultation should feel collaborative. The best floral designs happen when your ideas and your florist’s expertise come together.
At Flowers by Lily Garland, we believe floral design should feel personal and thoughtful. Our goal isn’t to recreate someone else’s wedding, it’s to create a design that feels authentically yours.
4. Experience Matters on Wedding Day
Wedding flowers aren’t simply arranged and dropped off. They require careful planning, ordering, processing, transportation, installation, and often on-site setup under strict timelines.
An experienced wedding florist knows how to adapt when unexpected challenges arise. Whether that’s a weather change, venue adjustment, or last-minute timeline shift.
Behind every beautiful wedding gallery is a team working quietly behind the scenes to make sure every detail comes together seamlessly.
5. Choose Someone You Trust
Perhaps the most important factor of all is Trust.
Your florist will play a role in one of the biggest days of your life. You should feel comfortable asking questions, sharing ideas, and knowing that your vision is in good hands.
The right florist won’t simply sell you flowers.
They’ll guide you, educate you, and help create an experience you’ll remember every time you look back at your wedding photos.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I book my wedding florist?
Most couples book their florist 6 to 9 months before their wedding date, especially for popular spring and summer weekends.
How do I know if a florist matches my style?
Review their portfolio, website, and social media. If you’re consistently drawn to their work, that’s usually a great sign.
Should I choose my florist based only on price?
Budget is important, but experience, communication, and design style often have a much bigger impact on your overall wedding experience.
Do I need to know exactly what flowers I want?
Not at all. Most couples come to their consultation with inspiration photos and a general color palette. Your florist can help guide the rest.
Let’s Create Something Beautiful Together
If you’re looking for a wedding florist in Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, or the surrounding Inland Northwest, we’d love to help bring your vision to life.
Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement or a large celebration, our team is here to guide you through the process with creativity, expertise, and genuine care.
Schedule your complimentary consultation today, and let’s start dreaming together.
