Five Easy Tips for Your Wedding Florals – by Katrin Lilla Nel

Choosing your wedding florals is one of the most exciting parts of your wedding planning. Flowers are often the heart of your wedding styling, bringing beauty, colour, and fragrance to your celebration. But with so many options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Luckily, our talented in-house florist, Katrin Lilla Nel, has put together five essential tips to help you navigate the world of wedding florals and ensure your floral arrangements are everything you envision.

1. Dried vs Fresh vs Artificial Florals

When it comes to flowers, one of the first decisions you'll need to make is whether to go for fresh, dried, or artificial flowers.

• Fresh flowers are the traditional option, offering the widest range of colours and varieties. They’re perfect for capturing the fresh, natural beauty of your wedding day.

• Dried and preserved florals are a trendy choice that offers long-lasting beauty and can even be kept as keepsakes after your wedding. These tend to be the most expensive option but can be a wonderful gift for your bridal party or a lasting memory of your special day.

• Artificial flowers are often misunderstood as the most budget-friendly option. While lower-quality artificial flowers can be cheap, high-quality artificial blooms are beautifully crafted and can be a great choice for those with allergies or for destination weddings. Plus, they can be sold or reused after the big day.

Each option has its benefits, and your florist will help you choose the best one based on your vision and budget.

Photo Credit: Stacey Cavalier Photography

2. Pampas vs Toe Toe

If you’re considering pampas grass for your wedding décor, it's important to be aware of the legalities. Under New Zealand's Biosecurity Act, pampas grass is prohibited due to its invasive nature. If you or a friend are sourcing flowers yourselves, ensure you know the difference between pampas and toe toe—a similar looking, but legal, alternative.

Many wedding venues also prohibit pampas grass due to the regulations. So, before you make any decisions, always check with your florist or venue to ensure you're using legal and safe options.

3. Flower Choice

Choosing the right floral arrangements for your wedding can feel overwhelming, especially with so many colours, textures, and types of flowers to choose from. This is where a professional florist becomes invaluable. A good florist will guide you through the process, helping you choose flowers that are:

• In season (and budget-friendly)

• Complimentary to your colour palette

• Perfectly suited to your venue and style

A great florist will also advise you on seasonal fluctuations in pricing, as flowers like roses can be more expensive around Valentine’s Day or Mother's Day. Trust your florist to guide you to the best options for your wedding.

Photo Credit: Sally Anne Photography

4. Bargain vs Service

Like any aspect of wedding planning, you get what you pay for when it comes to florals. While it might be tempting to cut costs, especially when working with a tight budget, it's essential to remember that you are paying not just for the flowers but for the expertise and experience of the florist.

A professional florist will deliver outstanding florals that bring your vision to life while managing all the intricate details—from creating stunning arrangements to ensuring everything is set up perfectly on the day. The peace of mind and gorgeous florals they provide are absolutely worth the investment.

5. Budgeting for Your Wedding Florals

Floral arrangements can be tailored to fit any budget. If you have a vision in mind, start by getting a price estimate from your florist and work with them to adjust your plan if needed. You might decide to:

• Scale back on certain florals

• Use more affordable flowers for certain parts of the wedding

• Remove elements that don’t fit into your budget

Don’t be afraid to have an open conversation with your florist about your budget and the look you're after. They can work with you to create the perfect balance of cost and beauty for your big day.

Photo Credit: Rachel Wybrow Photography

Your wedding florals are a reflection of you and your partner, and they set the tone for your entire celebration. Whether you choose fresh, dried, or artificial flowers, the key is to work with a florist who understands your vision and can help bring it to life. At Waipuna Estate, our talented in-house florist, Katrin Lilla Nel, is here to help you design the wedding florals of your dreams.

Ready to start planning your wedding florals? Check out Katrin’s beautiful work at Waipuna Estate to see how our stunning venue and expert florist can help make your wedding day unforgettable.