After you’ve decided on your destination and picked your dream venue, comes the sometimes intimidating task of picking your wedding vendors. Selecting professional vendors you can count on come W-Day can make a world of difference when it comes to your stress level. Every couple’s priorities are different, but if flowers is an area you really want to focus on, then picking an expert florist is key. Thankfully, we have an expert in the field, L’Olivier Floral Atelier, who has provided seven tips for finding the perfect florist for you and your event. 

1. Seek Recommendations from your Venue

Oftentimes, your venue will have one or two preferred floral designers who know the space very well. If you contact them and ask for samples of their work in the space, you will know from the beginning if they will be able to execute your vision.

2. Plan Ahead

When you do a walk-through of the space, schedule time with one or two of the recommended floral designers so you can get a feel for their style.

3. Selecting your Flowers

When speaking with the floral designer, ask what flowers and greens are regionally and seasonally available at the time of your wedding. This ensures you won’t be disappointed by unavailable flowers or ones that do not look their best during that season. For example, we have many requests year-round for lily of the valley bridal bouquets. While it is technically available throughout most of the year in larger cities like New York​, trying to get fresh lily of the valley at your destination wedding can be difficult. I would recommend avoiding it since they are a very fragile flower and they don’t like temperature change.  ​ 

4. Additional Decor

If you know you need a large decor piece, for example, a chuppah, it’s great to keep in mind floral alternatives, such as local greens, fabric or an existing gazebo or archway on the venue property. 

5. Finishing Touches

We’re often spoiled by the number of choices we have regarding tablecloths, napkins, candle holders, stationery (place cards, menus, programs, etc.) and vases, but sometimes when you go to a destination venue, their options may be limited. It’s a good idea to have your linens, containers, light woven baskets (nothing glass, of course) made ahead of time in your home city and shipped to your wedding venue. This ensures that you will have one less worry when you arrive for your wedding celebration. 

6. Hire a Party Planner

Finding a great party or wedding planner in your home city can take much of the pressure and worry out of your wedding celebration. A party planner can help you find the best floral company to help you to accomplish the day of your dreams. We often work a number of event planners such as, Floris Special Events. 

7. Bring your Floral Artist with You

​If it fits within your budget, another option is to bring your floral artist with you. We are based in New York City, but we have traveled with our clients to many locations such as Boston, St. Tropez, Morocco, Panama and many more to prepare their florals and decor for their destination weddings and events. 

For more information on New York City’s L’Olivier Floral Atelier, visit their website lolivier.com.

Vendors Pictured: Photography: Bohemia Photography; Design & Planning: Best Bride; Venue Sourcing & Travel Logistics: Wedaways; Florist: La Distribuidora CDMX; Venue: Grand Velas Riviera Maya