Since I’ve started doing weddings, I have been working with different industries and trying to acquire knowledge that would help my brides indefinitely - or a tiny bit ;) Something that's always (in my humble opinion) added to an intimate wedding setting were floral creations - so that's where I started. 

I reached out to Sanjay Bahugna from Firenze Flora who I recently joined in Zaya Nurai Island to see what a team of florists are up to before the big day. I first met Sanjay (Instagram: @firenzeflora) through Joelle from My Lovely Wedding Blog at the Desert Palm last year in Dubai (here's us all 3 collaborating together!)

He shared 3 advises: 

First, use Pinterest to search for references of images you like. This will help the florist give you an idea on the costs and confirm the availability. 

A photographer’s side note:

This can really help you define your budget and get a clarity on what’s important and what’s not. You don’t want to be cutting corners on services that you will later regret!

Second, get a sampling of the center piece done so you agree on what will be placed on the wedding day. This may be complimentary or chargeable depending on the scale of the wedding. Sample about minimum 1 month prior to the event date.

A photographer’s side note:

When I worked for an events company, I’d ask our local florists to get us center table flowers. And if they were pretty enough … you might get to take them home as souvenirs and create a dried-flowers center-piece! ;)

Lastly, discuss in detail with the florist your ideas and requirements as early as possible. Ideally minimum 3 months prior to the event.

A photographer’s side note:

Ladies and gents!! I CANNOT begin to tell you how important this is!! If you do without a florist, that’s okay, but if you are going on one - like your makeup artists - make sure you get a trial before the day of the wedding. I’ve been to weddings where my brides freak out because that’s not the bouquet she ordered. PLEASE AVOID THIS SITUATION!!

Hopefully, I can come back to you with more tips! Hit me up if you'd like to learn something more before your big decisions for the big day ;)