Wedding season is in full swing, and for those of us in the floral industry, this time of year is equal parts thrilling and demanding. Since I began working at Green Mountain Floral Supply in 1983, I’ve had the privilege of supporting thousands of florists and designers as they bring couples’ dreams to life with flowers. Over the decades, I’ve seen styles shift from cascading bouquets to tight nosegays and back again, but one thing never changes: wedding work requires smart preparation, creative adaptability, and a whole lot of stamina.
Whether you’re designing for two weddings or twenty this season, here are my top five tips to help you thrive—drawn from years of hard-earned experience and a deep appreciation for the artistry of floral design.
Forecast Early, Order S.M.A.R.T.
One of the biggest challenges wedding florists face is product availability. If you haven’t already, lock in your flower orders as early as possible—especially for popular varieties like Garden Roses, Campanula, and Lisianthus. Supply chains continue to evolve, and early forecasting gives you the best chance of getting exactly what you want at the best price.
When you can, have open conversations with your couples about flexibility. Substituting a similar bloom or shade can help you create a seamless look even when specific varieties are limited. Check out our Preferred Rose Varieties tool on our website for ideas for rose substitutions.
Build in a Cushion (for Time, Budget & Product)
Wedding weeks are notorious for last-minute changes. Build in a buffer—add a few extra stems to each order, set up your workspace the week before, and give yourself a time cushion for unexpected hiccups. Those extra 30 minutes might save the day when a corsage pin goes missing or a ribbon frays right before delivery.
And don’t forget your own well-being. A little extra sleep, hydration, and an emergency snack stash in your work vehicle can go a long way.
Stay Ahead of Trends—But Trust Your Gut
From “airy and organic” to “monochromatic elegance,” trends change rapidly. Use them as inspiration—but don’t lose sight of your unique style and what your clients are really asking for. The best designs happen when you blend what’s trending with what’s timeless.
Tom & Kim Jennings
Owners, Green Mountain Floral SupplyInvest in Reusables & Rentals
Hardgoods like arches, stands, and compote bowls can eat into profit margins when you’re purchasing new for every event. Renting (or offering your own rental inventory) helps reduce overhead and increases your flexibility. At Green Mountain Floral Supply, we’ve expanded our wedding and event rentals collection for exactly this reason—we want to help you elevate your designs without overextending your budget.
Don’t forget: reuse can also mean repurposing ceremony florals for the reception or using permanent botanicals in your hanging installations. Smart logistics can mean stunning results with half the stress.
Lean on Your Suppliers—We’re Here to Help
Your wholesaler should be more than a vendor—we’re your partner. At Green Mountain Floral Supply, we’ve built relationships with growers and logistics teams across the globe to help our customers get what they need, when they need it. If you’re ever in a pinch, give us a call. We might have a substitution idea, a packing trick, or a last-minute solution that keeps your wedding week on track.
Also, don’t hesitate to stop by our Middlesex or South Burlington locations and see what’s new in the cooler, in supplies, or in our showroom space. Sometimes a quick visit sparks a fresh idea or helps answer a design dilemma that can bring a whole event together.
Here’s to a successful 2025 Wedding Season!
Florists and designers are the unsung heroes of wedding days—working behind the scenes to create beauty, calm nerves, and solve problems before they’re even noticed. We see you, we appreciate you, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Wishing you beautiful blooms, easy deliveries, and a summer and fall full of happy clients.
