The wedding industry is a beautiful, competitive, and ever-evolving space. For florists like us at Wildly Native Flower Farm, entering the world of wedding florals has been an adventure full of unexpected turns, unforgettable moments, and a lot of learning on the go.
In this post, we’re sharing our journey, tips for breaking into the wedding industry, and the lessons we’ve learned about building a successful flower farm and wedding floral business.
On Breaking into the Wedding Industry with Flowers
Our story started like many others: small, passionate, and with no idea where we’d end up. Liza was a full-time teacher growing flowers on the side, with no intention of diving into wedding work. But when a former student asked her to design wedding florals, it marked the beginning of something incredible. That one “yes” quickly snowballed into a thriving wedding business.
We’ve navigated it all as we broke into the wedding industry: the challenges of COVID-19, balancing farm life with floristry, and learning how to work collaboratively with planners, caterers, and venues. One of the defining moments of our growth came during the pandemic when we stepped up to support our community by selling flowers and giving back to healthcare workers.
Top 3 Tips for Breaking into the Wedding Industry with Flowers
Word of Mouth is Gold
Relationships are the foundation of the wedding business. Start with your circle—friends, family, and local connections. Your early clients will likely be people who know and trust you. Delivering exceptional service will encourage them to recommend you to others, sparking the wildfire effect of word-of-mouth marketing.
Build Relationships with Venues and Vendors
Networking with venues, caterers, and planners can open doors. Introduce yourself, attend expos, and look for opportunities to collaborate. Being part of a venue’s preferred vendor list can set you apart from competitors.
Be Willing to Give First
Offering complimentary arrangements for local nursing homes or donating flowers for community events builds goodwill and showcases your skills. It’s also an excellent way to get your name out there while creating stunning arrangements that people will remember.
The Realities of Wedding Floristry
While creating floral designs for weddings is incredibly rewarding, it’s not without its challenges. From navigating wedding expos to coordinating with caterers, here are a few lessons we’ve learned:
- Timing is Everything: Setting up florals requires a delicate dance with other vendors. Communication and a well-thought-out plan are key to a smooth event.
- Expect the Unexpected: Whether it’s broken glassware or early-arriving guests, flexibility is crucial. We’ve learned to expect last-minute changes and stay calm under pressure.
- Know Your Ideal Client: Not every client will align with your vision or business style. Over time, we’ve become clear on the type of couples we love working with—and that clarity has made all the difference.
Find Your People
The wedding industry thrives on collaboration. Developing strong relationships with planners, photographers, and even other florists ensures that you’re part of a supportive network. These partnerships often lead to new opportunities and help you grow your business with confidence.
Why We Love Working in the Wedding Industry
At Wildly Native Flower Farm, we’re passionate about creating florals that reflect the beauty of nature and the love of the couples we work with. Every wedding is a chance to bring someone’s dream to life, and we’re so grateful for the journey that brought us here.
Let’s Keep Growing Together
We hope our story inspires you to take the leap into the wedding industry or simply to appreciate the art and effort behind wedding florals. If you’re planning a wedding or just love flowers, connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @WildlyNativeFlowerFarm or visit us at wildlynativeflowerfarm.com.
