Mr. Benjamin Franklin said it best: “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail!” One thing that photographers, florists, and clients all too often fail to plan for is the florals for detail photos. I’ve seen this become a point of tension between photographers and florists, witnessed clients upset because their detail photos didn’t turn out as expected, and even heard horror stories of photographers taking and using florals without permission.
I spoke with a few florist-vendor friends in the industry to get their thoughts on this hot topic. One thing is clear—it’s time we all talked about it. Brian from Garden Party Florist in Stillwater had this to say: “At the end of the day, we’re all working to create the best experience for the couple, but one part of the wedding shouldn’t be sacrificed for another. [Detail florals aren’t] something that should be decided last minute on the wedding day.”
Let’s back up—what are detail florals?
Type “invitation flat lay” into Instagram’s search bar, and there’s your answer. They are the special florals that accompany the invitation suite or adorn the bride’s shoes in photos. They bring color and floral elements into the detail photos of a wedding gallery, and most importantly, they are oh-so-pretty!
Florist @flowersnfriends
There are so many things to plan for a wedding day, and detail florals might rank high or really low on your list. The same goes for your florist, photographer, stationer, and planner. Yet, oddly enough, it’s not something I often see vendors collaborating on ahead of a wedding day. Nor do I see many vendors educating their clients about it to bring attention to this discussion.
Christina with Okie Floral in Tulsa says, “Most of my clients want basic detail shots that include four to five flower stems and some greenery. This typically costs around $20 in flowers, depending on the variety. For me, I like to provide those details complimentary. I definitely understand why some florists charge (because $20 can add up!).”
If You’re Getting Married, What Should You Do?
Simple! Decide if florals in your detail photos are important to you.
- If not, communicate that to your florist and photographer so everyone is clear on your expectations.
- If yes, first talk with your florist and ask how they handle detail florals. Have your timeline handy so you can tell them when the photographer plans to start detail photos—this ensures the florals arrive on time. (I have personally picked up detail florals on my way to a wedding just to have them ready in time!) Finally, communicate this to your photographer. Make sure your florist and photographer have each other’s contact information so they can discuss any details if needed.
Every florist approaches detail florals differently, and not every photographer takes flat-lay photos or uses florals in them. Christina’s few blooms are complimentary, but she notes, “If someone wants a really in-depth, flower-filled flat lay, that’s something we’d typically charge for. However, I rarely have clients who want to invest $100+ for that many flowers for flat lays!”
Brian’s business serves a variety of clients with different budgets, so he understands that not everyone has room in their budget for detail florals. “We always ask couples if they’d like to include flat-lay blooms, and if they do, we charge accordingly. That said, for extremely large weddings where we have leftover blooms with broken stems, we’re happy to gift those to the couple. In other cases, photographers reach out ahead of time to request them, and if I’ve worked with the photographer before or happen to have extra, I’ll absolutely bring some along.”
A Message to Photographers
Christina, Brian, and florists everywhere can agree on one thing… Brian shared, “Where it gets frustrating is when we’re setting up and see photographers pulling blooms from our arrangements without asking—or without replacing them. That directly affects the final look of our work, which is our reputation on the line.” YIKES! Photographers, stop doing that right now! Christina added that attitude is everything: “I’ve had photographers who expect flowers and are surprised when we don’t have them. I think making it clear that most clients don’t want to pay for extra flowers—and that most florists are happy to share if they have some—helps set the right expectations.”
The Bottom Line
Preplanning this small detail (no pun intended) is key. Detail photos are typically the first thing photographers start with and often one of the first interactions between the photographer and florist on a wedding day—your wedding day! If a quick conversation during the planning process can create happy vendors and a collaborative work atmosphere, it’s going to benefit you, the bride and groom!
Invitation Suite by @parlorpaperie
Wedding Planner @harpermaeevents | Florals from @theflowershoppryor
As a photographer, if I have 5 blooms that’s helpful where I’ve been able to create some beautiful detail photos for my clients. A variety of sizes, colors, and textures is always a dream to have! And I’m never going to turn down additional blooms or sprigs of color/ smaller blooms. More is always better and gives me additional styling options and ways to use or place blooms. It also means that I can create movement or a design and start to use the florals in a more meaningful way. But as Christina and Brian both mentioned to me, each bloom costs that florist money, so I always try to be respectful in my approach when asking for detail floral. Even if I know it’s included in what the client paid AND especially if I think they might be a gift from the florist to the couple/photographer for the flatlay detail pictures.
As promised, here’s a little highlight of Christina’s amazing work with her business, Okie Florist Co., operating out of Tulsa. Followed by Brian’s beautiful floral designs with Garden Party Florist in Stillwater from an editorial photoshoot that I participated in.
Okie Floral Co.
Tricia and Del’s blue and white Dream Point Ranch wedding day was in July 2022.
Planner @themomentbycasey | Venue @dreampointranch | Florist @okiefloralco | Boutique @ellisbridal
Garden Party Florist
This spring pastel editorial of my dreams took place at The Range in Stillwater in March 2022.
Venue @therangeok | Florist @gardenpartyflorist | Coordinator @maceyhesser
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I loved this read! Very important points and a little bit of a different perspective!
I’m really glad you enjoyed it McKayla!