How To Get The Best Flowers For Your Wedding Day

Evergreen

Oct 26

One of my favorite parts of any wedding day is the moment I walk in and see the flowers. There's something about the way a well-chosen bouquet photographs — the texture, the color, the way petals catch light — that makes my job feel like pure joy.

But beautiful flowers don't happen by accident. I've photographed enough weddings to know that the couples who end up with blooms they love all did a few things right from the start. So I sat down with Kate McNellis of Folklore Farm one of my favorite Rhode Island florists, to get her three top tips for getting the best flowers for your wedding day.

Lead with your favorite color
Choose Flowers that are local and in season
Bud get wisely

Lead with your favorite color
Trends come and go, but your favorite color is yours. Before you start pinning inspiration boards or browsing bridal magazines, tell your florist what color genuinely makes you happy — and make sure it shows up somewhere in your flowers.
I've photographed hundreds of brides, and I can always tell when the bouquet is exactly right. There's a moment, usually right after she gets her flowers, where everything else disappears and she just holds them and smiles. That moment is in almost every gallery I've ever delivered. A florist can work with any color — but only if you tell them.

2. Choose flowers that are local and in season

Seasonal flowers are like tomatoes in August — they're just better. Local blooms that haven't traveled far arrive fuller, last longer through a long wedding day, and photograph with a richness that imported flowers often can't match.

As a general guide: peonies and ranunculus peak in late spring, sunflowers and dahlias shine in late summer and fall, and tulips are at their best in April and May. When you meet with your florist, ask what's going to be at its absolute best on your wedding date — they'll know, and they'll steer you right.

The bonus? Seasonal flowers are almost always less expensive, which leads perfectly into tip three.

3. Budget Wisely

A common rule of thumb is to set aside around 10–15% of your total wedding budget for flowers. Choosing seasonal, locally-grown blooms is one of the easiest ways to stretch that budget without sacrificing the lush, full look you're going for.

Over the years I've built relationships with some truly talented florists. Here are a few I love working alongside:

Folklore Farm — Kate's work is organic and wildly romantic. Think loose garden arrangements, locally grown stems, and a style that feels like it grew straight from the earth. Perfect for outdoor and farm weddings.

O Luxe Design — Elevated, sculptural arrangements with a modern editorial edge. A great fit for couples who want their florals to feel like a statement.

Cherryhill Flowers — Classic and elegant with a warm, personal approach. They're especially wonderful to work with at traditional New England venues.

Bloom Back Flowers — Rhode Island Monthly's Best Wedding Florist, based in Pawtucket. Angela and her team are known for whimsical, deeply personal designs — they take the time to understand your story and translate it into something that feels completely you. A wonderful choice for couples who want their florals to feel one-of-a-kind.