10 Planning Tips for a Stress-Free, Gorgeous Wedding

Engaged and in need of some wedding planning advice? We got you! We’re Romee Willow Florals, an artful wedding florist in the city of Chicago. We’ve been in the wedding business for close to 15 years now, so we’ve accrued our fair share of wedding planning wisdom. Here are our top ten wedding planning tips for planning an easeful wedding that you and your partner will be obsessed with. 

1) Know Your Budget

After getting engaged, the first thing you and your partner should do in the wedding planning process is talk about budget. This will provide clarity and direction, and allow you both to get on the same page about spending priorities. In terms of understanding a floral decor budget, we are happy to help! Take our budget calculator quiz for a quick estimate on how much you can expect to spend on your floral decor.

2) Book Your Favorite Vendors Early

Once your wedding date is set, it's wise to start booking your vendors soon after - especially the ones that matter most to you! In a big city like Chicago, couples start booking their vendors anywhere from 8 months to a year and a half in advance. For example, we are already booking up for 2025, and have even booked a few 2026 dates. Booking vendors sooner than later is better in a competitive market like Chicago. Don’t wait!

Photo by J. Brown Photography

3) Do Your Research on Pinterest and Instagram Before Your Consultation

Before attending any floral consultations, it’s wise to take a virtual stroll through social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram. Gathering inspiration online lets you show up prepared, helping florists understand your style and preferences from the get-go. It’s ok if you don’t know exactly what you want, but when you start gathering photos of the styles and flowers that you do like, typically a common pattern emerges and we will come to a good jumping off point.  Make sure to browse the Romee Willow Pinterest and Instagram profiles!

4) Go to Your Floral Consultation In Person If You Can:

While virtual meetings are convenient, there's no substitute for face-to-face interaction. When you attend your floral consultation in our Logan Square studio, you get to play around with our collection of vases and candles and look at arches and all the rental inventory. Think of it as a brainstorming session where we can share ideas, have a chat, and bring your vision to life in real time.

Photos by Expedition Joy Photography

5) Consider What’s in Season When Requesting Certain Flowers

Just as you dress appropriately for the weather, flowers also have their seasons. Choosing blooms that match your wedding time allows for your flowers to be the most local and fresh as possible. Using in-season and local blooms is also much more eco-friendly since they have a smaller carbon foot print than the alternative. So, if you love peonies, then a Spring time wedding is best. Or if dahlias are your jam, then your wedding should be in the late summer, early fall.

6) Hire a Wedding Planner

Having a wedding planner is ALWAYS recommended. There are many reasons why you should hire one - the number one being that they will ensure all goes according to plan, on time, and you or family don’t have to be the point of contact on your wedding day. There are so many tasks to check off the list leading up to your wedding day, and they will help you get everything done. As a florist, we love working with planners because they’re professionals who have done this countless times, and who have processes that ensure wedding days go seamlessly. Having a wedding planner involved brings order, organization, and proactive communication to create flawless events. Here are some of our favorite wedding planners in Chicago (in no specific order): Naturally Yours Events, Bluemoon Events, LOLA Event Productions, Ohana Events, Cygnet Events and Design, Olive Fine Weddings & Events, Bridget Mary Weddings, Rachael Steacy Events, Paris Events, Amanda Paige Events.

Photo by Lauren Sims Photography

7) Don’t Just Compare Florists by Pricing

While budget is important, it shouldn’t be the only consideration when booking your florist. Remember that each wedding florist has a unique artistic approach. You are paying for experience, artistry, and overall good business practices. You want your florist to have a vision, and also have the years of design experience to execute the style you want.  You also want a business person who is responsive, flexible, and kind about any changes or requests that pop up. Before booking your florist, consider the value they bring beyond just numbers.

8) Repurpose Floral Decor from the Ceremony to the Reception:

Why limit the spotlight to just one act? Moving your ceremony blooms to the reception is like giving them an encore. This continuity adds a cohesive touch to your day, creating a seamless visual narrative. It’s also easier on the budget! Instead of buying one piece per location, you can reuse pieces from the ceremony to the reception. For example, you can repurpose your bridal and bridesmaids bouquets on the head table.

Photo by Amanda Megan Miller Photography

9) Give Your Florist Artistic Freedom!

We're not just arranging flowers; we're crafting visual stories. Trust us to curate pieces of floral art that blend your vision with our creative touch. Let your florist pick out most of the flowers since they know what looks best together. It’s ok to have a couple favorites, but leave the rest to them! A good florist will also help you create your color palette- often adding suggestions of colors that you might not have otherwise thought about.

Photo by Kerri Carlquist Photography

10) Be Open To Substitutions

When it comes to wedding flowers, flexibility can lead to unexpectedly stunning results. While inspiration photos are a great starting point, it’s important to remember that flower availability isn’t just about seasons—it can be affected by weather patterns, supply chain issues, and even global demand. Instead of locking in specific flower types, try sharing the overall vibe you’re going for—romantic and airy, moody and dramatic, clean and minimal, etc.—along with your color palette. This gives your florist the creative freedom to choose the freshest, most beautiful blooms available at the time of your wedding, while still capturing the look you love.

Photo by Christy Tyler Photography

So if you’re starting your wedding planning journey, take these tips into consideration for an easeful and beautiful wedding. We’d love to bring your dream wedding flowers to life! If you’re interested in working with us, be sure to send us a message through our contact form. Can’t wait to chat flowers with you!