A bouquet of various purple, lavender, and white flowers, including roses and alliums, interspersed with green leaves; the flowers are densely packed, creating a vibrant, colorful arrangement.

Floral Design Services 101

The Perfect Guide to Choosing Your Event Floral Package

Planning an event means making countless decisions. From selecting the venue and food to choosing décor and entertainment, it can sometimes feel overwhelming. Flowers alone require significant thought and consideration, such as which types you want to include in your arrangements, the kinds of designs you need, and the packages or services you want to book with your florist. As each stem plays a vital role in setting the tone of your event, it is always best to slow down and take the time to consider your budget, how long you have to plan, the size of your event, and, of course, the overall event style.

At Carithers Flowers, we specialize in floral design that elevates every type of occasion. This guide will help you navigate which floral packages and services best align with your vision, whether that's a large corporate event, dream wedding, or an unforgettable celebration.

Types of Event Flowers

 

Personal Flowers

Designs like hand-tied bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages, flower crowns, and other floral items held or worn fall into the category of personal flowers. For weddings, personal flowers are traditionally used for the bride and groom, their wedding party, and their family. During corporate events or other special occasions, personal flowers are used to honor VIP guests or individuals who are being recognized.

When prioritizing your budget, personal flowers should always come first since they are the most photographed compared to other event flowers.

 

Ceremony Flowers

Ceremony flowers enhance the formalities of an event. These designs are ideal for wedding nuptials, opening remarks at a fundraiser, or speeches during an awards dinner. They can include floral arches, floral swag for podiums, aisle markers, and arrangements at an altar or stage. Ceremony flowers help set the event's tone and are often the first pieces of décor that guests admire.

 

Reception Centerpieces

Centerpieces are essential floral designs during a cocktail hour, corporate banquet, wedding reception, or formal holiday dinner. From small arrangements on cocktail tables to large and inviting arrangements on guest tables and head tables, no event feels complete without alluring centerpieces that spark conversation and joy.

Floral Design Timelines

Timing is a significant factor in determining the ideal floral design services for your event. For those planning a smaller wedding or event, coordinating with your florist a week in advance can be enough time to create stunning essentials. However, planning at least one year before your event date will open the door to more options and services.

  • Planning and Consultations - One year to nine months
  • Placing a Deposit - Nine to six months
  • Choosing Flowers - Nine to six months
  • Ordering Flowers - Six months
  • Creating and Arranging - Week of
  • Setting Up at the Venue - One day or day of

Types of Floral Design Packages

 

Á La Carte Event Flowers

Á La Carte is a popular option for business luncheons, smaller weddings, intimate dinners, or modest holiday parties. This package or service allows you to work with a professional florist and select the most essential flowers without committing to a full-service floral design package.

At Carithers, you can shop our Boutique Weddings & Events Collection if you are having a small or medium-sized event, are looking for flexibility, want to control or customize your budget, need the essentials plus a little extra, have time to set up your flowers, and are planning your event within a few months.

 

Full-Service Event Design

For larger or high-end events, full-service design takes care of everything from concept to clean-up. It is an ideal choice for corporate galas, upscale holiday soirées, and grand weddings where no detail should be overlooked. Full-service event packages take all the pressure off planners and can include everything from personal and reception florals to flower installations and décor rentals. Without lifting a finger, your vision will come to life with ease.

A full-service floral design is right for you if you are having a large event, want all the bells and whistles on top of the essentials, would like your florist and designer to guide you every step of the way, prefer your florist to deliver, set up, and break down your flowers and décor, and are planning your event well in advance. Learn more about our Custom Weddings and Décor.

Whether you are walking down the aisle, honoring a corporate milestone, hosting a fundraiser, or celebrating the holidays, flowers have the power to transform your event. Our team at Carithers Flowers is committed to creating floral experiences that delight your guests and capture your vision. Contact our team to explore your options, discuss your ideas, and bring your event to life with incredible floral designs.

How to build a floral design plan