How do floral proposals and mockups work?

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A floral proposal is an itemized plan and quote your florist creates after your consultation, usually with reference images and a total cost. A mockup is an optional real-flower sample of a key piece like your centerpiece, often for a fee, so you can see it before the wedding. After your consultation, your florist assembles a proposal that translates the conversation into a concrete plan. Expect an itemized list of every piece, from your bouquet to the last centerpiece, often with reference photos, a described palette and style, and a total cost. A good proposal makes clear what is included, such as delivery and setup, and where you can add or subtract. Review it carefully and ask questions; this document becomes the blueprint for your day, so it should match what you pictured. A proposal is a starting point, not a final verdict. Most florists include one or two rounds of revisions so you can adjust quantities, swap flowers, or rebalance the budget. This is the moment to move money toward your priorities, maybe fewer centerpieces so you can afford a grander arch. Be specific in your feedback: tell your florist what you love and what feels off rather than just asking for changes. Clear notes lead to a revised proposal that lands much closer to right. A mockup is a full-size sample of a key arrangement, usually a centerpiece, built in real flowers before the wedding so you can see and adjust it. Mockups are wonderful for peace of mind, especially for large weddings or very specific visions, but they are not free; the flowers and labor are real, so expect a fee, often the cost of the piece itself. For simpler weddings or a trusted florist, a detailed proposal with reference photos is usually enough. Ask whether a mockup is worth it for your situation. Proposals typically come together within a couple of weeks of your consultation, and you refine them over the following months. Your florist will set a date, often a few weeks before the wedding, when final counts, colors, and details lock in. If you want a mockup, schedule it early enough to make changes but close enough that seasonal flowers resemble what you will get. Staying responsive during this stretch keeps your plan on track and gives your designer time to source specialty blooms.

How do floral proposals and mockups work?

What a proposal contains

Revisions and refining the plan

When a mockup makes sense

Timing and locking things in

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