Ranunculus grown by Sweet South Flowers- One of our most requested flowers!
Why Choosing the Right Wedding Florist Matters
Planning your wedding flowers is exciting —so many decisions to make! Flowers are a beautiful part of weddings, but with so many talented professionals to choose from, how do you know which one is the right fit for your style, budget, and vision?
Believe it or not, a florist wants you to choose the right florist for you too! If our style does match what you want, it’s not a good fit for you. In this guide, I’ll share what to look for when choosing a florist, why going local matters, and how to feel confident in your decision.
What to Look for in a Wedding Florist
Style That Matches Your Vision
Every florist has a design style. Some specialize in clean, modern arrangements, while others lean toward lush, romantic designs. At Sweet South Flowers, we focus on garden-inspired florals — loose & natural, like flowers freshly gathered - and they often are!
Summer Bouquet by Sweet South Flowers
Experience With Weddings
Designing wedding flowers is different than creating everyday arrangements. A wedding florist needs to know how to manage timelines, work with planners and venues, and handle large-scale installations. Make sure your florist has the wedding experience to confidently bring your vision to life.
Flexibility and Personalization
A boutique florist (like me) usually takes on fewer weddings per season. This allows for more customized service, flexible designs, and thoughtful details tailored to your celebration — instead of a cookie-cutter package. I will do everything I can to either grow the flowers myself for your wedding or search the world over to find the flowers needed to achieve your vision!
Why a Local Florist in Cleveland & Chattanooga Makes a Difference
Hiring a local wedding florist isn’t just convenient — it adds real value:
Local Knowledge: We know the area’s venues, seasonal weather, and logistics.
Community Connections: We often collaborate with planners, venues, and photographers in Cleveland and Chattanooga, making your vendor team stronger.
Easy Communication: Personal consultations and local delivery mean smoother coordination.
Supporting the Community: Choosing local keeps your wedding investment right here in the Cleveland/Chattanooga area.
Spring Wedding Flowers Grown by Sweet South Flowers
The Farmer Florist Advantage
Most couples have heard of a florist, but not everyone knows what it means to be a farmer florist. In simple terms, a farmer florist is both the grower and the designer — cultivating flowers in the field and then transforming them into your wedding arrangements.
This approach offers some unique benefits:
Unmatched Freshness
Your bouquet may include blooms cut just hours before your wedding. They haven’t traveled in boxes across the country — they’ve grown right here in Tennessee soil, giving them vibrancy and longevity.Seasonal Beauty
Each season brings its own signature flowers: ranunculus in spring, dahlias in late summer, zinnias bursting in a rainbow of colors, or peonies that only bloom for a few precious weeks. (I have a peony field). Seasonal flowers feel natural, effortless, and perfectly of-the-moment.Eco-Friendly & Sustainable
By using locally grown flowers, you reduce the carbon footprint that comes with importing flowers from overseas. It’s a small but meaningful way to align your wedding with your values.A Story to Tell
Say it with flowers. The flowers you choose really set the overall look and feel of your wedding! They should be an extension of you!
Questions to Ask Before Booking Your Florist
Before you make your decision, here are some helpful questions to bring to your florist consultation:
What is your design style?
Do you grow your own flowers or source locally?
What services are included (delivery, setup, teardown)?
How many weddings do you take on per weekend?
Can you work within my budget and suggest seasonal alternatives?
Do you offer mockups or sample arrangements before the wedding?
Asking these questions will help you find the florist who fits your style and priorities best.
Why Couples Choose Sweet South Flowers
We know you have many options when searching for the best wedding florist in Cleveland or Chattanooga. Couples choose us because of our:
Boutique approach — serving a smaller number of clients with highly personalized attention.
Locally grown flowers — fresh, seasonal blooms from our own garden whenever possible.
Garden-inspired design — romantic, natural arrangements that feel timeless and effortless.
“The season, the venue, and the couple’s themselves are considered when creating wedding floral design.” -Becky
Ground Floral Arch by Sweet South Flowers
Floral Vibe: Garden Party; Natural & Organic
Venue: Hidden Springs
Final Thoughts
Choosing your wedding florist is about more than just flowers — it’s about trust, artistry, and connection. By focusing on local expertise, personalized service, and seasonal beauty, you can find a florist who not only delivers arrangements but also creates with you in mind.
If you’re planning a wedding in Cleveland, Chattanooga, or beyond, we’d love to bring your floral vision to life. Visit our Weddings page to begin your flower inquiry.
Let’s plan your flowers together! - Becky at Sweet South Flowers