Best Florists in Christchurch
As a wedding photographer in Christchurch, I’ve had the absolute pleasure and honour to work with so many talented professionals and creatives within the wedding industry. Wedding flowers can be a difficult choice to make, but the people I’ll be listing in this article will be there to help in any way they can. While I go into my favourite and the best vendors servicing Christchurch and North Canterbury, I’ll include some information about wedding flowers.
Why Have Wedding Florals?
Wedding flowers play a crucial role in creating the overall ambiance and aesthetic of the celebration. They not only enhance the visual appeal of the venue but also reflect a lot of the couple's personality and style. Flowers can convey emotions, symbolize love and unity, and are often tied to cultural traditions. Additionally, they can add fragrance to the environment, further immersing guests in the joyous occasion. Whether it's the bridal bouquet, boutonnieres, or centrepieces, the choice of flowers serves to weave together the theme of the wedding, making it a memorable and visually stunning experience for all involved.
Incorporating personal touches, such as using flowers that hold sentimental value, can make the floral arrangements even more special. For example, if a couple has a favourite flower from a memorable trip, including that in their wedding décor can add a unique layer of meaning to the event. I photographed a wedding at Trents Vineyards where the bride used flowers from her mother-in-laws garden. It was extremely special to the groom and his family.
Ultimately, wedding flowers are not just decorative elements; they are helpful to the storytelling aspect of the day, helping to capture the essence of the couple’s journey together. Choosing the right flowers ensures that the celebration is not only visually stunning but also deeply personal, resonating with everyone in attendance and creating lasting memories.
Prime Petals
Tash at Prime Petals loves the creativity behind floristry and works with faux and dried florals. She believes in affordable arrangements that will truly stand the test of time. Tash also makes her business as sustainable as possible, often recycling cardboard packaging and taking her floral off cuts to creative recycling store Creative Junk. She is based in Opawa but ships New Zealand wide.
It all started after creating floral arrangements for my own backyard wedding - I've always had a creative streak. After our big day I put some arrangements on marketplace for sale and 3 brides to be wanted them! I had some flowers and greenery left over so I made 2 more sets so no one missed out and from there blossomed Prime Petals.
Since then I've met the most amazing couples and incredibly supportive vendors who I have clicked with straight way!
- Tash at Prime Petals
Artificial VS Real Blooms
When selecting flowers, couples should consider various factors such as seasonality, colour schemes, and personal significance. Seasonal or artificial flowers not only tend to be more affordable but also align beautifully with the natural surroundings of the wedding, be it a rustic barn or a luxurious hotel. Colour schemes play a vital role in setting the mood; vibrant blooms can create a lively atmosphere, while softer pastels can evoke a sense of romance and tranquillity.
Pros and Cons of Real Blooms
Can be dried afterwards for a lasting memory
Seasonal blooms are best but you will be limited by what is available
Can be more expensive when in bulk
More care is needed to keep them looking amazing
Natural beauty
Versatile in their use. Can be used for more intricate designs and arrangements
Pros and Cons of Artificial Flowers
Limitless in what you can be supplied - no seasonal constraints
More range of colour
Less “presence” due to lack of natural beauty and fragrance
Long lasting
Cost efficient - Less expensive than real blooms
Flourish Events
Cass at Flourish Events bears in mind sustainability while working as not only a florist, but growing her own blooms on her flower farm in Oxford, Canterbury.
Flourish Events offers a wide range of services. From small elopement packages to arch hire, to even handmade resin homewares, she and her husband truly cover all bases for weddings or events.
All wood used for our event hire products is made from locally sourced and milled wood. We are proudly Floral foam free and use sustainable floristry techniques.
90% of the product we use is grown seasonally on our flower farm in Oxford, North Canterbury. We use regenerative techniques and an organic approach to growing. Anything we cannot grow ourselves is sourced from other local growers in North Canterbury.
Cass and Dan - Flourish Events
When considering a florist for your wedding, think about the overall theme and atmosphere you want to create. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Style Alignment: Look for a florist whose portfolio aligns with your vision, whether it’s bohemian, classic, modern, or rustic. Their previous work can provide insight into their style and creativity.
Floral Preferences: Consider any specific flowers or color palettes that are important to you. A good florist should be open to your ideas while also suggesting seasonal and local blooms that will enhance your selections.
Budgeting: Establish a clear budget early in the conversation. Some florists may specialize in high-end arrangements, while others may have options that accommodate a range of budgets.
Services Offered: Depending on your needs, check whether the florist provides additional services such as setup, delivery, or rentals (vases, arches, etc.). This can save you time and effort on your wedding day.
Communication: The florist should be communicative and open to your input. Building a rapport is essential, as you want to feel comfortable discussing your ideas and any adjustments that may arise.
Reviews and Recommendations: Take note of reviews from past clients or ask for recommendations from friends or family who have recently planned weddings. This can provide valuable insights into the florist’s reliability and quality of work.
Ultimately, choosing a florist is about finding someone who understands your vision and can translate it into beautiful arrangements that complement your special day.
Flowers By Casey
Flowers by Casey is a bespoke floral design studio in Ashburton, dedicated to crafting stunning arrangements that bring beauty and elegance to every occasion. Casey’s love for floristry was inspired by her grandmother’s own flower shop, sparking a lifelong passion for creating breathtaking floral designs.
With a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for nature’s beauty, Casey specializes in both custom floral arrangements and fully customizable wedding packages. Whether you’re looking for a romantic bridal bouquet, elegant table centrepieces, or enchanting floral arches, she works closely with each client to bring their vision to life.
At Flowers by Casey, every bloom is carefully selected, and every arrangement is thoughtfully designed to reflect the unique style and personality of each event. Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, Casey’s expertise and dedication ensure that your special day is adorned with flowers as unforgettable as the moment itself.
Sefton Flowers
Sefton Flowers is a North Canterbury flower farm and flower wholesaler open to the public and community. Regularly, Maria works with the Ashley Community Church has become a massive asset the North Canterbury community with her kind and caring nature. Her flowers are truly grown with love!
Gate sale can be arranged by appointment, but she and her husband also arrange “Bucket Bouquets” where you can fill a bucket with your favourite stems and foliage.
If you would love seasonal flowers but would like to DIY, highly suggest getting in touch with them!
Flowers By Lynette
Lynette knows that flowers play a significant role in enhancing the beauty and atmosphere of your special day. She can accommodate pretty much any floral style you envision, whether that’s simple posies and bouquets or elaborate artistic creations.
In addition to traditional bouquets, Lynette can help organize additional items such as corsages, buttonholes, venue flowers, and reception displays. You have the freedom to choose as much or as little as you desire with her, allowing your floral arrangements to reflect your unique taste and personality. After all, it’s your wedding, and every detail is important in creating the perfect celebration.
“So so happy with the flowers you did for our wedding, Lynette!!!! They looked incredible!!! The church flowers, aisle flowers, bouquets and everything was just amazing and even better than I could have imagined!!! Thanks so much!!!! It really did make our incredible day even more amazing!!!!”
- Angie Petty
The Flower Press
Originally working as a Nurse, Alex finally decided to chase a career with her love of flowers almost 10 years ago. Her passion began as a young girl in her mother’s garden and only grew as life continued.
The Flower Press is a highly sought after florist in Christchurch but works in around most areas of Canterbury, NZ. Please be aware she’ll book up a year to 18 months before the respective wedding season!
Another note about Alex is that she has a minimum spend with each client - so she is better suited to clients who want the full service of bouquets, boutonnieres, arches and table décor. The Flower Press is a luxury brand of florist and creates a floral design service with fresh blooms to cater to this area of the market.
Image by Kathryn Louise Weddings - Bouquet by The Flower Press
Christchurch boasts a vibrant array of talented florists who bring creativity and passion to their craft. From lush bridal bouquets to intricate floral arrangements that perfectly complement any wedding theme, these skilled florists are dedicated to making each couple's vision come to life. Their knowledge of seasonal blooms and local flora ensures that every wedding is not only stunning but also unique to the individuals involved. By choosing one of these exceptional florists in and around Christchurch, couples can expect personalized service and exquisite designs that enhance the beauty of their special day, making it truly unforgettable.
I hope this has been helpful in your search for a florist in Canterbury! Please check out my other blog posts for more helpful information x