Behind the Scenes: A Day in the Life of a San Francisco Luxury Wedding Florist

As a luxury wedding florist, no two days ever look the same—and that’s exactly what makes this work so special. What most people don’t realize, though, is just how much happens behind the scenes.

Every bridal bouquet, ceremony arch, and reception centerpiece represents countless hours of design, preparation, and logistics. They’re the result of careful planning and management of endless moving pieces. Understanding that process not only helps explain why flowers can be such a big investment, but also gives you a clearer idea of how the preparation for your big day really unfolds.

So whether you’re simply curious about what a florist’s day looks like or you’re planning your own San Francisco wedding, we’re taking you behind the scenes at Flowers Valley. From early deliveries to on-site setup, here’s what a busy wedding day actually looks like. 

1. Early Morning Prep

After weeks of planning and designing, the wedding day is finally here—and the work starts early. While the big installations may have been prepped in advance, there are still plenty of details that need to be done on the morning of. Flowers need to be conditioned (hydrated, trimmed, wired, etc.) to make sure every installation looks fresh and flawless. 

Smaller arrangements like corsages, boutonnieres, and flower crowns are finalized first thing in the morning. Bouquets are tied off and finished with details like silk ribbons.

2. Loading and Transporting Flowers

At the same time, the team is double (and triple) checking timelines, confirming transportation plans, organizing florals and rentals such as arches or stands, and carefully packing arrangements to ensure nothing gets damaged during delivery. 

Because temperatures can be unpredictable at times, extra climate precautions need to be considered. That means, are there any coolers, water tubes, or protective wrapping needed to keep the blooms fresh? 

Once the prep is complete, it’s time to load up the vans and head to the venue on schedule. Packing and transporting flowers is one of the most delicate parts of a wedding day for a florist. It’s a behind-the-scenes process couples rarely see, but it’s key to making sure the arrangements arrive on time and in flawless condition. 

3. On-Site Venue Setup

Once our team arrives at the venue, the fun really begins. We typically start by checking in with the planner or venue coordinator to confirm if there have been any last-minute changes. Sometimes, weather changes, layout adjustments, or unexpected requests can happen, and it’s important to be prepared.

That’s why we work with couples ahead of time to create a detailed plan showcasing final design concepts, flower selections, and placements. We also plan a backup just in case. While we always aim to stick to the original plan, having an approved second option means fewer decisions to stress about on your big day.

Then, ceremony florals are installed first—arches, aisle arrangements, and altar decor. If the reception is in a separate space, that setup comes next, including centerpieces, the sweetheart table, floral chandeliers, and bar arrangements.

4. Completing the Finishing Touches

Finally, it’s time for the finishing touches. Bouquets, boutonnieres, and smaller arrangements are delivered to the wedding parties. This is also when we add final decor details, such as candles or trending drapery, to ensure the full setup feels complete. Once everything is in place, we step back to review the space as a whole, ensuring that the overall design vision has come together beautifully and is ready for your celebration.

5. Breakdown and Clean-Up

At the end of the night, we return to handle the breakdown and clean-up. This includes collecting any rentals such as vases, arches, and candles or candleholders. This also includes rounding up all of your floral arrangements. With sustainability in mind, we prioritize methods that reduce waste whenever possible. That’s why it’s so important to decide ahead of time what you’d like done with your flowers—will you be donating them or preserving your wedding bouquet?

Let this be a reminder to have a clear post-wedding plan that all vendors are on the same page about.

Ready to Start Your Floral Journey?

That’s why it’s so important to work with a team of florists who will put the time, effort, and artistry into bringing your vision to life. You’ll need a team you can trust every step of the way. That’s where we come in.

At Flowers Valley, we craft personalized, luxury floral designs that reflect your style, elevate your venue, and exceed your expectations. With over 15 years of experience designing luxury wedding florals across the San Francisco Bay Area, our award-winning team knows how to transform your ideas into a breathtaking reality.

Ready to bring your floral dreams to life? Contact us to schedule a consultation—we’ll walk through your vision and create a custom floral visualization so you know exactly what to expect.