Full-Service vs. À La Carte Wedding Florals: Which Is Right for You?
- Christie Walsh-Myers
- Aug 20
- 3 min read
When it comes to wedding florist services, most designers offer two main models: full-service floral design or à la carte event flowers. Both have their advantages, but the right choice really depends on your event size, design vision, and budget priorities. Here’s a helpful breakdown of what each option includes and how to know which is best for you—whether you’re planning a destination wedding on Amelia Island, a celebration in Fernandina Beach, or an event beyond our coastal community.
What is Full-Service Floral Design?
Complete design planning + installations
With full-service floral design, you’re getting a creative partner who helps shape the entire floral vision for your day. From mood boards to sourcing blooms to designing custom installations, everything is tailored to your wedding. That includes ensuring the blooms perfectly match your palette—whether that means nailing the right shade of peach or finding just the right mauvy purple. Your florist works to bring your vision to life, whether you have a highly specific inspiration board or just a loose vibe you’d like captured. Most importantly, they put a creative eye on every floral element so your event feels cohesive, thoughtful, and uniquely yours.
Delivery, set up, and strike
Full-service also means your florist team is on-site: they deliver your flowers, style them in place, and return at the end of the night to handle strike. This can include on-site design and installations if needed, and your florist will often partner with your planner or coordinator so the process is seamless. That way, you can focus on the big day while taking pressure off your family, knowing the floral details are fully handled.
Full-service floral design creates a true ethos for your event—from installations to bud vases, every element works together to tell your story. Think grounded floral arches, elaborate bar installations, a lush cake meadow, or a ceremony aisle lined with blooms. Whether you envision something simple and timeless or a colorful, flower-fueled fever dream, full-service design is ideal when your event calls for floral pieces that transform the space.
What Are À La Carte Event Flowers?
Pre-set menu of designs or options
À la carte event flowers offer a streamlined approach. Florists typically provide a menu of popular items like bouquets, boutonnières, and centerpieces. You’ll choose what you need, often with pre-set pricing.
Limited customization
Since à la carte options are more structured, customization is limited. Instead of creating a new design plan, your florist works within established styles and often set color palettes to keep the process efficient and affordable.
Pick-up or limited local delivery
À la carte orders are usually picked up from the florist’s studio, though some florists offer local delivery for an additional fee. There’s little or no set-up involved, making this option best for simple celebrations such as elopements, micro weddings, rehearsal dinners, or even engagement parties.
Which Option is Right for You?
Event size and scope considerations
Large weddings or destination celebrations often benefit from full-service floral design because of the design scale and logistics involved. Intimate elopements, micro weddings, or rehearsal dinners may be better suited for à la carte event flowers.
Design complexity
If your vision includes installations, unique ceremony pieces, a specific color palette, or a true focus on florals, full-service is the way to go. À la carte can be equally lovely—perfect for occasions where you want thoughtfully designed bouquets and personal flowers without the scale of a full installation.
Budget priorities
Full-service florals are a larger investment but create immersive impact. À la carte event flowers are just as special—essential pieces secured in an easy and seamless way. They are more budget-friendly, focusing on essentials without extras, though even à la carte floral orders can add up quickly with large wedding parties where multiple bouquets, boutonnières, or centerpieces are needed.
Our Approach to Both Services
Our approach is rooted in artistry and intentional design, whether you choose full-service floral design or à la carte event flowers. With à la carte, we focus on essentials—bouquets, boutonnières, corsages, bud vases, centerpieces, statement arrangements, and aisle pieces—all created in seasonal palettes and our signature garden-style aesthetic. With full-service floral design, the sky’s the limit: we craft a cohesive floral ethos across every detail of your event, bringing installations, personal flowers, and reception designs together seamlessly. It’s always about finding the option that best reflects your priorities, vision, and event style.
Still wondering which path is right for your celebration? Whether your wedding is set on the south end of Amelia Island, in the heart of Fernandina Beach or further afield, let’s talk about your event and find the perfect floral fit.
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