Why Every Wedding Floral Design Needs a Plan B—A Real Sonoma Wedding Story
Planning your dream wedding often starts with a beautifully curated Pinterest board, color palettes, and must-have floral installations. But what happens when Mother Nature decides not to cooperate? As a wedding florist in Sonoma County, I’ve learned one essential truth: always have a plan B.
The Reality of Outdoor Weddings: My 35+ MPH Wind Story
A few weeks ago, I designed the florals for a stunning wedding at a church with a completely outdoor setup. The vision included two freestanding floral pillars—one standing 15 feet tall and the other about 10—framing the entrance as guests arrived. It was meant to be the showstopper, and it truly was… until the wind picked up.
We arrived at the venue to find wind gusts exceeding 35 miles per hour—totally unexpected and entirely out of our control. As a seasoned florist, I always prepare for the unexpected, so I had mechanics in place and weights (over 80 pounds on each structure!) to anchor the installations. But when you’re working with towering florals and intense wind, even the best preparations sometimes aren’t enough.
After setting up, the pillars fell—three times. At that point, I had two options: scrap the entrance installation completely, or adapt on the spot. I knew how important this piece was to my bride, so I made a quick executive decision.
Plan B in Action: Creative Problem-Solving Under Pressure
I reassembled the installations and stationed two of my freelancers behind each pillar to help stabilize them with their own body weight. This wasn’t part of the original plan—in fact, those team members were scheduled to assist with a massive floral treatment around a large fountain at the reception space. But to keep the vision alive, I had to shift gears.
Because I was down two freelancers, I adjusted the plan for the fountain. Originally, it was going to be fully covered with florals on all four sides. With limited manpower, I focused on the front side—the one most visible to guests and perfectly framed the dance floor and sweetheart table. I filled in the remaining three sides with smaller, intentional floral touches. The result? A beautiful, balanced focal point that still captured the essence of the original vision.
And the bride? She was thrilled.
Why Having a Floral Plan B Matters
This wedding is a perfect example of why experienced florists always create a Plan B. We all start with Plan A—the dream. But a true professional will also think ahead:
What if it’s too windy for a tall outdoor installation?
What if extreme heat threatens the lifespan of delicate blooms?
What if unexpected rain hits a ceremony planned for open air?
Weather is one of the biggest challenges for any florist, especially here in Sonoma County where many weddings are held outdoors. Wind, in particular, is one of the most unpredictable and destructive forces we deal with. It doesn’t matter how beautiful the design is—if it’s not safe or stable, it can’t go up. That’s where experience, planning, and flexibility come in.
As a Bride, What Should You Do?
When you’re working with your wedding florist, don’t be afraid to ask about a backup plan. A seasoned florist will appreciate the question—and will likely already have a Plan B (and C!) in mind. If your florist brings it up first, know that it’s a good sign. She’s thinking ahead to make sure your wedding day goes smoothly, no matter what nature throws your way.
The goal is always to bring your vision to life. But part of our job is making sure that if things don’t go exactly according to plan, you’re still walking into a beautifully designed space that feels just as magical as you imagined.
Final Thoughts
This story is just one of many moments that highlight the importance of flexibility, experience, and creative problem-solving on a wedding day. As your wedding florist, I’ll always show up with a plan—and a backup. And if something unexpected happens? I’ll be right there, figuring it out with heart and hustle.
If you’re planning an outdoor wedding in Sonoma County and want a florist who’s ready for anything, I’d love to chat. Whether it’s sunshine, wind, or a last-minute venue change, I’ve got you covered.