DIY or Hire a Florist? A Photographer’s Guide to Gorgeous Wedding Bouquets in East Tennessee
- claw522
- Jun 5
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 6
As a wedding photographer, I’ve seen how the right bouquet can pull together a whole wedding aesthetic. Whether you’re dreaming of a professionally designed floral masterpiece or want to roll up your sleeves and DIY something meaningful, this guide walks you through both options—and introduces you to some of the top florists in East Tennessee to help along the way.
🌼 General Wedding Floral Tips (DIY or Pro)
1. Think About the Whole Day, Not Just the Ceremony
Don’t focus only on the bridal bouquet—think about the entire floral flow: the ceremony arch, aisle decor, reception centerpieces, cake flowers, bar accents, sweetheart table, and even flat lay styling blooms.
2. Repurpose Your Florals
Stretch your budget by reusing ceremony florals at the reception! Aisle arrangements can line the head table, and altar pieces can be moved behind the cake table or into photo op corners.
3. Know Your Venue Rules
Some venues don’t allow outside plants, loose petals, or floral installations that require nails or adhesives. Always double-check what's allowed, especially if you're DIY-ing.
4. Consider the Season
Using in-season flowers will save money and ensure availability. Out-of-season blooms may be harder to source and wilt faster.
5. Mood Over Specific Flowers
Instead of fixating on a particular bloom, share a mood or color palette with your florist (or use it as your DIY guide). This gives flexibility and helps you adapt if a flower becomes unavailable last minute.
🌿 DIY Wedding Bouquets/Florals: A Step-by-Step Guide for the Hands-On Bride
💐 Prefer to Hire a Pro?
These florists don’t just create bouquets—they design entire floral experiences tailored to your vision. Every one of them understands the role flowers play in storytelling through your wedding album.
Tips for Working With a Pro Florist
With over 28 years in business, Isbill creates timeless floral designs with fresh and silk options. They’re known for their flexibility and personalized service, helping you achieve a cohesive look that photographs beautifully.
An award-winning team with over 80 years of combined experience. They create lush, custom arrangements that reflect your style and are guaranteed to be photo-ready from bouquet to boutonniere.
Modern, romantic, and intentional—Blue Thistle is known for airy arrangements full of texture and movement. Perfect for couples looking for something natural yet refined.
Right in the heart of the Smokies, this team brings in seasonal, mountain-inspired blooms to create a soft, organic look that ties in beautifully with local venues and landscapes.
Melissa’s designs are the definition of luxury. Expect dramatic arches, lush bouquets, and polished installations that elevate any venue—perfect for grand ballrooms and garden ceremonies alike.
This boutique studio specializes in heartfelt wedding florals that feel timeless and tailored. Owner Christy brings a personal touch to each design with soft color palettes and thoughtful floral choices.
More than planning, Wed Knoxville offers a one-of-a-kind floral bar experience. Ideal for bridal showers, bachelorette parties, or wedding welcome events, their interactive Bloom Bar lets guests design their own mini bouquets to take home—doubling as both an activity and a beautiful, photo-ready favor. It’s a modern and meaningful way to add floral flair to your celebration.
✨ Final Thoughts
Whether you’re designing your own florals or hiring one of East Tennessee’s incredible florists, your blooms will be in almost every photo. So choose intentionally—your bouquet is more than an accessory, it’s part of your story.
Need help picking what fits your venue and vibe? Let’s chat! I’m always happy to guide my couples on what photographs beautifully and fits their day.
—Claire, Appalachian Lens 📸
