Essential Toolkit for Wedding Florists

When you’re a florist setting up weddings and events, your toolkit quickly becomes your lifeline. Over the years, I’ve fine-tuned mine to cover not just the essentials for flower arranging, but also the little lifesavers that keep the day running smoothly. Here’s what I never leave home without:

The Floristry Essentials

Florist tape & stem tape – to keep everything neat and secure.

Several pairs of scissors – because one pair is never enough.

Ribbon scissors – treated like royalty, because nothing ruins a bow faster than blunt blades.

Florist knife – sharp and reliable for clean cuts.

Pearl-headed pins and safety pins – for those last-minute fixes.

Wires in different gauges and reel wire – for structure and support.

Flower magnets – the secret weapon for buttonholes and corsages.

Florist cold glue – when tape just won’t do.

The Practical Add-Ons

• Water spray bottle – to keep blooms fresh until the last moment.
• Wet wipes – perfect for removing marks from floors or surfaces.
• White cotton gloves – no fingerprints on polished glassware.
• Pens – because someone always needs one!
• Towels/tea towels – to mop up unexpected spills.
• Ribbons – in a variety of colours and widths.
• Cable ties – in every size you can get your hands on.
• Candle fix dots & clear fishing line – the unsung heroes of event set-up.
• Thin door stop wedges – to level urns on uneven ground, and counter balance troughs for mantles/aisles.

The Personal Lifesavers

• Painkillers and allergy tablets – setting up is no fun when you’re sneezing or sore.
• Plasters – all sizes, because cuts and scrapes happen.
• Energy bars – quick fuel when there’s no time for lunch.

Summer Survival Kit 🌞

Working weddings in the heat brings its own challenges, so my summer add-ons are non-negotiable:

• Frozen bottle of water – doubles as an ice pack during set-up and melts into a refreshing drink.
• Rehydration sachets – a miracle cure after long, hot days.
• Sunscreen – protect yourself; heat stroke is no joke.
• Sunglasses – save your eyes (and your face from extra squint lines).
• Frozen face cloth with peppermint oil – nothing perks you up faster on scorching installs.
• Healthy snacks – bananas or grapes for natural energy. (Though let’s be honest, a bag of Haribo is always welcome!)
• Rechargeable neck fan – looks like headphones, feels like heaven.

And of course, because it’s Britain, sometimes you have to swap the sunglasses and sunscreen for a scarf, rain mac, and sturdy boots. Flexibility is key!

Final thoughts:

Working on site isn’t just about the flowers, it’s about being prepared for any situation that might arise. It’s being flexible and thinking on your feet to make sure that you deliver stunning florals that wow your client, while respecting the venue, and looking after your team.  With the right kit, you can handle spills, snags, weather surprises, and even the occasional wilting florist (that’s you!). Pack smart, stay hydrated, and look after yourself as well as your blooms.
Good luck out there fellow florists this season …. Let me know you non-negotiables in your tool kit!

• We like https://humnatra.co.uk for the electrolytes
• https://uk.merrypeople.com for the all weather wellies
• https://amzn.eu/d/0bVAn0YF for the portable neck fan