Florals can bring so much life, color, and that romantic “wedding day” feeling to your elopement, all while being tailored to your personal style. For elopements especially, it’s important to choose arrangements that travel well and can handle outdoor conditions like wind, heat, or colder temperatures.

When working with your florist, it’s a good idea to ask for durable blooms and elements that will hold up throughout the day. Things like dried florals, grasses, sturdy greenery, plants with woody stems, and even sustainably sourced feathers can be beautiful options that are less delicate. It’s also important to avoid anything that produces seeds, as some locations have strict environmental guidelines.

Depending on where your session or ceremony takes place, you may be required to use native, non-invasive materials. This is especially important at Glen Oaks Big Sur, where certain florals are not permitted. For example, pampas grass is not allowed, and bringing it could result in being asked to leave the property and possibly receiving a fine.

• Share your budget, color palette, season, location, and overall vision so your florist can design something that fits your day

• Let them know what your plans look like — if you’ll be hiking or moving around a lot, they can create something sturdy that will hold up

• Send inspiration photos to show what you’re drawn to (whether that’s more organic and “wild” or classic and structured)

• Think about any additional floral pieces you may want, like hair florals, boutonnieres, corsages, or extra stems for detail photos

• Trust your florist’s expertise and stay open to their ideas — collaboration usually leads to the most beautiful results