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This week’s topics: wedding flower planning tips, floral design trends for 2025 weddings, how to create sustainable wedding florals, working with a wedding florist, pricing wedding flowers realistically, sourcing local and seasonal blooms, luxury wedding floral installations, floral design insights from Milwaukee Flower Co., wedding planning advice from top florists, how to build a floral business
In this episode of the Wedding Day Podcast, host Sonja Babich and co-host Sydney Stevens, Editor of Wisconsin Bride and Nebraska Wedding Day, sit down with luxury wedding florist Sally Vanderwyst, owner of Milwaukee Flower Co., to explore how floral design can transform weddings into immersive experiences. With more than two decades in the industry, Sally shares expert advice on how flowers elevate event design, reflect the couple’s personality and create an emotional impact that guests won’t forget.
This floral-focused conversation dives into sustainable wedding flowers, luxury service and how to craft a cohesive wedding design. From planting specific blooms for clients to producing full-scale custom floral installations, Sally and her team bring artistry and precision to each event. With a 14-person team and a white-glove service model, Milwaukee Flower Co. approaches wedding florals as both fine art and meticulous logistics.
Sally explains her passion for slow-grown, local florals and how these natural, unrushed blooms add unparalleled movement and freshness. She also clarifies what makes a wedding floral designer “luxury”: tons of vendor collaboration, curated blooms, creative direction and seamless execution — down to the late-night teardown. Her advice: Hire a floral team that thinks about every step of your day, not just the pretty parts.
The group also discusses floral sustainability — what happens to flowers post-wedding, how to plan for repurposing and ways couples can make more eco-conscious decisions. Sally details her efforts to compost, donate or re-use florals for brunches or family events, offering inspiration for couples wanting less waste and more intention.
Outside of weddings, Sally has expanded her brand by acquiring La Terre, a floral and lifestyle retail shop in Mequon. It allows her team to design beyond weddings and explore new creative avenues. She encourages other floral business owners to stay curious, ask questions, and nurture long-standing industry relationships — like the mentorships that shaped her early career.
Couples should plan ahead: Sally recommends securing your wedding florist 12–18 months in advance and planning a full design preview 6–12 months before the big day. These previews — complete with linens, place settings and mock florals — give couples a tangible look at their wedding vision.
This episode is powered by Dan Riggs Films, Events to a T, and Milwaukee Flower Co.
Special thanks to members Linen Effects, Continental Diamond, Warpaint International.
