To The Venue
Some venues let you set up the day before, some require you to set up morning of, so make sure you have a clear plan with your venue, and helping team long in advance. If you can, designate someone you trust to set up your flower designs.
If you have some helpers
Meet with them at least 3 days before the event to do a run through
Go over timeline, expectations and troubleshooting
Provide them a copy of your checklist
Visuals always help, give photos of the pieces you made along with any instructions
Make sure everything will fit in the designated vehicle
Arrange for another vehicle if necessary
Keep all the setup tools separated and easy for your helper to find
Make sure your boxes are secure in the car
You may need to put blankets or some other padding in empty spaces
If your packing them into a truck, it is preferred to have them covered
Once you, or your helper arrives at the venue to setup, you'll probably notice a lot is going on.
If necessary, find your person of contact at the venue to confirm locations. If you're using a ladder from the venue this would be the time to grab it. If check in isn't required, just being your setup as planned.
CEREMONY
Setup ceremony space with installation piece(s) if you have made them
Use fishing line, zip ties, nails or command hooks to secure as a hanging
Prop against alter, stands or pillars, or lay flat on a tray for a ground installation
Take note of the pieces that will be moving after the ceremony
Stand back and look at your installation from the back of the aisle
Open your phone camera and look at it through the lens- This will give you a different perspective and a better idea of how it photographs
Then go in and add in extra stems and mixed media to add finishing touches
Make sure you tidy up any debris that shook off
Take an after pic!
RECEPTION
Setup your tables as you've planned
Add the stems or petals you set aside to the place settings
Use bucket of extra stems to make any final touches
Set out empty vases for handheld bouquets after ceremony
Make note of where your installation will move to
Add any fresh flowers you've decided on, and add water
Make sure you tidy up any debris that shook off, and sweep or vacuum as necessary
If your venue doesn't provide the service, steam the linens
Take a picture, and a video
Other Considerations
Make sure you understand your venues rules for setup and takedown
Ask your venue if they have a loading area/dock/parking
Consider a trolly/cart, or ask your venue if they have one you can use
Make sure your helper is comfortable with a ladder if they need to hang something
Hire a day of coordinator and arrange for them to setup your flowers
Arrange to pickup the flowers after the event so that you can repurpose them as gifts, home decoration or other art pieces.