Wedding flowers in Japan: a realistic planning timeline

Wedding flower planning in Japan tends to follow a different rhythm than the advice you find in international wedding magazines. Venues book up earlier, seasons matter more, and the gap between what a couple sees on social media and what is actually available at a Japanese wholesale market in a given month can be significant. Here is a realistic timeline based on what we have seen working with couples in Fukuoka since 2013.

Twelve to eight months before: the broad strokes

At this stage, you do not need to know which specific flowers you want. What you do need to know is the season, the venue's colour palette, and roughly how many tables need arrangements. These three pieces of information are enough for a first conversation with a florist.

Book your florist before you finalise the venue if you can. Some venues have preferred supplier lists, and it is worth knowing whether your florist is on that list before you sign the venue contract. We are not on any exclusive lists, which means we can work at any venue in Fukuoka Prefecture.

Six to four months before: the first proper meeting

This is when we sit down with a couple and talk through the look and feel in more detail. We look at reference images together, talk about which elements are non-negotiable and which are flexible, and start thinking about what will realistically be in season on the wedding day.

The seasonal question is important and often underestimated. A couple who fell in love with peonies in a magazine photo may not realise that peonies in Japan have a very short season, roughly late April to early May, and that a June wedding will not have access to them. We would rather have that conversation at six months than at six weeks.

Four to six weeks before: confirming the details

This is the second meeting, and it is where we confirm the final flower choices based on what we know will be available. We check with our suppliers about the specific varieties we are planning to use and flag any substitutions if something is not coming in that week.

We also confirm quantities, delivery times, and the setup schedule at the venue. For ceremonies that start in the morning, we typically deliver and set up the evening before or very early on the day itself.

Spring weekends in Fukuoka book up earlier than most couples expect. If you are planning a spring 2027 wedding, the enquiry form on this site is the right place to start.