Winona's Flowers & Gifts: A Charleston Florist for Weddings, Events, and Everyday Moments
What Winona's Flowers & Gifts offers
Winona's Flowers & Gifts is a full-service florist in Charleston that designs custom arrangements for weddings, special events, and everyday occasions. The shop handles everything from bridal bouquets and ceremony installations to sympathy flowers, holiday arrangements, and gift baskets. They work with seasonal blooms and can source specific flowers if you have them in mind.
The shop is known for personalized service—you can walk in with a color scheme or a feeling you want to convey, and the florists will design something to match. They also take phone and online orders for delivery within Charleston and surrounding areas. If you're planning a larger event, Winona's can discuss timeline, budget, and design details before you commit.
Key Takeaways
- Winona's designs custom arrangements for weddings, events, sympathy occasions, and everyday gifts rather than selling pre-made bouquets only.
- You can order in person, by phone, or online, with delivery available throughout Charleston and nearby areas.
- For weddings and large events, the florists recommend booking several weeks in advance to secure your preferred flowers and delivery date.
- The shop carries gift items alongside flowers, so you can add a candle, plant, or other gift in the same order.
Planning a wedding or large event with Winona's
If you're getting married or hosting a significant event, start by calling or visiting in person to discuss your vision. Bring photos of styles you like, your color palette, and your budget. The florists will walk you through what's realistic for your date and season—some flowers are easier to source in spring, others in fall.
Winona's typically asks for a deposit to hold your date and begin design work. They'll create a proposal that includes the bridal bouquet, bridesmaids' bouquets, ceremony flowers (like altar arrangements or aisle markers), and reception centerpieces if you want them. They can also coordinate with your venue and other vendors if needed. Most wedding orders need to be confirmed at least three to four weeks ahead, though timing varies depending on flower availability and complexity.
Same-day and last-minute orders
If you need flowers quickly, call ahead rather than ordering online. The shop can often accommodate same-day arrangements if you reach them in the morning, but availability depends on what's in stock and how many other orders are scheduled. For holidays like Valentine's Day or Mother's Day, orders placed well in advance have more flower choices and may provide delivery windows.
Last-minute sympathy flowers are something Winona's handles regularly. If someone has passed away and you need flowers delivered to a funeral home or family home, the florists can create an appropriate arrangement and often deliver the same day if you order before early afternoon.
Delivery and local service area
Winona's delivers throughout Charleston and into surrounding areas. Delivery fees vary based on distance and order size. When you order, ask about the delivery window—some orders arrive the same day, while others are scheduled for a specific date. If you're ordering for an event, confirm the delivery time with the florist so flowers arrive when you need them set up.
For local pickups, you can collect your order directly from the shop, which sometimes works well if you're coordinating with your own setup or want to inspect the arrangement before it leaves.
Gift items and add-ons
Beyond flowers, Winona's carries chocolates, candles, plants, greeting cards, and other gift items. You can add these to a flower order or purchase them separately. This is useful if you're sending a gift to someone and want to include something beyond the arrangement itself—a plant that lasts longer, or a candle that complements the flowers.
The shop can also include a personalized card with your message, which is included with most orders at no extra charge.
Seasonal and holiday arrangements
Winona's designs seasonal arrangements throughout the year: spring tulips and daffodils, summer garden-style bouquets, fall mums and dahlias, and winter evergreen and poinsettia designs. Around major holidays—Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas—they offer themed arrangements, though these book up quickly.
If you have a favorite flower or color combination, the florists can create a seasonal version of it. For example, if you love peonies but they're not in season, they might suggest a similar look using available blooms and let you know when peonies will be back.
How to place an order
You can order from Winona's in three ways: visit the shop in person, call to discuss your needs and place an order over the phone, or order online through their website. For custom work or if you're unsure what you want, calling or visiting is often easier because the florists can ask questions and offer suggestions in real time.
When you order, have ready: the recipient's name and address (for delivery), your budget or a sense of what you're looking for, any color or flower preferences, and the date you need the flowers. If it's a special occasion, mention that—it helps the florist understand the tone you're going for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order flowers for delivery outside Charleston?
Winona's delivers within Charleston and surrounding areas, but the exact range depends on distance. Call to ask if your delivery address is within their service area. For locations farther away, they may be able to refer you to a florist in that area or discuss other options.
What if I don't know what flowers I want?
Visit in person or call and describe the occasion, the person's style, and your budget. The florists are used to working with customers who have a feeling in mind rather than a specific flower list. They'll suggest options and show you what's available.
Do you offer subscriptions or standing orders?
Some florists offer weekly or monthly flower subscriptions. Contact Winona's directly to ask whether they provide this service or can arrange regular deliveries for a business or home.
What's the best time to order for a wedding?
Aim for at least three to four weeks before your wedding date. This gives the florists time to source flowers, design your arrangements, and coordinate with your venue. For very large weddings or unusual flower requests, six weeks or more is better.
Can you work with a specific color palette or theme?
Yes. Bring photos, paint chips, fabric swatches, or describe the look you want. The florists will design arrangements that match your vision and let you know if any adjustments are needed based on what's in season or available.