Lora suggests mixing and matching your florals to help you stay on budget.
I often get asked-”Why are wedding flowers so expensive?” The simple fact is that wedding flowers have to be in absolute tip top shape and premium quality which means they can get expensive.
When the flowers arrive from the wholesaler, they have to be properly cleaned, prepped and conditioned. An average wedding order can take anywhere from a several hours to a few days to prepare. Not including the time it takes to deliver, set up and collect any rental items after the wedding.
While you are enjoying your time with the family or getting pampered for your big day, your florist is working long hours to make sure your flowers look superb for your wedding.
Fresh flowers cannot be designed too far in advance, which means your florist may be working through the night to create your beautiful arrangements.
This being said, there are creative ways to save money without compromising your style and overall quality. Think outside the box with these helpful tips on getting the most out of your wedding flower budget.
1. {Set a Flower Budget.} When talking with a florist it’s really important to tell them what your price point is. They will suggest options that go along with your theme and colors and are more cost effective for you.
2. {Find a florist that will work with your budget.} I personally recommend looking for a florist that is flexible, works out of their home or studio and specializes primarily in weddings and events. This is what I do and I know there are others like me out there. We are able to offer lower prices because we do not have the expensive overhead of a traditional floral shop. You will always get much more personal attention with such a florist.
3. {Seasonal Availability.} Choose blooms that are in season, or are always available.
Using out of season flowers will drive the prices up significantly as well as compromise the flower quality.
4. {Don’t settle} for just roses, because that is the only flower you know. There are a multitude of flowers that come in many shapes, sizes and price points. Don’t be afraid to ask your florist questions to find out what flowers will work best within your budget.
5. {Be flexible with flower varieties.} If you have a very tight budget, have an open mind and be flexible on the type of flowers you want. Do tell your florist what your likes and dislikes are, while allowing them to be creative and do what they do best.
This gives your florist the flexibility to choose flower varieties that will look best and be the most cost efficient option for you.
6. {Avoid major Holidays.} {Valentine’s and Mother’s Day being the top two}
Supply and demand is what drives the flower prices up and the quality down during the holiday season.
7. {Limit exotic and premium flowers~ie. Orchids, Calla Lilies, Gardenias, Stephanotis, Oriental Lily, Peony, Tropical’s, etc} If your heart is set on using premium or exotic flowers, use them in moderation and limit them to bridal party flowers only.
Spend the bulk of your floral budget on the Bridal Party flowers, as they will be the most seen and most photographed arrangements at your wedding.
8. {Choose a “right” venue.} A venue that is already beautiful with lush manicured lawns or breathtaking views will not requires as much decor. It could be a park, garden or a golf course that will have these characteristics.
9. {Don’t overlook non-floral accents.} If you are getting married in the winter it may be a great money saving option to use pine cones, ornaments or Christmas greenery in your flower arrangements. In the fall there is an abundance of fall leaves, pumpkins, branches and pods. Summer season brings a lot of colorful fruits and vegetables. Don’t be afraid to be a little different and you will end up with the most gorgeous wedding décor without compromising your overall style.
10. {Dare to Mix and Match} If you have your heart set on tall elaborate centerpieces but are having trouble fitting them in your budget, its best to mix it up with short centerpieces. A good way to keep everything coordinated together is to stick with the same types of flowers or colors for both styles.
Depending on your overall style, you can also scope out your local Goodwill, flea market or garage sale to collect the unique containers and vases for your centerpieces.
Don’t worry if they are not identical, it can often add more charm to have a variety of styles all in the same color scheme.
11. {Recycle your arrangements.} Using the same arrangements more than once will undoubtedly save you money. This means depending on design and location logistics you can re-use your ceremony arrangements at your reception.
12. {Choose your Focal Points.} Larger/Taller displays will always command attention. You don’t need to have many elaborate arrangements on every corner. However, when positioned strategically at your venue, they will give you the best results by highlighting the most important areas. Smaller arrangements scattered throughout the venue seem to get overlooked by the most.
Ask your florist to use more economical blooms for your larger arrangements. For example; Carnations and baby’s breath are very affordable way to go. A lot of people, myself included, used to really dislike them. However, when used in abundance and styled properly, they can be quite striking and pack a punch while not breaking your budget.
13. {DIY] There are some aspects of your wedding décor where DIY projects are perfectly acceptable. If you are a crafty person, you can create beautiful paper cones that will be filled with rose petals for each guest to toss at the bride and groom. You could also attempt to create a beautiful flag banner or another piece of décor in your wedding colors to enhance your overall wedding theme, if you so choose.
DIY projects can be a great way to personalize your wedding day-but don’t get carried away where you are trying to do it all and have no time to enjoy your big day. This is where the professional vendors come in-we are here to help you be stress fee on the most important day of your life.
I hope those tips were helpful to you while planning your wedding.
~Lora
Check out Sophisticated Floral Design’s website/blog, Facebook, Twitter, and even her Etsy shop pages for more great tips on florals!
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