Flowers
can be a very expensive part of any wedding. But, they can also bring a bright
and cheery mood to the character of any room - something that you want to create
on your wedding day. So, how do you balance the want of beautiful, sometimes
extravagant flowers for your wedding, with the cost of having those flowers
at your wedding?
Well,
I have a few tips and ideas for you that could save you a bit of money when purchasing
your flowers.
First,
make sure you have a budget for your floral expenses. Decide what the total
amount you are willing to spend on flowers is. Once you have decided this amount,
stick to it. Do not go over this amount for any reason.
Second,
choose flowers that are in season for your wedding. Some flowers can be as much
as 8 times more expensive when purchased out of season. Your florist can tell
you what these are for your wedding date as they are different depending on
what time of year you are being married and where you live. If your florist
cannot tell you what flowers are less expensive during the time of your wedding,
then I might consider find a new florist.
Third,
especially if you are having a large wedding with lots of soloists, readers,
musicians, and other flower-bearing people, consider going with a simple but
very elegant style. Have your bridesmaids carry one of your favorite flower
with a ribbon tied around it. For arrangements on the altar, use greenery.
For
your bouquet, consider carrying a smaller bouquet which will be less expensive,
rather than giving in to the temptation of a large bouquet. Bigger is not always
better and you may find that by minimalizing the flowers at your wedding, the
focus becomes more on you.
Fourth,
check out your local supermarket's floral department. Especially, if there are
many of the same supermarket in your area they may buy their flowers in bulk
for less expensive and yet these are often very good flowers. Talk with the
floral department personnel and find out if they have done weddings before.
Most likely, you will need to have someone pick up your flowers on the day of
your wedding and you will have to pin the boutonnieres on yourself, but this
will save you delivery and hourly expenses. If possible, get in touch with the
bride of one of the weddings that the store has done and see what she has to
say - she may have some great advice about that particular store for you.
Finally,
especially if you are having a small wedding, a small trick may be to not tell
your florist that you want the flowers for a wedding. If you just order a few
floral arrangements and a couple of other flowers, you may find that they are
less expensive when not for a wedding. Of course, you will have to pick up the
flowers and do the pinning yourself if you use this trick, but it should save
you some money.
Don't
forget, before visiting your florist to make a list each of the different types
of flowers you will need and how many of each. For example, if you are having
3 bridesmaids, 3 groomsmen and 2 ushers, you will probably want 3 bridesmaids
bouquets, and 5 boutonnieres. And, don't forget to consider your soloists, readers,
grandparents, and any other special people at your wedding. In order to get
an accurate estimate from a florist, you will need to know these numbers. And,
interview 2-3 florists before deciding which one to go with. You may find there
are pluses and minuses to each that you want to consider.
Have
fun choosing your florist and flowers! I have heard the advice to always include
your favorite flower in your bouquet. If your favorite flower is extremely expensive,
maybe only have one put in your bouquet, but I think you will find that it will
bring a special smile to you on your wedding day. Good luck!
