In planning a wedding, flowers are often one of the largest expenses, and is almost always under budgeted for. People just can't imagine that flowers can cost more than the wedding dress itself. Think about it. You have flowers for the church, flowers for the pews, corsages, boutonnieres, bouquets, centerpieces and other reception decorations. Most people never realize how many flowers are needed until after they start adding it all up. Now, depending on the type of flower, and the season you are in, your flower budget could be in the hundreds, or even the thousands of dollar range. |
A wedding without flowers is like Christmas without a tree and yet who can justify spending thousands of dollars on something that will die in a couple of days anyway! Our recommendations...think artificial...but not cheap. Work with a wedding planner for your flowers....if, you don’t work with a wedding planner for anything else.....A good wedding planner will not only have great sources for low cost fresh and artificial flowers, they will have a creative touch that will allow you to save money.
Artificial flowers come in a huge variety of styles but also a various quality levels. The key to using artificial flowers effectively, is knowing when to use the high quality ones, and when you can get away with lower quality ones. Mixing and matching can save you a ton of money. Here are some of our suggestions:
Artificial flowers come in a huge variety of styles but also a various quality levels. The key to using artificial flowers effectively, is knowing when to use the high quality ones, and when you can get away with lower quality ones. Mixing and matching can save you a ton of money. Here are some of our suggestions:
•First off, if you can afford fresh (real) flowers, and have your heart set on them...by all means do so. Remember though, you can mix and match real with artificial. Maybe your bouquet and head table centerpieces are fresh
flowers, but the bridesmaid’s bouquets and other table centerpieces are artificial.
•If you are using silks or artificial flowers, you can also mix and match. Maybe you use Natural Touch (high grade silk) for the important parts and a lower grade silk for the ones people won't pay much attention too. Using all Natural Touch flowers can run you almost as much as, and in some cases, fresh flowers; although they will last forever if taken care of.
•Think about where you can get away with using something else besides flowers. A good example is pew bows instead of pew flowers...they are often far less money, and many times you can make them yourself from ribbon.
•Think about renting. Often centerpieces, both flower and otherwise, can be rented for far less money than
buying. Again, a good bridal consultant will have rental sources at great prices that you might not have access too.
•Don't forget the scent! One of the joys of fresh flowers is the fragrance they give off. You can accomplish the same thing with silks by either spraying them with scent, or strategically placed candles cand help. A flower that smells like plastic will look like plastic, but a Natural Touch rose with rose scent will fool even the bees!
•If you are going with fresh flowers, talk to your wedding planner for pricing instead of a florist. Why, a good wedding planner often gets a wholesale rate on flowers, and often is willing to pass those savings to their
clients.
•Be flexible. You should choose a theme for your flowers instead of choosing a single flower. What we mean is that you are better off with a color and scheme; and let a professional choose the flowers to accomplish what you want instead of saying, “we want red roses.” There are lots of red flowers that can create beautiful arrangement without just using roses. Flexibility will allow you to get the best prices on the flowers that are in season.
flowers, but the bridesmaid’s bouquets and other table centerpieces are artificial.
•If you are using silks or artificial flowers, you can also mix and match. Maybe you use Natural Touch (high grade silk) for the important parts and a lower grade silk for the ones people won't pay much attention too. Using all Natural Touch flowers can run you almost as much as, and in some cases, fresh flowers; although they will last forever if taken care of.
•Think about where you can get away with using something else besides flowers. A good example is pew bows instead of pew flowers...they are often far less money, and many times you can make them yourself from ribbon.
•Think about renting. Often centerpieces, both flower and otherwise, can be rented for far less money than
buying. Again, a good bridal consultant will have rental sources at great prices that you might not have access too.
•Don't forget the scent! One of the joys of fresh flowers is the fragrance they give off. You can accomplish the same thing with silks by either spraying them with scent, or strategically placed candles cand help. A flower that smells like plastic will look like plastic, but a Natural Touch rose with rose scent will fool even the bees!
•If you are going with fresh flowers, talk to your wedding planner for pricing instead of a florist. Why, a good wedding planner often gets a wholesale rate on flowers, and often is willing to pass those savings to their
clients.
•Be flexible. You should choose a theme for your flowers instead of choosing a single flower. What we mean is that you are better off with a color and scheme; and let a professional choose the flowers to accomplish what you want instead of saying, “we want red roses.” There are lots of red flowers that can create beautiful arrangement without just using roses. Flexibility will allow you to get the best prices on the flowers that are in season.