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Determining Your Budget for Wedding Flowers
Wedding flowers can be a beautiful addition to your special day, but they can also quickly add up a large chunk of your allocated wedding budget. Before you start dreaming of extravagant floral arrangements and bouquets, it's important to determine a budget for your wedding flowers.
To start, think about how much you are willing to spend on wedding flowers in total. Some wedding planning calculators say a good rule of thumb is to allocate about 10% of your overall wedding budget to flowers, but as we have actually worked in the wedding industry ourselves as vendors ourselves, we say it really varies depending on your priorities and preferences. If flowers are really important to you, you're going to take from somewhere else in the budget to accommodate.
Consider the size of your wedding as well as the types of floral arrangements you are looking for. A simple bridal bouquet and a few glass jar table centerpieces may not cost as much as lush ceremony decorations and hanging floral installations. If you're having 20 tables at your wedding reception, this will be a significantly different floral budget than a couple with a more casual heavy hors d'oeuvres reception that has fewer seated tables.
Once you have a rough idea of your budget, start researching different florists and their pricing. This can give you an idea of what you can expect to spend, and help you narrow down your options. These professionals are the experts, and they will be able to suggest beautiful flower ideas at every price point, but don't forget to factor in delivery and set-up fees as well. There's a reason flowers tend to play center stage on the big day! There are a lot of them!
It's important to be realistic about your budget and be open to compromising on certain floral elements. Remember, there are plenty of ways to create beautiful arrangements without breaking the bank. By determining your budget early on, you can make informed decisions and avoid any surprises down the road.
Prioritizing the Most Important Floral Elements
When it comes to wedding flowers, it's important to identify the floral elements that are most important to you and prioritize them accordingly. This will not only help you save money, but also ensure that you get the most out of your floral budget.
Start by considering what flowers are must-haves for your wedding day. Are there certain blooms that hold special meaning for you or your partner? Perhaps you've always dreamed of walking down the aisle carrying a bouquet of your favorite flower, or you envision a stunning floral arch as the backdrop for your ceremony.
Once you’ve identified your top priorities, consider which floral elements you could do without or scale back on. For example, do you really need elaborate centerpieces on every reception table or could you opt for a simpler arrangement and supplement with non-floral decor elements?
Keep in mind that you can also prioritize certain aspects of your floral decor by choosing blooms that are less expensive or using them sparingly. For example, if you love peonies but they are out of season or too pricey, you could opt for a few statement blooms in your bouquet or centerpieces and fill out the rest with more budget-friendly flowers like hydrangeas.
By prioritizing your most important floral elements, you can make the most of your floral budget and create a cohesive look that reflects your unique style and vision.
Choosing In-Season and Local Flowers
One of the most effective ways to save money on wedding flowers is by choosing blooms that are in-season and locally sourced. When flowers are in-season, they are abundant and therefore less expensive than when they are out of season. (Yes, you can even have gorgeous in-season winter wedding flowers!) Furthermore, local flowers have a smaller carbon footprint because they are not transported from far away. Not to mention, local blooms can add a special touch to your wedding, especially if they are native to your region.
So how do you determine which flowers are in-season and local? Start by researching your wedding location and the time of year. Consider consulting with a local florist who can give you expert advice on what flowers are readily available in your area during your wedding season. Once you have a list of potential blooms, choose the ones that match your wedding theme and colors, and start pinning your favorites to Pinterest so if you don't know the name, you can show your florist who will likely already know the name.
If you're having a spring wedding, consider incorporating tulips, daffodils, lilacs, and hyacinths into your arrangements. These flowers are commonly found in gardens and parks and may be sourced locally at a lower cost than flowers that need to be imported from overseas depending on your location.
Choosing in-season and local flowers not only saves you money, but it also allows you to support local businesses and farmers. It's a win-win situation for everyone involved, including the environment! So get creative with your floral choices, and let nature be your guide. With the right selection, you can have beautiful wedding flowers that won't break the bank.
DIY Flower Arrangements and Bouquets
One of the easiest ways to save money on wedding flowers is by creating your own floral arrangements and bouquets. While it may seem daunting, DIYing your own flowers can be a fun project that allows you to showcase your personal style. While we always recommend hiring a professional florist for wedding days, we know some might have a skilled hand or another secret weapon. So here are some tips for creating stunning floral arrangements and bouquets on a budget:
1. Start by doing your research: There are plenty of tutorials and online resources that can help guide you through the process of creating your own wedding flowers. Look for inspiration and tutorials that fit with your vision for the day. Ask yourself: will your DIY actually be more affordable than hiring a professional florist? That's one of the trickiest parts of wedding DIY projects for anyone who loves to make! It can sometimes be way more expensive than having the pro do it!
2. Choose the right flowers: Selecting the right flowers is crucial for DIY floral arrangements. Stick to flowers that are hardy and long-lasting such as roses, dahlias, and mums. The more delicate the flower, the more prep or experience you might need from a trained florist who knows how to handle those blooms in every weather condition. Additionally, consider using greenery or other non-floral elements to help bulk up your arrangements.
3. Practice ahead of time: Don't wait until the last minute to practice your DIY floral skills. Schedule a practice session a few weeks before the wedding to ensure that you feel confident in your ability to create stunning arrangements just before the big day. Will your bouquet be able to handle the summer heat? Can you transport the flowers to where they need to go?
4. Gather the right tools: Creating your own floral arrangements and bouquets requires a few key tools such as floral tape, wire, and scissors. Be sure to gather all of your materials ahead of time so you have everything you need to create beautiful flowers.
5. Keep it simple: When it comes to DIY flowers, sometimes less is more. Stick to simple, classic designs that won't require a lot of time or effort to put together. You can still make a statement with your flowers, but you may not be able to do lush floral columns for your ceremony.
By following these simple tips, you can create your own beautiful floral arrangements and bouquets on a smaller budget. Not only will this save you money, but it will also add a personal touch to your wedding day that you'll cherish for years to come.
Opting for Non-Floral Decor Alternatives
If you're not particularly attached to having a traditional bouquet or floral centerpieces at your wedding, opting for non-floral decor alternatives can save you a lot of money. Not to mention, they can be unique and fun!
One option is to use greenery instead of flowers. Eucalyptus and other leafy greens can be beautiful and add a natural touch to your wedding decor. You can also use other natural elements, like wood slices, pampas grass, or river rocks, to decorate tables.
Another option is to incorporate other decorative items into your arrangements. Lanterns, candles, and even books can make beautiful centerpieces. You can also use things like ribbons to add pops of color to your decor.
One trend that's been gaining popularity for years is using paper flowers instead of real ones, especially for couples with a pollen or specific flower allergy. These can be a fun DIY project and can be made in any color or shape you desire. They're also great for a wedding where you're looking to add a bit of whimsy to the decor.
Lastly, don't be afraid to get creative with your non-floral decor! Think outside the box and incorporate unique elements that are meaningful to you as a couple. By opting for non-floral decor alternatives, you'll not only save money but also make your wedding unique and memorable.
Repurposing Ceremony Flowers for Reception Decorations
Wedding flowers can be one of the most expensive aspects of your special day, and another way to save money on your wedding flowers is by repurposing your ceremony flowers for your reception decorations.
First, talk to your florist about what flowers will be used for your ceremony. Ask if they can be easily transported to the reception location and reused in some way. For example, if you have an altar arrangement, it can be taken down and repurposed as a centerpiece at the reception venue.
Another option is to use your ceremony flowers as part of your photo booth backdrop. Ask your photographer if they can set up a backdrop with the ceremony flowers before the ceremony begins, and then move it to the reception location after the ceremony. This is especially lovely if your ceremony flowers are on an arch or columns!
If you're having a buffet-style reception, you can also use your ceremony flowers as decorations on the food table. Simple arrangements in glass jars or vases can add a beautiful touch to your buffet spread.
Remember, it's important to communicate your intentions with your florist ahead of time so they can plan accordingly and ensure the flowers are well-maintained for their second use. Repurposing ceremony flowers for your reception is a great way to save money while still creating a beautiful and cohesive look for your wedding day.
Renting or Borrowing Vases and Other Decor Items
When it comes to decorating your wedding with flowers, vases and other decor items play a big role in bringing your vision to life. We admire those brides or grooms who navigate thrift stores for months in search of one type of vase! But buying these items can quickly add up and take a chunk out of your wedding budget. Luckily, there are ways to save money by renting or borrowing these items instead if thrift shop hunting isn't your thing.
Renting vases and decor items from a rental company can be a great way to save money on wedding flowers. Rental companies often have a wide range of options, from classic to contemporary, and offer them at a fraction of the cost of buying them outright. Bonus is that you don't have to worry about storing or disposing of them after the wedding.
Another option is to borrow vases and decor items from friends and family members. This not only saves you money but also adds a personal touch to your wedding decor. You can mix and match vases and decor items from different people to create a unique and eclectic look. Like what this bride did with her mother's blue and white ginger jar collection!
When renting or borrowing vases and other decor items, be sure to plan ahead. Reach out to rental companies or friends and family members early in the planning process to ensure availability. You'll also want to confirm delivery and pickup details with rental companies and arrange for transport if borrowing items from multiple sources.
Overall, renting or borrowing vases and decor items can be a great way to save money on wedding flowers. With a little planning and creativity, you can create a beautiful and budget-friendly wedding.
All in all, when it comes to cutting costs on wedding flowers, couples have several strategies at their disposal. You can always opt for artificial flowers, source your blooms from a wholesale market, or consider seasonal flowers. As with any significant decision in life, it's important to weigh your options, determine the scope of what you want, and explore all alternative solutions. Finding the right path for your wedding day flowers can be an enjoyable journey which ultimately will be well worth the effort. Remember, while we think wedding flowers are an important part of the wedding, there's no need for them to add financial stress to your wedding day. So, don’t break the bank. Go forth and celebrate in bloom!
PHOTO CREDITS
All photos taken by Chelsea Barton.
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