More Flowers for Less Money

If you’re like most couples planning a wedding, you’re probably torn between your desire for lush, lovely flowers and your need to distribute the budget carefully. Never fear–a few smart strategies can help you get the most out of your blooms without going into the red in the process.

• Buy in bulk. As with most commodities, flowers bought in bulk cost less. Consider using one of your favorites for the bouquets, the altar arrangement, and the reception accents. A single type of flower that comes in many colors–like the dahlia–is a good choice.
• Order in season. Selecting flowers that grow locally during your wedding season also trims costs, since it cuts down on the florist’s wholesale rates. Ask your florist for advice. Taking this step has the bonus advantage of adding local flavor to your event.
• Choose effect over quantity. One of the most expensive floral pieces is the bridal bouquet. What about carrying a single gorgeous orchid down the aisle instead of a complicated arrangement of roses and orange blossoms? The single dramatic bloom won’t come cheap, but it’ll cost far less than the traditional clutch.
• Double up. Don’t hesitate to use flowers for double duty. Transfer the altar arrangements to the reception hall entrance and temporarily use bridesmaids’ bouquets as arrangements at the wedding party table.
• Skip the centerpieces. Instead of flowers in the centerpieces, opt for potted herbal arrangements, clusters of fruit, or tiers of candles. You can also maximize a themed wedding with seashell arrangements, movie memorabilia, or souvenirs from foreign lands.
• Go DIY on select parts. Even if you’re not up to handling every piece of floral décor at your wedding, you can do-it-yourself here and there. Try decorating the dance floor yourself with potted plants or creating graceful garlands of ivy for the balcony railing.
• Settle for substitutes. In a word, silk. While fresh flowers are inarguably lovelier up close, silk is often just as attractive at a short distance. Use real flowers for the parts of the ceremony and reception that matter the most and substitutes for the lesser elements.

– Emily Bedard, Amazon.com Wedding Expert

Tags: Brides, Bridesmaids, Florist, Florist for advice, Wedding