Top 10 Tips to Getting the Most Bang for Your Wedding Planning Budget Revealed!!
No matter how much money you have in your budget for your flowers, there are always ways to be smart about where to save and where to splurge.
Flowers can be that pop of colour in a conventional reception venue, or that subtle detail to a tented back yard wedding. But regardless of how they’re going to be displayed, flowers are one of those things that start to add up unexpectedly. So whether you want lots or just a few, there are a few ways to help cut the cost.
1. Hire a good florist
I have heard time and time again from brides that the easiest way to cut costs on the flowers is to do it yourself. Now, while I am a firm believer in DIY projects, taking on your wedding flowers can be a huge task. You could hire a florist to do the bouquets and centerpieces and do some other DIY floral arrangements and décor pieces yourself. Finding the right florist will save you a lot of frustration and will also save you money (believe it or not). They know where to find the specific things that you’re looking for and at the best price.
2. Do your research
Flower prices will vary depending on the season of your wedding and the city you live in. So do your research and find out what flowers will be in season when your wedding day arrives as well as which flowers will be the most most cost effective for you. Although a bouquet of deep purple peonies would be stunning for your winter wedding, you will have to pay an arm and a leg to have them shipped from overseas in the off-season. And when they arrive, they will be nothing like a local peony would be in June. So research some other viable options of flowers that could create a look similar to that of your desired flowers. Your florist (as mentioned in tip #1) will be able to help you to do this!
3. Keep it simple
Sometimes keeping it simple can be just as beautiful as having many different types of flowers, when done the right way. Why not have your bridesmaids each carry a small bunch of lavender or baby’s breath rather than a large bouquet? If you can use all of the same flowers for the bouquets and boutonnieres, you’ll be able to reduce a lot of the waste as well. And for centrepieces and other floral arrangements, large groupings of one type of flower often appears more full and luxurious than a smaller arrangement of mixed flowers anyway!
4. Shop local
If you’re gung ho and you plan on doing any of your flowers yourself, you can buy them from local growers or even large wholesale stores, such as Costco. The mark up is much lower than in a traditional flower shop and you can usually even pre-order the flowers that you’re looking for, as long as they typically carry them! How awesome is that? Just be sure to check to see what day they get their shipments in to ensure the freshest flowers.
5. Look into alternatives
Although many brides love the traditional feel of floral bouquets and centerpieces, there are some great ways to incorporate unique and personal touches without using traditional flowers. Alternatives such as origami paper flowers or a brooch bouquet are great ways to add those handmade touches. Let your table décor double as your thank you gift and place a group of mini potted plants such as succulents, herbs, or cacti as your centerpiece. Potted plants are very shabby chic and can be extremely cost effective if you grow them yourselves. Centrepieces can be anything you want, from fruit, to some old mason jars with floating candles. Get creative!
6. Reuse, reuse, reuse
Finding a way to reuse your flowers will definitely save you money. If you’re planning to have ceremony arrangements, make sure you find a place in the reception to reuse them. Also – ask your florist to bring a few empty vases for you and your bridesmaids. This way when you arrive at the reception you can put your bouquets in some water and they can be displayed on the gift table, the guest book table, or even on your head table for some added oomph! Anything you can do to reuse your flowers means more money in your wallet!
By: Leah Vander Kooi
What are you doing to save some money in your floral budget?
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