I recently wrote a post for The Occasion Sensation about how to save some money on Wedding Flowers.  I realize it may seem kind of silly that I might be working myself out of a job… But I really do want you to have the best wedding possible with the amount you can spend!  Here’s the gist of what I wrote for Valerie on her blog.

Jenn & Gerry May 2013

HOW TO SAVE MONEY ON YOUR WEDDING FLOWERS

The main things that will affect the cost of your flowers:

  1. The flowers you choose.
  2. The skill level of your designer.  New designers typically charge less for their services as they have less experience. Seasoned designers will probably charge more since they have more experience.
  3. The region you live in.

TIP 1 – TRUST

Once you’ve selected a florist, share the colors, style and budget you want and then let them do what they do best.  We floral designs are artists and do best when we aren’t being told exactly what to do.  When a bride tells me that she loves me work and trusts me… It is much easier to go above and beyond to make your wedding flowers amazing when I’ve been given some creative range!

TIP 2 – HONEST

Be honest about your budget with your florist.  When budget is a deciding factor,  I always try and think creatively of alternatives for cost conscious brides.  It’s best to be open with your florist about how much you are able to spend, so they can give you the best possible options for your price range.  If a florist isn’t willing to work within your budget – then find a new one.

Wedding Soiree 3

TIP 3 – LEARN

Ask about and learn the price of flowers.  A flower can drastically change the cost of an arrangement or bouquet.  Take a look at these two in depth articles which include what to expect with pricing.

TIP 4 – THE LOOK

It’s all about “A Look”.  Tell your florist the colors and the look you want instead of specific flowers. This allows creativity from the florist and of course, their advice on budget friendly flowers.  Being flexible makes a huge difference.

TIP 5 – REALISITC

If you’ve got your heart set on an expensive flower, use it sparingly.  The best option is to carry just a few blooms in your bridal bouquet so it is still one of your feature flowers without having to be in every arrangement.

Green Shoot Bride

TIP 6 – STAY LOW

Opt out of the elevated floral centerpieces.  These types of arrangements require lots of blooms because they need flowers all the way around the edges and parts of the bottom. Glasswear also becomes significantly more expensive the taller it gets.  They also require more hours to set up and deliver.  Conserve cash by opting for low centerpieces, which can look great with fewer flowers.

TIP 7 – TIME

Time is money. If your arrangements require hours of work, you will be charged for it.  This is especially true if the blooms have to individually wired.  The more cost-effective option is to go for a hand-tied bouquet instead!

TIP 8 – REPURPOSE

Make the most of your ceremony flowers by transporting them to your reception venue to decorate the reception space. Instead of having an arbour arrangement, or something that is an installation piece for your ceremony, choose something that can be easily moved like an urn arrangement.

Heather Bouquet