By Hailie Nixon
Wedding flowers are expensive, but they can be an essential part of a wedding. That’s why brides and grooms need to be realistic about the cost and understand how much each flower costs and the expenses that go along with flowers.
You may be tempted to skimp on the flowers, but doing so can be a big mistake. Your wedding flowers set the tone for your entire wedding, and the last thing you want is to spend a fortune on flowers that end up looking terrible or that you regret having spent the money on.
With the tips below, you’ll be able to save on your floral arrangements and still get the look you want.
- Consider seasonal flowers
Seasonal flowers are available locally and fresh for a more extended period. For example, depending on where you live, spring flowers may be available only during the spring months, while fall flowers may last throughout October. Remember to check out all your options before you purchase any for your wedding.
For spring, the more popular or traditional flowers are tulips, garden roses, daffodils, hyacinths, lilacs, forsythia, iris, and lily of the valley. Prices are lower for these flowers in March and April, but they can be expensive in May. At the opposite end of the season are the autumn flowers. The more popular or traditional autumn flowers are chrysanthemum, sunflower, aster, calendula/pot marigold, camellia/cameo spray camellia flower, and mum. These tend to be cheaper in October.
- Buy in bulk
You can receive better discounts if you buy in larger quantities. Buying flowers in bulk is also less stressful because you don’t have to worry about running out, and you can get last-minute deals on floral wholesale sites.
Also, make sure to buy the exact amount the first time and not overbuy because chances are you’ll end up with more even if you only purchase half as much as you anticipated. There are recommended online services like Moyses Stevens that will allow you to make an order have your flowers delivered directly to your home or business for free or at a discounted price.
- Get creative with centerpieces
Centerpieces are one of the most popular choices for wedding flowers. Flower arrangements can be placed at each table or gathered in an entryway or on a mantle. Centerpieces are also referred to as “bouquets,” “arrangements,” or even just “décor.” Whatever the name, the overall idea is usually about creating an attractive focal point to tie everything together visually.
Although you might want an elaborate centerpiece, consider there are many other low-cost options as well. Instead of a glass vase, rent or use a glass fishbowl and fill it with floating candles and flowers. Rather than spend loads on flowers that will wilt in a few days, consider using terrariums in place of bouquets or long-lasting succulents in place of traditional centerpieces.
- Consider combining flowers with other arrangements
Variety is the spice of life, as they say. On your wedding day, you can draw on traditions to help you focus on your guests while having fun with the flowers. For example, if you use peonies in one bouquet, consider incorporating them into another arrangement. Peonies are traditionally used for weddings, but long-stemmed roses are another flower that especially complements peonies. Combining flowers often will let you stay within your budget while still choosing beautiful flowers for your wedding day.
- Don’t overlook less famous but equally gorgeous flowers
We can’t resist adding a bit of luxury to our floral arrangements with roses and lilies. But if you’re looking to save some money and want to stay true to your theme and color palette, opt for less famous but equally gorgeous flowers such as hydrangeas. Yes, they may provide fewer flowers for lower prices than the big three, but the overall effect of having plenty on display will be just as impactful.
