Extravagant Flowers on a Modest Budget


Roses are red and violets are blue, but you’re on a budget, so what to do? Flowers are one of the most costly enterprises of any occasion, but the good news is that at today’s weddings, anything goes. There are almost as many ways to cut your flower budget as there are flower varietals.

Budding ideas.
The smartest way to save is to choose flowers that are both in-season and grown locally. As much as you may love tulips, if it’s winter in Idaho, they’re going to cost more than if you’re on the East Coast in spring. (Out of season blooms can run up to about 25% more than in-season flowers.) Also, do not plan on having roses anywhere near a major holiday like Valentine’s Day or even Thanksgiving. Florists increase the prices for special occasions, and the demand is much higher. On the flip-holiday side, marry around Easter or Christmas, and your church might already be decked-out in traditional florals.

Once you pick a florist, tell him your budget, and ask about cheaper ways to get great petals. There are plenty of fresh ways to be stylish without having to break the bank. You might be able to spend more on your bouquets if you scatter rose petals as centerpieces, or go with something trendy, like candles or seashells. If you’re marrying in a garden or park, voila!—you should find that nature’s already done much of the accompanying arrangements. Ditto if you’re marrying anywhere sub-tropical. Plants around your wedding site will also cut costs.

Don’t forget that the flowers you chose have to complement your gown as well. Slinky dresses go with slimmer bouquets. The more elaborate your gown, the more ornamental the bouquet, which usually means the more expensive the bouquet.

Blooming budgets.
Once you’ve trimmed the flower fat in that department, another great idea is to have one or two large blooms, such as orchids, for a bouquet. Or practice that other magic flower trick: have choice flowers as the foundation of your bouquet, surrounded by cheaper yet elegant blooms (baby’s breath, daisies, etc). Your florist will know all the shortcuts. Or, if they don’t, throw them out of the planner garden, and find one that does!

Since your bridesmaids’ flowers will in some way complement your own bouquet, the simplest way to cut back is to have fewer bridesmaids; it’s a good example of why brides sometimes regret enlisting 18 friends into the party. Bridesmaids’ arrangements will most likely be a smaller version of yours, and the only surefire way to cut back is to cut back on your own bouquet—you don’t want the women in your life carrying bouquets of crab-grass!