From The Creative Team:
When planning a wedding, flowers can quickly become one of the most significant expenses in your budget. But don’t let the price tags on those pretty petals deter you from having the stunning floral arrangements you’ve always dreamed of. With some creativity and strategic planning, it’s possible to have gorgeous blooms without blowing your budget. We have laid out six easy and budget-friendly tips to help you achieve beautiful floral decor while keeping costs under control.
Choose In-Season Flowers:
Opting for flowers that are in season is a great way to save on florals. Seasonal blooms are more abundant and easier to source locally, which helps keep costs lower compared to out-of-season flowers that often require costly imports. The availability of seasonal flowers varies depending on your geographical location and climate zone; here are some examples of flowers to look for in each season:
Spring
Lilacs, tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, forget-me-nots and cherry blossoms
Summer
Roses, daisies, dahlias, lilies, hydrangeas and zinnias
Fall
Chrysanthemums (mums), marigolds, carnations, poppies, lavender, sunflowers
Winter
Poinsettia, camellias, lily of the valleys, snowdrops, winter jasmine, hellebores
Consider Alternative Blooms:
Adding greenery, wildflowers, and berries to bouquets, centrepieces, and decor offers a unique and budget-friendly alternative to traditional floral decorations. Wildflowers like aster, blanket flowers, and plains coreopsis provide a diverse palette of colours and textures that complement any wedding theme and personal style. Greenery such as eucalyptus, ivy, and ferns transforms venues into lush, enchanting spaces while remaining versatile and complementary to most colour schemes. Berries like cranberries, blueberries, and hypericum clusters add a delightful and unexpected element to bouquets, garlands, or table decor, infusing personality and charm into your special day.
DIY Centrepieces or Bouquets:
If you or someone you know is crafty, consider DIY-ing the centrepieces or bouquets. Buying flowers in bulk and arranging them yourself can save on labour costs and lower the price per stem. This approach allows you to stretch your budget further while ensuring that every floral arrangement aligns perfectly with your vision. The hands-on process of crafting bouquets or centrepieces can also become a cherished bonding experience with loved ones, turning your wedding preparations into memorable moments filled with laughter and shared creativity. Whether you’re arranging delicate roses or creating whimsical wildflower bouquets, each bloom will carry a personal touch that adds another sentimental element to your big day.
Reuse Ceremony Flowers:
Repurposing the flowers used during the ceremony is an approach that allows couples to make the most of their floral investments while also adding an element of eco-consciousness to the celebration. For example, aisle decorations can be moved to decorate the head table or placed at the entrance of the reception venue. Similarly, bouquets can be used to decorate the cake/dessert table or as centrepieces for guests to take in and enjoy. This method is excellent for maintaining a cohesive floral theme throughout the event and ensures that every bloom continues to be admired and appreciated by guests throughout the day.
Rent instead of Buy:
Some florists or event companies offer rental options for vases, pedestals, and other decorative items that can be more cost-effective than buying everything new. This approach provides couples with access to a diverse range of décor items and alleviates the logistical burden of storing or disposing of these items after the wedding. Many companies also offer silk flower arrangements for rent that can be shipped back in a pre-paid box. These companies provide flowers for every need, including boutonnieres and isle markers, at a lower cost. Brides also have the option to buy and keep arrangements like the bouquet if they wish.
Opt for Larger Blooms:
Choose flowers with larger blooms, as they will fill out arrangements more quickly and reduce the number of stems needed. Blooms like dahlias have been known to grow as big as dinner plates, making them an ideal choice for creating full arrangements with a lower quantity. Similarly, Sunflowers can also reach impressive diameters and lengths and are another excellent option to effortlessly fill out or add height to centrepieces or bouquets. Alternatively, berries that grow in bunches, like hypericum berries, can fill spaces between flowers, making arrangements look fuller without needing more flowers.
