As you’ve finalized your venue booking, it’s time to move on to the next crucial stage of wedding planning – decorating your ceremony and reception spaces. A beautiful floral theme can be a stunning choice, with flower arrangements often dominating the decor or serving as a lovely touch for bouquets carried by the bride and bridesmaids. However, this ubiquity of florals naturally raises questions about their cost.
The average expense of wedding flowers is a crucial consideration, especially when it comes to determining how much you should budget for these decorative elements. Furthermore, with the potential to save money on flowers, it’s essential to explore ways to trim your floral expenses without sacrificing style and elegance.
Cost of Bridesmaid Bouquets
When it comes to bridesmaid bouquets, prices can vary depending on the source. Thumbtack estimates a range of $40 to $60, while Wedding Wire suggests a slightly higher estimate of $75. While these bouquets may seem more affordable than the bridal bouquet, you’ll need to purchase multiple bouquets for your attendants. To keep costs in check, consider simplifying the designs by emphasizing greenery or using more budget-friendly flowers like carnations.
These options still offer a pop of color and can be tailored to fit your wedding style with the help of your florist. For a rustic or bohemian look, you could even substitute fresh flowers with dried florals. This approach allows you to focus on a few key blooms while incorporating dried elements and foliage for added texture. Don’t forget to factor in the cost of flower girl petals, which should be relatively affordable.
Cost of Boutonnieres
When it comes to adding a touch of elegance to your wedding party’s attire, boutonnieres are an excellent choice. By incorporating these small yet meaningful floral accessories into everyone’s ensemble, you can create a cohesive look that ties the entire group together.
With their relatively affordable price point – typically ranging from $15 to $25, with an average cost of around $18 per piece – it’s easy to make sure each member of your wedding party has a matching boutonniere to complement their outfit.
Average Cost of a Wedding Florist
While it’s possible to assemble flower arrangements on your own, hiring a professional florist can elevate the overall aesthetic of your wedding. Not only will they create high-quality floral arrangements, but they’ll also offer additional services that can simplify the planning process. For instance, they can help you design bouquets that perfectly complement your theme and style, store flowers for later use, or deliver them on the big day.
Some couples may opt to enlist the help of family members, but hiring a florist can be well worth the investment, as it will ensure a truly memorable and visually stunning event. The cost of hiring a florist typically ranges from $700 to $1,200, so be sure to factor this into your overall budget or floral expenses when planning your special day. When searching for a florist to hire, ask your venue for recommendations.
Many venues maintain lists of approved vendors or can provide you with a list of trusted florists who have worked with them in the past.
Wedding Flowers on a Budget
While wedding flowers can significantly impact your overall budget, there’s no need to break the bank. With some creativity and planning, you can create stunning arrangements and bouquets without sacrificing style or quality. From choosing seasonal blooms to repurposing ceremony decor, we’ll explore the many ways to save money on your special day.
Use In-Season Flowers
When it comes to choosing flowers for your special day, consider the season and opt for blooms that are in season. Not only is this a more budget-friendly option, but you’ll also have an abundance of choices. In fact, every season offers a wide range of fresh flowers to select from.
For spring, summer, and fall events, gerber daisies add a pop of color with their vibrant hues. As the seasons change, incorporate juniper or holly into your decor for a festive winter wonderland.
Think outside the box by incorporating local flowers that are native to your wedding location. Wildflowers, in particular, can create a romantic and whimsical atmosphere that’s sure to impress.
Reuse Ceremony and Reception Flowers
When it comes to trimming wedding flower costs, consider a clever reuse strategy: carry over bouquets from the ceremony to the reception. This move can lead to substantial savings. Take advantage of the flow from ceremony to reception by repurposing garlands, for instance. It’s a simple matter to transport them to the new venue and rehang them. Alternatively, you might be able to convert altar arrangements into reception flowers or centerpieces, eliminating the need for separate designs.
Don’t hesitate to enlist the help of your trusted bridesmaids or wedding planner in setting up the flowers between events – their assistance can make the transition seamless.
Create a Focus Piece
One way to achieve a visually stunning yet budget-friendly wedding is to focus on one show-stopping piece that will draw attention. Consider investing in a striking flower arch for your ceremony, and scale back on altar flowers. This approach not only creates a memorable backdrop for your big day but also provides your photographer with plenty of opportunities to capture gorgeous shots of you under the arch.
Similarly, you can incorporate more affordable blooms into your arrangements and bouquets by pairing them with statement pieces. Use smaller arrangements as decorative accents on cocktail tables while reserving larger displays for focal points like the head table or entrance. By prioritizing a few key elements, you can create a sophisticated and stylish atmosphere without breaking the bank.
Use Your Venue
When selecting flowers and decorations for your wedding, consider the unique characteristics of your chosen venue. For instance, if you’ve opted for a trendy gallery or botanical garden, the space itself can serve as a stunning backdrop, minimizing the need for additional decor. On the other hand, if your ceremony or reception is taking place outdoors, harness the natural beauty of the surroundings and use it to complement your overall aesthetic.
In contrast, if your venue has an elegant, sophisticated atmosphere, allow its refined ambiance to shine through by reserving your flower arrangements for a statement piece – such as your bridal bouquet.
Consider Fresh Flower Alternatives
When it comes to cutting down on wedding flower costs, one innovative approach is to consider alternatives to traditional fresh blooms. Dried florals can add a unique, trendy touch to your big day, while paper flowers and even high-quality silk options can provide an equally stunning aesthetic. While silk flowers may lack the intoxicating scent of their real counterparts, they can serve as a lovely keepsake to commemorate your special day.
That being said, it’s essential to do your research to avoid overpaying for silk blooms. With some careful searching, you can find affordable options that fit within your budget and still deliver the desired visual impact.
DIY Cheap Wedding Bouquets
When it comes to wedding bouquets, the cost can add up quickly – whether you’re thinking about bridal, bridesmaids’, or centerpieces. Fortunately, there are ways to scale back without sacrificing style.
One approach is to incorporate greenery into your bouquet. This trend has gained popularity recently, and for good reason: it’s an effective way to draw attention to the few flowers you do use. So if you have a favorite bloom, let the greenery take center stage.
Another tactic is to focus on larger flowers that can fill up space without breaking the bank. Even if you opt for a pricier option, buying fewer blooms overall may still result in cost savings. And if you really want to make an impact, hydrangeas are a popular choice that can add some serious visual oomph to your arrangement.
If going big isn’t your thing, consider taking a minimalist approach.
For centerpieces or bouquets, stick with just a few stems that match your decor’s color palette. With the right vase and colors, this understated look can still be incredibly elegant.
Of course, there are always more creative alternatives to explore as well. For instance, you could opt for single-stem arrangements that make a statement all their own.
Or, if you’re really looking to push the envelope, consider silk flower wedding bouquets – just keep an eye on your budget, as these can get pricey in a hurry.
Buy Wholesale Wedding Flowers
When it comes to purchasing wedding flowers in bulk, exploring wholesale retailers like Sam’s Club or Costco is a viable option. While this approach may require a bit more effort on your part, as you’ll need to assemble the bouquets yourself, these wholesale clubs offer various flower options that can be more budget-friendly than hiring a professional florist. Additionally, online marketplaces specializing in floral arrangements are also worth considering.
Conclusion
Floral extravaganzas don’t have to break the bank! While some couples splurge on elaborate arrangements, savvy brides can find affordable options from wholesalers and get creative with DIY ideas. The key is to choose flowers that reflect your wedding style and hold sentimental value. To get started, consider a flower guide for inspiration. This valuable resource will help you identify blooms that are perfect for your special day.
