Wedding Flowers on a Budget

Weddings keep getting more expensive while couples want to save their money for more practical things like a new vehicle or a down payment on a house. More and more couples are trying to have the wedding of their dreams on a tight budget. Flowers can be quite costly and eat up a big part of your wedding budget, but they don't have to. Here are twelve simple tips to help you stay within your wedding budget without sacrificing the flowers.

Keep it Simple

If you are working with a tight budget skip the large flowers and over the top arrangements. Keep it simple, get what you really want and need out of your flowers. Florists will often try to get you to upgrade- get pricier ribbon, bigger arrangements, more expensive bouquet holders, etc. Just get what you need.

Stick to the Basics

Make a list of everywhere you want flowers, a list of all the flowers you may need - bridal bouquet, toss bouquet, attendant bouquets, flower girl basket, corsages, boutonnieres, centerpieces, altar arrangement, etc. Put a star next to the things you absolutely have to have. Start out with those basics then add on until you hit your budget.

Think Seasonal

Buy flowers that are in season and save a ton of money. Also think of other non-flower items that can be used as decorations and in centerpieces like fruits, berries, twigs, vines, decorative grasses, pumpkins, squash, evergreens and more. By getting seasonal items you'll cut costs by using what is available and not what has to be special ordered from other areas.

Add Candles

Candles are an easy and cheap way to add elegance to your floral arrangements and wedding decor. By using candles in your centerpieces or even instead of floral centerpieces you will greatly reduce your floral costs. Candles can be purchased very cheaply at dollar stores. There is no reason to buy pricey candles at boutiques or florist shops when you can get perfectly good candles at the dollar stores.

Filler Fabulous

You can incorporate filler materials into your bouquets and centerpieces to cut the expense of having more expensive blooms. Filler material can be smaller cheaper flowers (like baby's breath), greenery, other leaves, twigs, berries, ribbons, even tulle or lace can be used to fill in empty or bare spots in bouquets and arrangements instead of adding more costly flowers.

Do It Yourself

You have to be highly motivated and not prone to moments of freaking out from stress to do your own fresh wedding flowers. If you are crafty and brave enough to go this route look for a wholesale floral shop or warehouse in your area or buy cheap blossoms from the grocery store. By best advice is to keep it very simple. Wrap bouquets in ribbons or place in a tussy mussy holder for your bridal and attendant bouquets. For centerpieces stick to a single stem in a vase, or a large flower head floating in a bowl of water. Simple and elegant and quick and easy to do. Remember it's your wedding day, you are already going to have a million things to do.

Fake It

You can cut your wedding flower budget in half or more by using fake flowers instead of fresh. I used silk flowers and had a huge wedding party and spent less than $200 on flowers, bouquet holders, ribbons and all the other little accessories I needed. You'd be surprised at the large selection of silk flowers available at dollar stores and discount chains like Wal Mart, Dollar General, and Family Dollar. You can make some beautiful bouquets and make them weeks in advance. You don't have to worry about them wilting or dying and you'll be able to preserve your wedding memories with everlasting bouquets.

Get Schooled

Check your area to see if there are any floral design schools or trade schools like a skill center that offer floral design classes. You might be able to get your wedding done for very cheap, like a donation or just the cost of flowers and supplies. The students need the experience and you have the teacher's expertise to guide them. It is a win/win situation for everyone.

Garden Weddings

If you get married surrounded by nature's natural beauty you'll have a lot less decorating to do.

Pre-Decorated Chapels and Reception Halls

Some places cater to weddings and only weddings. They have their own flowers and decorations up all the time. This might cut your flower budget but beware sometimes all inclusive costs more in the long run. Always compare prices and add everything up to make sure you are getting the best deal.

Double Duty

Make your wedding bouquets do double duty as reception decorations. There are stands and table clips that bouquets can be displayed in. Attach some clips to the bridal table and let the attendant bouquets be decorations, place a stand at the gift table or cake table and put the bride's bouquet on display. Put the flower girl's basket at the guest book for added decor.

Avoid Getting Married on or Near Holidays

Flower prices double and triple during holiday seasons, especially during Valentine's Day and Mother's Day. The shops also get very busy so time is precious and more expensive. You will save a lot if you avoid getting married during busy times.

Be Creative

Look for creative solutions and opportunities for your wedding. Use things other than flowers as decorations and arrangements like balloons, candles, glass bowls with floating candles, glass rocks, potted plants and more.

~ Wenona Napolitano

Wenona Napolitano, married mother of three, is a freelance writer, poet, editor and small business owner. She is also a certified floral designer and trained bridal consultant.