I used to think that wedding flowers were ugly and silly, so cutting down on the cost of them was a no-brainer for me: just don’t have any. But that was before Saipua single handedly changed my entire opinion on flowers forever. Since then, I have discovered many other talented floral designers and am now obsessed with wedding flowers. The dilemma, however, is that flowers can be expensive, especially if you’re on a tight budget; so what’s a girl to do? Here are 5 tips on how to save money on your wedding flowers:
1. Pick Your Own Flowers
Picking or buying your own wildflowers and making the bouquets and arrangements yourself is definitely one of the easiest ways to save money, but it’s not for everyone. I only recommend this option if you have friends and family members willing to help you arrange flowers on the day of your wedding. It may seem easy enough, but it’s much harder than it looks and you’ll have a lot better things to do than fussing over the freesia before the ceremony. It’s also important to have realistic expectations when arranging your own flowers; if you want flower arrangements that look like they do in the magazines you’re gonna need to hire somebody.
Pros: Wild/your neighbour’s flowers are free
Cons: The last thing you’ll want to be doing on your wedding day is arranging flowers, trust me
image: Jill Coursen
2. Have your Bridesmaids Carry Something Other Than Flowers
There’s no rule that says bridesmaids, or even the bride for that matter, need to carry flowers down the aisle. Why not give your girls paper pinwheels instead? or fans? or parasols? or whatever your creative little heart can come up with?
Pros: More fun than flowers
Cons: Not the most appropriate option for more traditional weddings
image: Rule 42
3. Choose Flowers That are Locally in Season
If you’re absolutely set on having a wedding bouquet, make sure you choose flowers that are in season and easily sourced to help cut down on the cost. There’s no point in dreaming of a beautiful peony bouquet if you’re getting married in December. Sure your florist will probably be able to source them for you, but you will pay a premium for them when there are cheaper alternatives available. What’s seasonal will vary depending on where you live, so talk to your florist about what your best options are.
Pros: You’ll save money and be kind to the environment at the same time
Cons: You can’t always get what you want
clockwise from top right: Tracie Howe Photography via Wedding Chicks ;Heather Nan Photography via Once Wed; Camilla Binks & Brienne Poole via Wedding Chicks; Julia Newman Photography via Brides.com
4. Use Less Expensive and Non-Traditional Elements
Using non-traditional elements such as herbs, fruits, and vegetables can be an inexpensive way to create interesting and less expensive bouquets and arrangements. If you have your heart set on a really expensive flower, try using only one or two blossoms and bulking up the rest of the arrangement with lots of interesting and inexpensive greenery. Another popular trend right now is the use of single elements rather than whole arrangements for bouquets. For example, baby’s breath, lavender, wheat, and even kale bouquets are popping up all over the wedding blogs these days.
Pros: Potential for very unique and customized arrangements
Cons: Some plants and materials are becoming trendy and therefore going up in price
clockwise from top right: Jonda Spurbeck Photography via Love & Lavender; DesignSponge; Clayton Austin via Love & Lavender; Cameron Ingalls via Ruffled
5. Consider Terrariums, Plants or other Alternative Centrepieces
When it comes to your centrepieces, a great way to save money is to scrap the idea of fresh cut floral arrangements and opt for terrariums or planted arrangements instead. You can easily make these types of centrepieces yourself and the best part is you can make them ahead of time so you won’t have to fuss with them on the day of your wedding. To cut down on the cost of your containers and planters, make sure to check out your local thrift stores, dollar stores and garage sales.
Pros: Guests will actually want to take home the centrepieces
Cons: One more thing on your to-do list
images: Odd Sparrow Photography
title image credit: Scarlet O’Neill
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