Budget Buds
Weddings and flowers — they just go together. Many of us remember the flowers from weddings we've attended: the fragrant white roses of the bride's bouquet, the garden wedding site that's a symphony of color and scent, the little baskets of lily of the valley at the reception tables.
Budget Wisely
Flowers can make a wedding. They can also break your budget if you're not careful. How much you choose to spend and what portion of the budget you allot is totally up to you. Some sources suggest that flowers are the second biggest expense after reception food and drink, but they don't have to be. If flowers aren't a high priority for you, set a smaller budget for them and spend your money where you want to.
Map out exactly where you want flowers. If the site of either the ceremony or reception is in an already lavishly decorated space, you may need few if any floral arrangements. If you do need them for both locales, figure out whether the flowers from the ceremony can be taken to the reception site as well.
You also need to decide what to do about bouquets, boutonnieres, and corsages. If you decide to forgo the bouquets, you and your bridesmaids can walk down the aisle with fans or parasols. Consider making the boutonnieres for the groom, groomsmen, and fathers yourself.
Fact
Some brides are allergic to flowers, so they opt to carry as well as decorate with silk flowers. Just remember that it can be as expensive to have a florist supply and arrange silk flowers as fresh ones.
DIY Flowers
If you'd like to do any part of the flower arrangements yourself, find a wholesaler like Costco or visit a flower market or flea market for bargains. Look for locally grown varieties for the best savings. Rent vases from local florists or buy inexpensive ones from the dollar store. Do a test run before the wedding to make sure you feel comfortable assembling a flower arrangement.
If you want to save money on flowers but feel clueless when it comes to working with real or silk flowers, don't despair. Ready-made arrangements are available at many decorating stores; some even have designers who can make what you want from silk flowers and greenery you purchase at the store.
Check to see whether you'll be charged for such an arrangement. If there is a charge, it's usually reasonable compared to ordering from a florist. Some florists don't mind mixing silk and real flowers, but the price won't differ much; it's the labor that's usually more expensive than the blooms.
