When planning a wedding, it has been advised to reserve 10%-15% of the overall budget for flowers. Pricing will reflect the following: the guest count, preferred flower varieties, seasonal availability and the overall design decor. If price is your biggest concern when hiring a florist, consider these tips to get the most out of your budget:
-Use flowers that are seasonally available. Locally grown flowers aren’t any less expensive, but the quality and value are well worth it. The blooms are bigger and the colors are more vibrant.
-Consider using fewer varieties of flowers. Using fewer varieties allows a florist to take advantage of bulk pricing for imported flowers and can help with the bottom line.
-Have a smaller guest list and wedding party. Fewer guests means fewer tables, which means fewer centerpieces and a smaller venue to decorate.
-Use florals that can do double duty. Opt for grounded ceremony florals versus attached arbor flowers. Freestanding arrangements can be moved to your reception following the ceremony.
-Take advantage of your natural surroundings. Save on ceremony florals altogether and choose a venue or location with natural beauty (the ocean, woods or the seasonal landscaping at your wedding venue). Keep in mind, if your wedding is small, you'll have more flexibility to seat your guests in unusual places.
-Make your florals stand out by limiting your color palette to 1-3 colors. You can also incorporate color through linens and other textural accents (table chargers, flatware, glassware…)