Save On Wedding Flowers: Tips For Budget-Conscious Couples

Flowers are a significant part of any wedding budget, and their cost can vary widely depending on factors such as the type of flowers, the size of the arrangements, and the time of year. The average cost of wedding flowers in the US is around $2,000, but prices can range from $700 to $8,000. To make flowers less expensive for your wedding, there are several strategies you can use. Firstly, choose seasonal flowers as they are more affordable and can be sourced locally. You can also mix expensive and inexpensive blooms or use affordable fillers like candles and fabric to create the illusion of full arrangements. Using fewer and smaller arrangements, opting for single-bloom bridesmaid bouquets, and reducing the size of your wedding party can also help cut costs. Additionally, consider using potted plants or booking a naturally beautiful venue to reduce the need for extensive floral decorations.

Opt for affordable alternatives

Opting for affordable alternatives is a great way to save money on flowers for your wedding. There are several ways to achieve this. Firstly, you could choose flowers that are in season. In-season flowers are more readily available and therefore tend to be cheaper. For example, tulips are in season in spring, while roses and hydrangeas are in season in summer. You could also opt for flowers that are available all year round, such as roses, carnations and orchids.

Another option is to choose cost-effective blooms. For example, disbud chrysanthemums are a good alternative to dahlias, which are twice the price. Carnations and gypsophilia are also always an affordable choice. You could also use filler flowers such as baby's breath and greenery to bulk up your arrangements.

If you have a specific flower in mind that is expensive, you could use a small number of these as a statement piece in your bouquet, and fill the rest of the bouquet with cheaper flowers. For example, you could use a small bundle of peonies as the statement piece in your bouquet, and fill the rest of the bouquet with cheaper flowers such as alstroemeria, daisy spray and wax flowers.

If you are set on having fresh flowers, you could also consider buying wholesale flowers in bulk and arranging them yourself. This is a good option if you are willing to put in the time and effort. You could also buy pre-arranged discount designer bouquets, which are often cheaper than custom arrangements.

Repurpose your petals

Flowers are a key part of any wedding, but they can be expensive and often go to waste. Repurposing your petals is a great way to save money and get the most out of your blooms. Here are some ideas to help you repurpose your wedding flowers:

Dual-purpose displays

If your ceremony and reception are in the same location, you can easily repurpose your flowers. Ask your wedding party, a trusted friend, or your florist to move your ceremony flowers to the reception area. For example, you can place your bridal bouquet on the sweetheart table or the welcome table. Bridesmaid bouquets can be used to add pops of colour to the bar, the guest of honour tables, or the lounge area. You can also use ceremony aisle arrangements as centrepieces for round reception tables.

Give them away

Offer your flowers to guests as party favours, or include carefully wrapped flowers as centrepieces and give them away as prizes.

Donate to charity

Donating your flowers to charitable causes is a beautiful way to spread the love. Contact organisations such as Random Acts of Flowers or Repeat Roses, which deliver flowers to hospitals and senior living facilities.

Dry and frame

Air-dry your bridal bouquet and then frame it as a keepsake. First, hang fresh blooms upside down to air-dry for 2-3 weeks, removing any leaves that fall off. Once dried, spray the arrangement with hairspray and place it in a frame that complements your décor.

Create a resin keepsake

You can also preserve your flowers in resin to create unique keepsakes like coasters or paperweights. Dry your flowers, then mix resin and slowly pour a thin layer into a mould. Place your flowers in the mould and pour more resin on top to cover any gaps. Allow 48 hours for drying before removing your keepsake from the mould.

Make potpourri

Create your own homemade potpourri by drying your wedding flowers and adding a dash of essential oils. You can use rose petals, lavender, or fragrant herbs like rosemary. Place your potpourri in a decorative bowl or sachet and enjoy the scent.

Turn into jewellery

You can transform your petals into stunning botanical jewellery. Press and preserve your flowers, then trim any excess stems or foliage. Store the pressed flowers in an airtight container until you're ready to incorporate them into necklaces, earrings, or bracelets.

Design custom thank-you cards

Collaborate with a local artist or stationery designer to create thank-you cards adorned with pressed petals from your bouquet.

Create a floral candle

Press and dry your flowers, then melt soy wax and add a few drops of essential oil. Arrange the dried flowers in a heat-safe glass container, pour in the scented wax, and add a candle wick.

Host a flower arrangement party

Gather your loved ones and provide vases, scissors, and flower stems. Encourage guests to create their own floral arrangements and take them home as a reminder of your wedding.

Produce natural dyes

Use your wedding flowers to create natural plant dyes. Simmer petals in a pot of water until the liquid turns a rich hue, then strain the petals. Dip silk, cotton, or other natural fabrics into the dye to create one-of-a-kind scarves, napkins, or other keepsakes.

Compost for a garden

Snip the stems of your flowers and toss them into a compost bin. Over several months, your wedding flowers will decay into dark, crumbly, sweet-smelling soil that's perfect for feeding plants.

Be deliberate about your deposit

When it comes to wedding flowers, it's important to be mindful of the costs. Before signing on the dotted line, take a close look at your contract and payment instructions. Florists typically charge a service fee for credit card transactions, so paying by check can often save you money. This small decision can end up saving you a considerable amount.

Be sure to carefully review the contract and payment terms before committing. Most florists will require a deposit to secure your wedding date, and it's common for this to be around 50% of the total cost. However, some florists may ask for a higher deposit, so it's important to be prepared and understand what you are paying for. If you have any questions or concerns about the deposit, don't hesitate to discuss them with your florist. They should be able to explain their payment structure and provide clarification on any confusing line items.

Additionally, it's a good idea to ask about their refund and cancellation policy. In some cases, deposits may be non-refundable, so it's important to understand the terms before making any payments. By being deliberate about your deposit and carefully reviewing the contract, you can make an informed decision and potentially save money on your wedding flowers.

When planning your wedding, it's essential to be mindful of your budget and prioritize your spending. Wedding flowers can be expensive, but with careful planning and flexibility, you can find ways to reduce costs without compromising on style or quality. Remember to communicate your budget and expectations clearly with your florist to avoid disappointment or miscommunication.

Choose in-season flowers

Choosing in-season flowers for your wedding is a great way to save money without compromising on quality. In-season flowers are at their absolute best, and by working with what's in bloom at the time of your wedding, you'll be getting the freshest flowers, which will last longer.

Opting for in-season flowers also means there will be a greater supply, so they will be easier for your florist to source. This means they are likely to be locally sourced, which can result in a small saving as you eliminate travel miles and the cost of shipping. In-season flowers are also likely to be less expensive as they will be more readily available, and your florist won't have to go to a specialty grower or supplier, which can add fees for labour and transportation.

If you're set on a particular flower that isn't in season, ask your florist about using flowers that are widely available year-round, like roses, carnations and orchids. These flowers will be easier for your florist to source and will be more affordable than a flower that is out of season.

Another way to save money is to be mindful of where your flowers will be used. Focus your spending on high-visibility areas that will stand out to guests and in photos, like the bouquet, altar and tablescape. You can also repurpose your ceremony flowers for the reception, getting the most out of your blooms and saving money.

January

• Anemones
• Amaryllis
• Baby's breath

February

• Cymbidium and dendrobium orchids
• Ranunculus
• Waxflower

March

• Ranunculus
• Freesias
• Tulips

April

• Sweet peas
• Lilac
• Hyacinth

May

• Peonies
• Hydrangeas
• Lilacs

June

• Roses
• Delphinium (larkspur)
• Gardenias

July

• Lisianthus
• Calla lilies
• Gerbera daisies

August

• Proteas
• Zinnias
• Cosmos

September

• Dahlias
• Marigolds
• Carnations

October

• Dahlias
• Chrysanthemums
• Amaranthus

November

• Scabiosa
• Celosia
• Stock

December

• Roses
• Hellebores
• Camellias

Downsize your wedding party flower arrangements

Wedding flowers can be expensive, but there are ways to cut costs without compromising on style. If you're looking to downsize your wedding party flower arrangements, here are some tips to help you save money:

Be Honest About Your Budget

It's important to be honest with yourself and your vendors about your budget. Find a florist who is comfortable working within your budget and can guide you in making the best decisions based on your needs and their experience. Share your desired investment or ballpark budget with them to save time and get the most suitable suggestions for flower choices and designs. Be transparent about your vision and budget to avoid disappointment and miscommunication later on.

Prioritize High-Visibility Areas

Focus your spending on areas that will have the most impact and stand out to guests and in photos. This includes the bridal bouquet, altar, and tablescapes. You can skip secondary arrangements for areas like the bar, restrooms, and venue entrance. Reception centerpieces and the bridal bouquet are worth investing in since guests will be up close and these elements will be featured prominently in your photos.

Choose In-Season and Bulk Blooms

Using locally sourced, in-season flowers can help you save money. In-season flowers are usually the freshest and most affordable due to higher supply. Sourcing flowers locally can also help you avoid additional shipping charges. If you can't find local options, choose flowers that are in bloom during your wedding season to get better deals. Additionally, limit the number of different flower varieties in your arrangements so that your florist can purchase flowers in bulk, resulting in cost savings.

Repurpose Arrangements

Repurpose your ceremony flowers for the reception to maximize their usage. For example, use your ceremony aisle markers to decorate the head table or the front of the room at the reception. Altar arrangements and ceremony arches can also be easily repurposed. Discuss these options with your florist in advance, as it may require additional labour and impact the overall cost.

Opt for Affordable Alternatives

Ask your florist for cost-effective alternatives to expensive flowers. For instance, disbud chrysanthemums can be a more affordable option than dahlias. Faux bouquets made of paper, fabric, or even fruit and vegetables can also be considered. Get creative and think outside the box to find unique and budget-friendly solutions.

Downsize Wedding Party Flower Arrangements

Simplify the wedding party flower arrangements, such as bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages, and flower girl crowns. These can add up significantly, especially if you have a large group. Ask your florist for affordable options like single-stem bouquets or greenery boutonnieres. They will only be used for a short time and may not be suitable for repurposing elsewhere.

Frequently asked questions