Affordable Wedding Bouquets: Diy Guide To Save Costs

Wedding bouquets can be expensive, but there are ways to make them more affordable. One option is to make your own bouquet, which can save you a significant amount of money. The cost of a typical bridal bouquet is around $250, but a DIY version can be much cheaper, depending on factors such as the type of flowers, the season, and the size of the bouquet. To save money, you can buy wholesale flowers, choose seasonal flowers, and use more greenery. You can also mix and match suppliers to find the best deals. Making your own bouquet may seem daunting, but with the right tools and a step-by-step guide, you can create a beautiful arrangement that fits your budget.

Buy wholesale flowers to avoid florist markups

If you're looking to save some money on your wedding flowers, buying wholesale flowers is a great option. By cutting out the middleman (the florist), you can avoid paying a premium on your blooms.

There are several places to find wholesale flowers. Local flower markets are a great option if you have one nearby that sells to the public. Otherwise, you can try wholesale retailers like Sam's Club, where you can get flowers for less than a dollar per stem. Online wholesale delivery services, such as FiftyFlowers, are another convenient option. They ship the flowers directly to you, and you can choose from a variety of flower packs to suit your needs.

When buying wholesale flowers, it's important to plan ahead. Wholesale flowers usually arrive dehydrated and closed, so you'll need to give them time to open up and bloom. Change the water regularly, and consider adding flower food to help them last longer.

Another advantage of buying wholesale flowers is that you can get creative and make your own bouquets. This allows you to add a personal touch to your wedding and save money at the same time. You can find tutorials and step-by-step guides online to help you create beautiful arrangements.

By purchasing wholesale flowers and doing your own arrangements, you can significantly reduce the cost of your wedding flowers. It does require some extra time and effort, but it can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially if you enlist the help of your bridal party or family members.

Choose seasonal flowers for better quality and lower prices

Seasonal flowers are flowers that are in season and are therefore more readily available. They are also more affordable and of better quality. For example, peonies are expensive and hard to find in summer, but hydrangeas are grown in greenhouses all year round and are therefore less costly. If you want to make your wedding bouquets on a budget, it is best to choose flowers that are in season.

When choosing flowers for your wedding bouquet, consider the colours and the style of your wedding dress, as well as your colour palette. If you want a classic, tight bouquet, you should use fewer varieties of flowers. If you want something more whimsical, like a cascading bouquet, you can use more varieties of flowers and greenery.

If you are making your own wedding bouquet, you will need to source the flowers yourself. You can buy flowers from local farms, grocery stores, flower markets, or online. If you are using flowers that are not in season, you will need to order them in advance to ensure that they are available for your wedding.

When choosing flowers for your wedding bouquet, it is important to consider the cost. Typically, a bridal bouquet costs around $250, but you can make one for much less if you choose flowers that are in season and arrange them yourself.

Mix and match suppliers to find the best deals

One of the most important things to keep in mind when trying to save money on your wedding bouquet is that you don't have to be loyal to one particular supplier or vendor. You can mix and match to get the best deals. If you want to get your roses from Costco and your greenery from the flower market, then go for it! There is no flower-buying etiquette to be followed here.

When it comes to finding suppliers, you can buy your flowers from:

• An online wholesaler (like Blooms By The Box)
• A grocery store, Trader Joe's, Costco, Sam's Club, or wherever you can find the best quality flowers at a low price

First, figure out your budget, what kind of flowers you want, and how many flowers you'll need. Then do some research. If your local grocery store is stocked with awesome-quality blooms for a great price, then go for it. If an online wholesaler is your best bet, click away! Just figure out what's best for you and what you feel most comfortable with.

For example, if you're going for a more modern and simple design, you might only need one to three varieties of florals, very little to no greenery, and florals that have a lot of textural interest. On the other hand, if you want a more garden-style bouquet, you'll need five to seven varieties of florals and greenery, and flowers with different textural and gestural qualities.

Other tips for finding the best deals

• Pick your flowers based on the timing of your wedding. For example, daffodils, peonies, lilacs, and tulips bloom in the spring, while chrysanthemums and dahlias are best in the fall.
• Consider buying your flowers from a local grocery store or flower market instead of ordering them online. You'll likely only spend around $25.
• If you have access to someone's garden, look at what's blooming there. If not, try local farms or grocery stores to source the floral varieties you're looking for.
• Keep in mind that the priciest aspect of a professionally crafted bouquet is the amount of time a florist spends crafting your masterpiece, as well as the complexity of the chosen design. So, if you're able to do the labour yourself, you'll definitely save quite a bit on your floral budget.

Buy flowers online, from local markets, or from grocery stores

Buying flowers online, from local markets, or from grocery stores is a great way to save money on your wedding bouquets. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Online Flower Retailers

Online flower wholesalers such as FiftyFlowers and BloomsByTheBox offer a wide variety of blooms at affordable prices. These companies source their flowers directly from farms and offer them at a fraction of the retail price. You can often find flowers such as roses, peonies, lilies, tulips, and more at these online retailers. Many also offer free shipping and provide tutorials and tips for creating your own bouquets. This option is ideal if you want a large selection of flowers to choose from and don't mind doing some DIY.

Local Markets and Grocery Stores

Local markets and grocery stores are another excellent source for affordable flowers. You can often find high-quality blooms at a fraction of the cost of a florist. For example, a typical bridal bouquet might cost around $250, but you can create your own for around $25 by purchasing flowers from a local grocery store. Keep in mind that the selection may be more limited, and you may need to visit multiple stores to find what you're looking for. However, this option can be a great way to support local businesses while saving money.

Flower Subscriptions

If you're looking to save money on your wedding bouquets, consider signing up for a flower subscription service. Some online flower retailers offer subscription services that can save you money on your flower orders. For example, FiftyFlowers offers a 5% discount on their flower subscription service. This can be a great way to get a regular supply of fresh flowers for your wedding preparations, especially if you're crafting multiple bouquets or floral arrangements.

Timing and Seasonality

When buying flowers for your wedding bouquets, it's important to consider the timing and seasonality of your chosen blooms. Opt for flowers that are in season, as they will be more affordable and widely available. For example, daffodils, peonies, lilacs, and tulips are in season during the spring, while chrysanthemums and dahlias are best in the fall. Plan to buy your flowers a day or two before your wedding to ensure they are fresh and vibrant.

DIY Tips

Creating your own wedding bouquets can be a fun and rewarding experience. Consider the style of your wedding dress and your color palette when choosing your flowers. Select one to three varieties of florals for a modern and simple design or opt for five to seven varieties for a more whimsical, garden-inspired look. Don't be afraid to get creative and add personal touches to your bouquets. Remember that making your own bouquets will require some time and effort, but it can be a great way to save money and add a unique touch to your special day.

Use extra greenery to make bouquets look fuller

One way to make your wedding bouquets look fuller without breaking the bank is to add extra greenery. Greenery is a catch-all term for any foliage used in floral arrangements, including leaves, branches, grasses, and vines. It can be used on its own or mixed with other flowers to create lush, beautiful bouquets.

Types of Greenery

There are many different types of greenery available for wedding bouquets, each with a unique look and feel. Here are some popular options:

• Smilax Vine: A classic choice for weddings, Smilax Vine is a trailing vine that adds a romantic touch to any arrangement. It is very versatile and can be used in bouquets, centerpieces, garlands, and more.
• Ferns: Ferns come in various shapes and sizes, making them perfect for both formal and informal weddings. Leatherleaf Fern, Plumosa Fern, and Tree Fern are great options for adding texture and depth to arrangements.
• Eucalyptus: With its long, slender or round leaves, eucalyptus is a popular choice for bouquets and centerpieces. It also fills your wedding venue with a beautiful aroma. Seeded eucalyptus, silver dollar eucalyptus, and spiral eucalyptus are some common varieties.
• Pennycress: Pennycress is a bright green stem with fluffy plumes, perfect for adding a whimsical and modern touch to your bouquets and centerpieces.
• Baby's Breath: Though not technically a foliage, baby's breath is a versatile filler that adds texture and fullness to bouquets. It's a must-have for any DIY bride.
• Italian Ruscus: Italian Ruscus has long, cascading leaves that make it ideal for garlands, centerpieces, and cascade bouquets. Its classy look also suits formal weddings.
• Dusty Miller: Dusty Miller is a silver-green foliage with soft, delicate leaves that add a touch of elegance to bouquets and centerpieces. Its silver color is perfect for winter weddings.
• Agonis: With its dark burgundy or purple leaves, agonis is a unique choice for adding a pop of color to your arrangements. Its long, thin leaves make it ideal for floral designs.

Tips for Using Greenery in Bouquets

When using greenery in your wedding bouquets, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Bouquet Style: Consider the style of bouquet you want. If you're going for a modern and simple design, use minimal greenery. For a more whimsical, garden-style bouquet, incorporate more greenery varieties.
• Color Scheme: Choose greenery that complements your wedding color palette. For example, dusty miller is great for vintage-inspired themes and pastel colors.
• Texture and Depth: Greenery adds texture and depth to your bouquets, enhancing the overall look and feel of your floral arrangements.
• Filler: Greenery can be used as a filler to add fullness to your bouquets without blowing your budget. This is especially useful if you want to include more expensive flowers in your arrangements.
• Experimentation: Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of greenery and arrangements. Creating your own wedding bouquets is a fun and creative process, so enjoy the moment and go with what looks and feels right to you.

Frequently asked questions