Smart Ways To Save Money On Bridesmaids' Bouquets

Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially when it comes to budgeting for all the little details that make the day special. One of the biggest expenses is often the flowers, with the average cost of wedding flowers in 2023 being $2,800. But there are plenty of ways to save money on bridesmaids' bouquets without sacrificing style. Here are some tips to get you started:

- Be mindful of the number of bridesmaids you have. More bridesmaids mean more bouquets, which can quickly add up.

- Opt for artificial flowers or dried flowers instead of fresh flowers. Wood flowers, for example, are high-quality artificial flowers that look like fresh blooms and can be dyed to match any colour scheme.

- Give your bridesmaids corsages instead of bouquets. An oversized corsage that covers most of the forearm can be a trendy and beautiful alternative.

- Choose smaller bouquets. Not only are they more affordable, but they're also easier to manage and allow the bridesmaids' dresses to take centre stage.

- Use single-stem flowers. A single-stem statement flower, such as a rose or peony, can be a romantic and budget-friendly option.

- Mix and match flowers with greenery. Filler flowers like baby's breath and greenery can help to bulk up the bouquets for less.

- Repurpose the flowers. Use the bridesmaids' bouquets to decorate the reception tables, or ask your florist about repurposing the ceremony flowers for the reception.

- Choose in-season flowers. Flowers that are in season are typically more affordable and easier to source.

- Do it yourself. If you're crafty, you can save money by buying flowers wholesale and creating the bouquets yourself.

With a little creativity and flexibility, you can have beautiful bridesmaids' bouquets without breaking the bank.

Use artificial flowers

Using artificial flowers for your bridesmaids' bouquets is a great way to save money without sacrificing your dream wedding aesthetic. Artificial flowers are generally more affordable than fresh flowers, especially with the inflation and supply issues that have affected the floral industry in recent years. Here are some tips and ideas for using artificial flowers for your bridesmaids' bouquets:

Types of Artificial Flowers

There are a few different types of artificial flowers to choose from when creating your bridesmaids' bouquets:

• Fabric Flowers: These are commonly found at craft stores and can be made from cheaper, synthetic fabrics. However, they may not look as aesthetically pleasing as other options.
• Silk Fabric Flowers: Silk flowers are created from more expensive fabric and shaped with plastic and wire to create realistic forms that closely resemble fresh flowers.
• Wood Flowers: Wood flowers, such as sola wood flowers, are made from natural materials like tapioca root. They can be shaped to imitate various styles and aesthetics of fresh flowers. Wood flowers can be dyed to match any colour or shade, making them a perfect choice if you're aiming for a unique or vibrant colour palette.

Creating the Bouquets

• Gather Your Statement Flowers: Start by selecting the biggest flowers that will be the central focal point of the bouquet.
• Add Smaller Flowers: Contrast the bigger flowers with smaller blooms that differ in colour, texture, and size. This will give the bouquet a well-rounded and organic look.
• Filler Flowers: Choose from a wide selection of artificial filler flowers to add colour, volume, and texture to the bouquet.
• Greenery: Add artificial or live greenery to frame the bouquet and give it a finished look. This will also help to create a cohesive style for all the bridesmaids' bouquets.
• Secure and Finish: Secure the bouquet with a rubber band and then cover it with ribbon or fabric to enhance the grip and add a decorative touch. You may want to avoid long streaming ribbons as a finishing touch to differentiate the bridesmaids' bouquets from the bride's bouquet.

Remember, bridesmaids' bouquets are typically smaller than the bride's bouquet and may use contrasting colours or neutral flowers with greenery to let the bride's bouquet stand out.

Using artificial flowers for your bridesmaids' bouquets will not only save you money but also give you the flexibility to create unique and lasting floral arrangements that match your wedding vision.

Opt for corsages instead of bouquets

Opting for corsages instead of bouquets for your bridesmaids is a great way to save money on your wedding flowers. While bouquets are beautiful, they can be expensive and may not be worth the cost if your bridesmaids will only be holding them for a small portion of the day.

Corsages are a more affordable alternative that can still look elegant and stylish. They are typically smaller and less complex than bouquets, requiring fewer flowers and less time to arrange. This can result in significant cost savings, especially if you have a large bridal party.

Another advantage of corsages is their versatility. They can be designed to match the style and theme of your wedding, whether it's classic, rustic, or bohemian. You can also choose from a variety of flowers or even opt for artificial flowers, which can further reduce costs.

If you want to add a touch of drama and flair, consider oversized corsages that cover most of the forearm. This style is not only on-trend but also a unique way to showcase your bridesmaids' outfits and add a natural, bohemian touch to your wedding aesthetic.

By choosing corsages over bouquets, you'll not only save money but also free up your budget for other important aspects of your wedding, such as centrepieces or your own bridal bouquet. So, if you're looking for ways to cut costs without sacrificing style, opting for corsages is definitely a smart choice.

Limit the number of bridesmaids

One way to save money on bridesmaids' bouquets is to limit the number of bridesmaids in your bridal party. This option may not be appealing if you have a large group of friends and family that you want to include, but it is an effective way to reduce costs.

A practical way to approach this is to include only the sisters of the bride and groom in your bridal party. You can still include your other friends in the celebration by giving them small floral pins or boutonnieres. Ultimately, fewer bridesmaids mean fewer bouquets, which results in lower costs.

Additionally, you can opt for single-stem bouquets or greenery boutonnieres for your bridesmaids, which are more affordable alternatives that still serve their purpose. By combining a limited number of bridesmaids with cost-effective bouquet options, you can significantly reduce expenses while maintaining the elegance of your wedding.

Choose dried flowers

Dried flowers are a fantastic way to save money on bridesmaids' bouquets. They are an affordable alternative to fresh flowers and have gained popularity in recent years. They are available in a variety of colours and textures, often featuring nature-inspired neutrals that are in vogue.

Dried flowers are delicate, but they won't wilt or require watering. They will maintain their beauty indefinitely if handled with care. This means your bridesmaids can enjoy the bouquets long after the wedding day.

Dried flowers are perfect for both vintage and modern weddings. They incorporate unusual blooms, seed pods, dried grasses, and other long-lasting botanicals in sun-bleached hues and a variety of textures. Choosing dried floral bouquets or bouquets with some dried flowers mixed in is a simple way to save money. They have a longer shelf life and are less likely to be damaged during transport to your florist.

If you want to preserve your wedding bouquet, dried flowers are an excellent option. They can be easily preserved, allowing you to cherish your bouquet for years to come.

Buy wholesale and DIY

If you're a DIY enthusiast, you can save a lot of money by buying flowers wholesale and creating your own bridesmaid bouquets. This option is perfect if you're looking to bond with your bridesmaids, as assembling the bouquets together can be a fun pre-wedding activity.

Kukka Flowers is one company that offers pre-designed DIY wedding flower packages. They ship all the flowers you need to your chosen location 2-3 days before your wedding, along with detailed assembly instructions. You can also request a free consultation and quote for a custom order.

DHgate is another wholesale website that offers a wide range of artificial flowers suitable for bridesmaid bouquets, including roses, lilies, and peonies.

When buying wholesale, it's important to consider the season and availability of certain flowers. For example, peonies are typically only available in the spring, while dahlias are more readily available in the fall.

Additionally, if you're planning on creating your own bouquets, don't forget to have the right tools and materials on hand, such as florist shears, floral tape, twine or ribbon, wire, flower strippers, buckets, vases, and potentially floral foam and zip ties.

Frequently asked questions