Junior Rasmussen
Flowers are a key component of wedding decor, with many couples desiring flowers throughout every part of their wedding. The three main categories of wedding flowers are personal flowers, ceremony flowers, and reception flowers. Personal flowers include the bride's bouquet, the groom's boutonnière, petals for the flower girl, and corsages for the mothers of the bride and groom. Ceremony flowers can be reused at the reception, for example, aisle flowers can become table centerpieces, and bridesmaids' bouquets can decorate the head table. Couples can save money by arranging their own flowers, buying fake flowers, or growing their own flowers.
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What You'll Learn
Budgeting for flowers
Wedding flowers can be a significant expense, and budgeting for them requires careful consideration. The cost of wedding flowers depends on several factors, including the types of flowers, the number of arrangements, the size of the wedding, and the seasonality of the blooms. On average, couples in the United States spend around $2,200 on wedding flowers, with most spending between $500 and $3,500. Typically, 8% to 10% of the total wedding budget is allocated to flowers, but this can vary.
To start budgeting for flowers, determine the must-have floral arrangements and prioritize them. Personal flowers, such as the bride's bouquet, groom's boutonnière, petals for the flower girl, and corsages for the mothers of the bride and groom, are often considered essential. The bride's bouquet is usually the most photographed floral piece, so it may be worth investing more in this arrangement.
Consider the overall wedding vision and style when budgeting for flowers. If flowers are the main source of décor, you may need a larger allocation. However, if you're looking to save on florals, choosing a venue with natural beauty, such as a botanical garden or a venue with stunning architecture, can reduce the need for extensive floral decorations.
To maximize your floral budget, opt for simplicity. Instead of using a multitude of different blooms, stick to a few favourite blossoms and add greenery or filler florals. Using potted plants, such as succulents or cacti, as centrepieces is another budget-friendly option. Reusing floral arrangements from the ceremony at the reception can also help stretch your budget. For example, moving altar arrangements to the dessert table or using bridesmaids' bouquets as tabletop vases after pictures.
If you're crafty and have the time, DIY-ing your wedding flowers can save costs. Sola wood flowers, dried baby's breath, and fake flowers are popular options for DIY floral arrangements. However, keep in mind that DIY flowers require significant time and energy for planning, assembling, and arranging.
When budgeting for flowers, it's important to be flexible and realistic. Browse real weddings for inspiration, and pay attention to the types and amounts of flowers used. Communicate your budget and preferences to your florist early on, as they can provide cost-effective suggestions to make your floral vision a reality.
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Choosing a florist
Floral Style and Design
First, determine your floral style and design preferences. Look at photos of wedding flower trends, bouquets, boutonnieres, and centerpieces to identify what you like. Do you prefer a traditional, modern, rustic, or organic style? Do you want tall, ornate centerpieces, minimalist arrangements, or loose, oversized designs? Knowing your style will help you find a florist who specializes in creating similar looks.
Experience and Expertise
Look for a florist with experience designing wedding flower arrangements and installations. If you have specific requirements, such as large-scale installations or cultural elements like a mandap or chuppah, choose a florist with expertise in those areas. Ask if they have worked at your ceremony and reception locations before and whether they can provide references from previous clients.
Budget and Cost Transparency
Be clear about your budget and what you want to achieve within that range. Ask florists to provide detailed breakdowns of costs, including any potential additional fees for delivery, setup, or preservation services. Understand what is included in their pricing and don't be afraid to discuss cost-saving measures without compromising quality. A good florist will work with you to find creative solutions that fit your budget.
Timing and Availability
Aim to secure your florist 6 to 9 months before your wedding date. This allows time for initial consultations, design discussions, and flower sourcing. Ask the florist about their availability and how far in advance they typically create the bouquets and arrangements. Discuss whether they will personally handle your wedding or if another florist from their team will be involved.
Flower Sourcing and Quality
Inquire about the florist's flower sourcing practices. Can they provide organic, pesticide-free, or sustainably grown flower varieties? Understand the types of flowers they recommend for your wedding season, colour palette, and budget. Ask about their process for ensuring flower quality and freshness, especially if you want flowers for early wedding photos.
Customization and Flexibility
Choose a florist who understands your vision and is willing to collaborate with you. Provide them with inspiration photos or mood boards, and ask if they can recreate specific looks or customize arrangements to your preferences. A good florist will be able to advise you on flower substitutions and alternatives to fit your style and budget.
Remember to ask for an itemized floral proposal and contract outlining all the discussed elements and prices. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to finding a florist who can bring your floral dreams to life!
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Selecting flowers
Choose Your Theme and Colors
Before selecting your flowers, it is essential to have a clear vision for your wedding. Start by choosing a theme and color scheme that reflects your personal style and taste. This will help guide your floral choices and ensure that your arrangements complement your wedding décor. Consider whether you want a romantic, whimsical, modern, or minimalist aesthetic.
Select Your Must-Have Flowers
There are typically three categories of wedding flowers: personal flowers, ceremony flowers, and reception flowers. Personal flowers include the bridal bouquet, groom's boutonnière, petals for the flower girl, and corsages for the mothers of the bride and groom. These are the most photographed floral pieces, so they should be a priority. Decide on the must-have flowers for each category to ensure they receive the necessary attention and budgeting.
Decide on DIY or Professional Arrangements
Determine whether you will create the floral arrangements yourself or engage a professional florist. DIY wedding flowers can save costs, but they require time and effort. Florists can provide valuable insights, handle sourcing and setup, and suggest cost-effective alternatives. They can also advise on repurposing flowers from the ceremony for the reception to reduce costs and waste.
Choose Your Flowers
With your theme, colors, and overall vision in mind, it's time to select your flowers. Roses are a classic and versatile choice, with garden roses offering a natural, romantic look and standard roses a more formal feel. Delphiniums add height and depth with their tall spikes and vibrant blue hues. Ranunculus, with their delicate petals and array of colors, are perfect for whimsical weddings. Calla lilies, known for their sleek and sophisticated appearance, are ideal for modern or minimalist themes. Don't be afraid to mix and match blooms to create a unique look.
Consider Fragrance
While the visual impact of flowers is essential, don't forget about their scent. Some flowers, like garden roses, stock, and lilies, are prized for their fragrance, while others, like hydrangeas and calla lilies, have little to no scent. Choose flowers that not only look beautiful but also enhance the sensory experience for your guests.
Plan and Order in Advance
When ordering flowers, it is advisable to place your order at least 2-3 weeks in advance to account for seasonal variations. Schedule the delivery for 2 days before your wedding to ensure freshness and allow time for rehydration and arranging. Establish a timeline for shipping and arranging, and consider seeking a florist's consultation early on to guide your choices and ordering process.
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DIY vs professional arrangements
Wedding flowers are an important part of the big day, and there are pros and cons to both DIY and professional arrangements.
DIY Wedding Flowers
DIY wedding flowers can be a great way to save money and create a beautiful, personalised aesthetic. With a bit of research and planning, it is possible to create stunning bouquets and arrangements. Many couples choose to reuse flowers from the ceremony for the reception, which can cut down on costs and waste.
However, it is important to be realistic about the time commitment and potential stress involved in DIY flowers. It is a big job that requires careful planning and organisation. It is also important to be flexible, as certain flowers may not be available or in season.
Professional Wedding Flowers
Hiring a professional florist ensures unforgettable flowers and removes the stress of creating your own arrangements. Florists can source a wide variety of flowers and create intricate, ornate designs that will be fresh and vibrant. They can also provide valuable advice and guidance, ensuring that your vision is realised.
However, hiring a florist can be more expensive, and it may be challenging to find a florist whose style aligns perfectly with your vision.
Both DIY and professional wedding flower arrangements have their advantages and disadvantages. DIY flowers can be a budget-friendly option that allows for creativity and personalisation, but they require time and planning. Professional florists offer expertise and peace of mind, but they may be more costly and may not always understand your vision. Ultimately, the decision depends on your budget, time constraints, and personal preferences.
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Maintaining the flowers' freshness
Maintaining the freshness of flowers for a wedding can be challenging, especially if you want them to feature in photographs. Here are some tips to ensure your flowers remain fresh for your big day:
Timing
It is recommended that you order your flowers 3 to 4 weeks before the event and schedule their delivery for 2 days before the wedding. This gives you a buffer in case of any issues, and the flowers will still be fresh. If you order them too far in advance, they may start to wilt.
Storage
Keep flowers in a cool place, such as a basement or refrigerator, to prolong their life. Do not store them near sources of heat, direct light, or airflow such as AC vents. If you are keeping flowers in a refrigerator, remove any perishable food items.
Handling
Flowers are delicate, so advise your wedding party to be careful with their bouquets and boutonnieres. Suggest that they put down their bouquets in between photos, keeping them in vases of water to prevent wilting. For boutonnieres, advise the groomsmen to avoid constantly removing their jackets and to avoid hugging until after the ceremony.
Water and Food
Change the water in the vases every few days, and recut the stems each time. You can add a drop of bleach to the water to prevent bacterial growth, or use a packet of flower food, which usually comes with bouquets. If you don't have flower food, a little sugar or lemon-lime soda can be added to the water to perk up the blooms.
Preparation
When your flowers arrive, unpack them immediately and remove any foliage that falls below the waterline, as leaves will rot and cause bacteria to form. If you are using a vase or container, ensure it is thoroughly cleaned to prevent bacteria from affecting the flowers.
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Frequently asked questions
You should start planning your wedding flowers at least 6-9 months before your wedding. This will give you time to select a venue, theme and colour scheme, which will inform your flower choices.
You should order your wedding flowers 3-4 weeks before the event. This will give you enough time to make adjustments and ensure your flowers are fresh for your ceremony.
Your wedding flowers should be delivered 2 days before your wedding. This gives you enough time to prep, rehydrate and design the flowers, and ensures they are fresh for your big day.
The flowers you choose are entirely up to you. However, it's important to embrace seasonal blooms, as these will be more cost-effective and enhance the natural beauty of your wedding. Discuss your budget with your florist early on so they can make recommendations that fit your financial constraints.
