On average, brides will spend around $1,500 for small to medium size weddings and up to $5,000+ for large weddings. That’s a real pretty penny! And a solid portion of your wedding budget. But flowers are a longstanding wedding tradition and by far the most popular choice for wedding decor. So to help you save money on your wedding flowers, here are just a few tips, tricks, and alternatives that you might consider when planning your big day.
Buy Locally & In-Season
Like food and other goods, the cost of flowers will rise with demand and depending on what it takes to obtain them. For example, Anemones. These flowers have been a hit as of late, but they bloom in spring, November through May. So if you’re planning on including Anemones in your summer or fall wedding bouquet, expect a price hike. To bypass this issue, stick to local and in-season flowers. Your best bet is flowers that bloom year-round, like Gardenias, Proteas, Roses, Delphinium, Calla Lilies, Babys Breath, and Eucalyptus.
Go Green
A trendy way to save money on your wedding flowers is to opt for greenery. Greenery makes for timeless arrangements, with lots of volume and texture. Even better, greenery complements every bridal style, whether you’re going for a look that is chic or bohemian-inspired. Some of our favorite greenery include Eucalyptus and Leatherleaaf Ferns, Ruscus and Myrtle, as well as some palms.
Limit the Number of Flowers Featured
One of the simplest ways to cut the cost of wedding flowers is to limit the number of flowers featured in your arrangements. A bouquet that features 3 to 4 flowers will cost less than if you were to feature 6 to 8. Work with your florist to create an arrangement that is everything you want, but don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations on cheaper alternatives. For example, greenery is a much more affordable way to add volume than a large bloom or spray.
Rent Your Arrangements
Rent wedding flowers? You read that correctly. Several businesses rent out pre-arranged bouquets made with fake wood or silk flowers. So there is no dealing with the worries that come with real flowers, like wilting or what to do with them post-wedding. We recommend Something Borrowed Blooms. They offer a range of beautiful collections with styles for every type of bride. Our current favorites are their classic Millie Collection and colorful Jane Collection. Their products include bouquets and boutonnieres, as well as ceremony decor and reception centerpieces.
DIY Wedding Flowers
If you’d rather have more control over your wedding arrangements then consider DIY wedding flowers. Granted, there are pros and cons to this option. The main pro, of course, is that it will save you money. The main cons are the time requirements, including learning how to design floral arrangements and assembly. Nevertheless, it’s cheaper and you have two options. First, you can purchase fake flowers and arrange them ahead of your event. You can buy faux flowers for a reasonable price at stores like Hobby Lobby or online, at Afloral. Alternatively, you can buy real flowers and arrange them the evening before your wedding day. For this, we recommend purchasing in bulk from Costco.
Let us know what you think of these tips on how to save money on your wedding flowers! Be sure to share your tips and tricks in the comments below, to help future brides on their wedding planning journey.
