Cheap doesn't mean that your wedding flowers can't be beautiful. All flowers are lovely no matter what they cost.
The first decision to make is whether or not you want silk or real flowers. Silk flowers are much easier; however, real flowers can be a beautiful addition to your wedding. Keep in mind that real flowers need to be nurtured even up to the moment you say “I Do”. If you have someone who can monitor the freshness of your real flowers, by all means, have them! If you want to save yourself and your loved ones a little stress, choose silk!
If you do decide on fresh flowers, there are a few options to consider:
1. Create your own arrangements. This can be fun and a great opportunity for you and your family or bridesmaids to work on a project together.
2. You should also consider ordering fresh flowers from an online wholesaler. You can get some of the best prices around. However, as we mentioned, unlike at a florist, you will be responsible for all of the prep work of cleaning and trimming them, and keeping them alive until the wedding.
3. Consider a professional florist. This will be your most expensive option but don’t be afraid to “shop around”. Call at least 3 florists and discuss your needs. You may be surprised at the difference in prices. Plus, if your florist knows there is competition for your dollar you may be able to negotiate a better price.
Remember that flowers are simply garnishes. There’s no need to go overboard. The real stars of the show are the bride and groom and the wedding party. The flowers simply add to the overall package.
One last thing; consider calling a local community college for your flowers. Many local colleges offer courses in flower arranging. For a small fee, they may be quite accommodating in allowing their students to “practice” for your wedding at a huge discounted price – often for the cost of the flowers alone. Just be prepared for what you get. It might be beautiful, it might be mediocre. As stated before, don’t place too much emphasis on the flowers – they are simply garnishes.
Of course, making your own silk flowers is probably the most frugal choice. But where do you start? We will discuss that in our next post on this topic!
No matter what you decide, start saving now.
