When it comes to booking the florist for your wedding, it's very common for couples to experience some serious sticker shock. From corsages and boutonnieres to altar arrangements and reception centerpieces, the tally adds up quickly, leaving some brides to rethink their dream bouquet. Wedding budgets are serious business and keeping your purchases within them can be tricky. While there are many ways to
save money on your wedding as well as
wedding budget cuts you should avoid, finding cost-effective alternatives to your ideal flowers may not be as obvious.
But, wait! You don't have to cut arrangements or shrink their sizes. All you have to do is be a little creative, think outside the box and know your stuff before meeting with a professional.
While in your wedding floral dreams, you may picture thousands upon thousands of exotic flowers making their appearance in every inch of the day, it's likely that your budget just doesn't allow for it. And trust me when I tell you, that's okay! Two of my favorite cost-cutting options are quickly being recognized for their tiny price tag as well as their undiscovered elegance: carnations and baby's breath.
Baby's breath? YES! I know what you're thinking, but stay with me here and tell me these photos aren't gorgeous...baby's breath or not!
And for all my ladies hosting a rustic wedding, you honestly couldn't find a better floral option than baby's breath, as it meshes so perfectly with burlap and lace.
Okay, so maybe I haven't convinced you with the baby's breath option. I know we don't typically think of carnations as wedding flowers, but we really should! When bunched together and arranged in bulk, they have the look of expensive and over-the-top for a fraction of the cost!
When you go to meet with prospective florists (yes, that's plural. Always meet with 3 vendors in each category before choosing one!!), do a little research beforehand about the average costs of the flowers you most prefer, so you're not blown away by the quote they give you. Don't be afraid to ask them about look-alike options that may save your pennies. (ex: ranuculus in place of peonies) Make sure you have a number in your head before going in and let them know what the budget they have to work with will be. You can always compromise by using fillers and affordable flowers with the more expensive ones.
What flowers do you plan to have in your bouquet or centerpieces? Or are you doing non-floral options? Tell me about your ideas below! And if you're looking for more original and affordable floral options for your wedding,
email me with any questions and I'll do my best to help!
