Flowers are one of the most beautiful and romantic elements of a wedding, but they can also be one of the most expensive. According to The Knot Real Weddings Study, which surveyed more than 15,000 couples who were married in 2022, the average cost of wedding flowers was $2,379. That’s a lot of money to spend on something that will wilt and fade away after a few hours.
But don’t worry, you don’t have to give up on your floral dreams or blow your budget to have gorgeous blooms on your big day. There are many ways to save money on your wedding flowers without sacrificing quality or style. Here are some tips and ideas to help you plan your wedding flowers on a budget in 2023.
1. Choose floral designs you can use for both your wedding ceremony and reception.
One of the easiest ways to save money on your wedding flowers is to reuse them for different purposes throughout the day. For example, you can use the same floral arrangements for your ceremony aisle, altar, and reception centerpieces. You can also repurpose your bridal bouquet and bridesmaids’ bouquets as table decorations or cake toppers. This way, you can get more bang for your buck and create a cohesive look for your wedding.
To make this work, you need to plan ahead and coordinate with your florist and venue staff. Make sure the floral designs are versatile and easy to transport and rearrange. You also need to assign someone to take care of moving the flowers from one place to another without damaging them. You can ask your wedding planner, coordinator, or a trusted friend or family member to help you with this task.
2. Limit the variety of flowers.
Another way to save money on your wedding flowers is to limit the variety of flowers you use. The more types of flowers you have, the more expensive it will be. This is because different flowers have different prices, availability, and seasonality. Some flowers are also more difficult or labor-intensive to work with than others.
To save money on your wedding flowers, stick to one or two types of flowers that are widely available, affordable, and easy to arrange. For example, you can choose roses, carnations, hydrangeas, sunflowers, or daisies as your main flowers. You can also mix in some greenery or filler flowers, such as baby’s breath, eucalyptus, or wax flower, to add some texture and volume.
By limiting the variety of flowers, you can also create a more elegant and minimalist look for your wedding. You can play with different colors, shapes, and sizes of the same flower to create contrast and interest.
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3. Find alternatives to expensive flowers.
If you have a specific flower in mind for your wedding, but it’s too pricey or out of season for your budget, you can look for alternatives that have a similar appearance or vibe. For example, if you love peonies but they’re too costly or hard to find in 2023, you can opt for garden roses instead. They have a similar shape and color range as peonies but are more affordable and available year-round.
Here are some other examples of flower alternatives:
- If you love orchids but they’re too expensive or delicate for your budget, you can choose calla lilies instead. They have a similar shape and elegance as orchids but are more sturdy and versatile.
- If you love ranunculus but they’re too pricey or seasonal for your budget, you can choose spray roses instead. They have a similar size and ruffled texture as ranunculus but are more economical and accessible.
- If you love hydrangeas but they’re too costly or sensitive for your budget, you can choose chrysanthemums instead. They have a similar shape and volume as hydrangeas but are more durable and diverse.
You can also ask your florist for suggestions on flower alternatives that fit your style and budget. They may have some creative ideas or sources that you haven’t thought of.
4. Use seasonal and local flowers.
One of the best ways to save money on your wedding flowers is to use seasonal and local flowers. Seasonal flowers are those that grow naturally during a certain time of the year in a specific region. Local flowers are those that are grown near where you live or where you’re getting married.
Using seasonal and local flowers has many advantages over using imported or exotic flowers. First, they’re fresher and more vibrant, which means they’ll last longer and look better on your wedding day. Second, they’re more eco-friendly and sustainable, which means they’ll have a lower environmental impact and support local farmers and businesses. Third, they’re cheaper and more abundant, which means they’ll be easier to find and afford.
To find out what flowers are in season and local for your wedding date and location, you can do some research online or ask your florist for advice. You can also visit a local farmers’ market or flower farm to see what’s available and get some inspiration.
5. DIY your wedding bouquets and centerpieces.
If you’re feeling crafty and confident, you can try making your own wedding bouquets and centerpieces. This can help you save money on your wedding flowers and add some personal touch and fun to your wedding planning.
To DIY your wedding bouquets and centerpieces, you need to buy the flowers, greenery, filler, tools, and supplies you need. You can buy them from a local florist, wholesaler, or online retailer. You also need to learn how to arrange the flowers in a way that suits your style and theme. You can find tutorials online or watch videos on YouTube to learn how to make your own bouquets and centerpieces.
However, DIYing your wedding flowers is not for everyone. It can be time-consuming, stressful, and messy. You also need to have some skills and experience in working with flowers. If you’re not sure if you can handle it, you can ask for help from your friends or family who have some floral knowledge or talent. You can also hire a professional florist to do the job for you.
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6. Use non-floral elements for your wedding decor.
Another way to save money on your wedding flowers is to use non-floral elements for your wedding decor. You don’t have to use flowers for everything on your wedding day. You can use other items that are cheaper, more durable, or more meaningful for you and your partner.
For example, you can use candles, lanterns, fairy lights, or string lights to create a romantic and cozy atmosphere for your wedding. You can also use fruits, vegetables, herbs, or spices to add some color and texture to your wedding tables. You can also use books, photos, maps, or souvenirs to showcase your personality and story as a couple.
Using non-floral elements for your wedding decor can help you save money on your wedding flowers and make your wedding more unique and memorable. You can mix and match different items that match your style and theme. You can also reuse or repurpose them after the wedding or give them away as favors or gifts.
7. Partner with another couple.
If you want to save money on your wedding flowers, you can try partnering with another couple who is getting married at the same venue or nearby on the same day or weekend. This way, you can split the cost of the flowers and share them for your weddings.
For example, you can use the same flowers for your ceremony and reception venues and coordinate the delivery and pickup times with the other couple. You can also use the same florist and negotiate a bulk discount for ordering more flowers. You can also swap or donate some of your flowers to the other couple if you have leftovers or extras.
However, partnering with another couple for your wedding flowers requires some planning and communication. You need to find a couple who is willing to cooperate and compromise with you. You also need to agree on the style, color, and budget of the flowers. You also need to have a contract or agreement that outlines the terms and conditions of the partnership.
8. Take your florist’s advice.
Last but not least, one of the best ways to save money on your wedding flowers is to take your florist’s advice. Your florist is a professional who has the knowledge, experience, and resources to help you plan your wedding flowers on a budget. They can offer you suggestions, tips, and solutions that you may not have thought of or known about.
To take advantage of your florist’s advice, you need to be honest and open with them about your vision, preferences, and budget. You also need to trust and respect their expertise and creativity. You also need to communicate clearly and frequently with them throughout the process.
Your florist is not only your vendor but also your partner in making your wedding day beautiful and memorable. By taking their advice, you can save money on your wedding flowers and have a smooth and stress-free experience.
Conclusion
Wedding flowers are a wonderful way to add beauty and romance to your wedding day, but they don’t have to cost a fortune. By following these tips and ideas, you can plan your wedding flowers on a budget in 2023 and still have a stunning floral display that suits your style and theme.
Remember that your wedding flowers are not just about the money or the details. They’re about celebrating your love and happiness with your partner and your guests. Focus on what matters most to you and enjoy every moment of your wedding day.