Wedding Information: Lower Your Wedding Flower Costs

Hi! My name is Candice. This is my personal guide about wedding planning, wedding expos, dresses, make-up, hair, websites, venues, honeymoons and all the other vital information one needs to know to ensure that everything goes according to plan before the big day.

Sunday, April 30, 2006

Lower Your Wedding Flower Costs

Author: Candice Barrigher

When planning a wedding, it is vital to keep in mind that approximately 5-10% of the budget may be consumed by floral costs. Whether your budget is $5000 or $15,000, this percentage
is a significant amount considering all of the other things that are battling over your hard earned dollars (or, your parents' hard earned dollars!) Although the thought of spending so much
on an element of your wedding that may not last past the day itself may depress you, flowers add the power of elegance and richness to your event.

"So, what do I do?" is a question that I have been asked. The answer is quite simple; you must find ways to cuts costs and maintain the same desired effect. What most do not find simple
is discovering ways to cut the costs. Well, here are a few tried and true ways that will allow you to incorporate one of nature's most glorious creations without breaking the bank.

1) One word.SILK! Silk flowers today appear to be so life-like, that I have actually had to touch and smell a bouquet just to be sure! They come is huge variations of blooms and colors. You are
most certain to find silk flowers in exactly the same bloom and color you desire for actual flowers at a fraction of the costs.

2) Purchase flowers that are in season at the time of your wedding. The prices and choices available may vary across the country, but, the guide below is general and may apply in most
states.

Summer Blooms
Lilies Asters Straw Flowers Stephanotis

Winter Blooms
Holly Poinsettias

Fall Blooms
Sunflowers Orange Blossoms

Spring/Summer Blooms
Calla Lilies Freesia Magnolias Lily of the Valley

Annual Blooms
Baby's Breath Gerbera Daisies Daisies Freesia Carnations

Spring Blooms
Lilacs Tulips Violets Irises

3) Use decorations that do not require flowers. With a little bit of creativity and compromising, you can create gorgeous centerpieces that are not floral at all. Candles have made some of the best centerpieces I have seen yet. One idea is to place pillar candles in hurricane lamps of varying sizes and place tulle and glitter/confetti around the setting. Candles can create a romantic ambience and will cast a warm, peachy glow on the smiling faces of your guests!