6 WAYS TO SAVE MONEY ON FLOWERS AND STILL HAVE A BEAUTIFUL WEDDING

reception-at-Early-Mountain-Vineyard-with-large-fireplace-floral-arrangement-and-hanging-greenery-on-the-chandelier — RAY RISCASSI PHOTOGRAPHY

Saving money on your wedding flowers is easier than you think! We've compiled our top 6 expert tips to help you stay within your budget while creating stunning floral arrangements for your big day. From choosing cost-effective blooms to teaming up with your vendors, these tips will ensure your flowers are as beautiful as they are affordable.

1) Search for florists near your wedding venue. The further your vendors have to travel, the more expensive they will be. This way, more of your budget can be used for florals and less for travel expenses.

However, do not sacrifice your vision for the closest option! If you see nothing on their website that reflects your style, you will likely have more difficulty getting what you want.

2) Determine the importance of flowers to your wedding day. This will help you determine an appropriate budget. If flowers are a top priority, you might want to consider a wedding florist. These professionals specialize in creating elaborate floral arrangements to help you achieve your desired aesthetic. If flowers are further down your list and you just want a bouquet, a retail florist or local flower farm might be a more budget-friendly option. For more info on this, see #5.

3) Hire a wedding planner! They have lots of ideas on how to best achieve your goals and a trusted book of vendors who will best suit your needs. A wedding planner can help you create a cohesive floral design that complements your overall wedding theme, recommend cost-effective florists, and negotiate better prices on your behalf.

4) Once you have chosen your venue, consider partnering with the couple on the day before/after you. Can any florals be reused? This is not done often but can lead to stunning results, especially with large floral or greenery installations (think ceilings). It's a creative and eco-friendly way to enhance your wedding aesthetic.

5) Do you just need a few bouquets? If you don't have an arch, statement piece, or table flowers, try a local flower farm or retail florist. A 'wedding florist' is usually best for weddings with an arch, table centerpieces, and more.

6) Don't rush into buying vases and candles to save money! Wait and see what your vendors have to offer first. Often, venues have a storage area of items you can use, a wedding planner may have table runners or table numbers, and wedding florists generally have a wide range of vase and candle options. Please do not start buying vases until you book your florist! You may not need to buy anything, saving time and money!

Finding the right floral vendor for your budget is key. You want someone with the experience to make your day beautiful within your budget. Happy planning!