[Photo:ashleybosnick.com]
Skip the centerpieces.
Those huge fresh floral arrangements are costly, especially if you're having a lot of guests and need a centerpiece for each table. Instead, focus on beautiful arrangements for the bouquets and boutonnieres, and choose non-floral centerpieces, such as candles or favor boxes to decorate the tables.
Go faux.
Before you roll your eyes, realize that faux flowers have come a long way in recent years. Craft stores like Michaels and AC Moore have gorgeous options--and some locations even have designers onsite who can put the arrangements together for you.
Stay local.
The moment you start thinking about out-of-season florals or flying in flowers from other locales, you’re going to see your flower budget go through the roof. The cheapest flower options are local blooms that you or your florist has easy access to.
DIY.
If you or a friend has a knack for floral design, you can definitely try to put your flowers together on your own. Just remember: When it comes to DIY, the simpler the project, the better. And you’ll want to do a trial run a few weeks before the big day so you know exactly what to do and how to do it when the date arrives.
Buy wholesale.
If you decide to DIY, try to find a flower wholesaler in your area where you can buy your blooms in bulk without paying retail. Don’t have one near you? There are some wholesale sites, such as FiftyFlowers.com, where you can order in bulk and have them shipped to you.
Plant it.
Think about potted plants for the centerpieces. You can even do potted flowers--think lush blooms like hydrangeas--if you have your heart set on flowers. The potted plants and flowers can also serve double duty as favors that guests can take home and plant.
Repurpose your flowers.
If you’re having flowers at your ceremony, such as aisle runners and altar arrangements, find a way to use them again in the reception décor. Garland is perfect for both aisle runners and then as one long centerpiece at the reception.
Skip those extra flowers.
You don’t need arrangements for the escort card table, the bar area, the lobby of the church or ceremony area. Just eliminating those orders will significantly bring down your flower bill.
Go to your local grocer.
Believe it or not, many big chain supermarkets have floral departments with talented designers on staff, so be sure to check prices and options with the one closest to you.
