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!
About the Author
Candice Barrigher is a Home Entertaining expert, as well as a Certified Bridal Consultant. She has been assisting clients offline for 4 years now and has decided to take her presence on the web in February. The web presence of UniqueEntertaining will contain a plethora of entertaining tips, ideas, advice and many wonderful items that will allow clients to have beautiful and memorable events.
She can currently be reached at Candice_Wedding@Consultant.com.
Written by: Candice Barrigher
