What’s a wedding without a flower or two (or 100)? Here’s how to stay in the green when it comes to your floral arrangements.
CONSULT A FLORIST
You may be able to DIY your favours or have your cousin DJ, but when it comes to flowers, it’s best to speak to a professional. Your florist is the expert who can give you the most educated advice with regard to reducing costs while still achieving your vision for your wedding,” says Rowenna Rood of Botanica Floral Design.
DISCUSS YOUR BUDGET UP FRONT
Be open with your florist about what you would like to spend on your flowers and ask them if your vision is possible. If it’s not, they can offer suggestions on how you can get a similar look within your budget,” says Rowenna.
AVOID GETTING MARRIED CLOSE TO SPECIAL DAYS
Red and white flowers (especially roses) are extremely expensive a week before Valentine’s Day, as are pink flowers (they are the second most pricey). Flowers also cost more around Mother’s Day and Christmas,” says Charlene Moodie of Oopsie Daisy Flowers.
KNOW YOUR BUDGET’S ENEMY …
As a general rule, flowers with very large heads – like peonies, dahlias, hydrangeas (when not in season) and garden roses – are pricier than others. Those that have several blooms on one stem can also be quite expensive, like hybrid delphiniums and orchids,” says Shari Akal of Bower Flowers.
… BUT DON’T EXCLUDE HIGH-END VARIETIES ON PRINCIPLE
Sometimes the more expensive flowers make sense, as these have a bigger head size and can fill more space as a few smaller, cheaper stems,” says Rowenna. “They can also be very effective solo: a single orchid, rather than a large centrepiece made with less-exciting flowers, will almost certainly be a more affordable option,” says Shari.
SHOP SEASONAL
“Seasonal local flowers can be less expensive than imported flowers. However, this will depend on the type of flower. Some varieties are difficult to grow and maintain, and this drives up the price, regardless of where they are sourced,” says Shari.
GET THE MOST MILEAGE OUT OF YOUR BLOOMS
There’s no reason your blossom-covered chuppah can’t serve as a photo booth later. “Cut out the unnecessary things that can’t be repurposed (like pew ends) and re-use the large arrangements from your ceremony at the reception,” says Rowenna.
CHOOSE A VENUE WITH ITS OWN NATURAL BEAUTY
With colourful fynbos surrounding you, or vineyard views stretching to the horizon, you can go minimal on your flowers and let Mother Nature do the work for you.
HAVE FEWER, BUT MORE EFFECTIVE, ARRANGEMENTS
“Particularly for larger weddings with more tables, it is difficult to achieve a lush floral look on a tight budget. I’d recommend spending your money on a few beautiful installations in the space, and then decorating your tables with candles and textiles,” says Shari. “You could also do extravagant arrangements on half the tables, and something simple on the other half, to save on costs while still creating a wow factor,” says Charlene.
KEEP IT SIMPLE
Arranging flowers is labour-intensive and requires the skill of a creative person, says Charlene. Costs depend not only on the flowers, but also the size of the arrangements, the skill and equipment needed to create them,” says Shari. “For example, a hanging installation is very pricey, as it requires a base to be created or hired, ladders, time and experienced staff to hang it, and a large number of flowers and/or foliage to create an impact.”
BE RUTHLESS WITH YOUR GUEST LIST
“The more tables you have, the more you will spend on flowers and decor,” says Charlene.
ALSO SEE: Practical tips to find your perfect wedding gown
Written by Jade Taylor Cooke for Wedding Etc. Summer 2019.
Feature image: Tara Winstead/Pexels
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