Last Updated on February 9, 2023
Use These 5 Proven Tips To Help You Lower Your Wedding Flower Costs
Your wedding flower costs can be a significant expense. At our shop, for example, wedding flowers generally range between $500 and $3000, which may or may not include the reception flowers.
Wedding flowers, done professionally, can take a bite out of your wedding budget.
That’s why many brides today choose to do their own wedding flowers as a way to save money.
But there are ways to narrow that gap and still get the professionally-designed wedding flowers you want.
Here are five proven tips to keep your wedding flower cost under control.
1. Set A Realistic Budget For Flowers And Stick To It
The lack of a realistic budget is the number one problem I see. Most couples budget too little for flowers or have already spent the money intended for flowers on other things.
Most wedding sites state that the “average” couple should plan to allocate 8% – 10% of their wedding budget for flowers.
That’s a pretty “cookie-cutter” approach to budgeting for wedding flowers. Still, if you consider yourself “average,” it’s at least a starting point.
But if you consider yourself “unique,” like you are, there’s another option.
You will get a much better idea of how much you should budget for wedding flowers by using our free wedding cost estimator tool.
This tool is better suited to developing a workable budget for all your wedding needs, including the flowers. It shows you what couples in your local area paid rather than vendor pricing. Be sure to check it out.
Once you have a rough idea of your wedding flower cost, set aside that money in your wedding account and continue to add to it regularly.
Don’t make the mistake of budgeting too tightly. Prices can and do fluctuate. Try to keep a 10% cushion to cover any unexpected expenses.
2. Get Your Wedding Flower Priorities In Order
Before you meet with a florist, choose what flowers are important to you. Flowers for the bridal party? Ceremony flowers? Reception flowers?
Being upfront with your florist will allow them to offer you several options. Drawing on their experience will save you money.
Begin by splitting up your wedding flower budget into three areas. In my opinion, the order of importance should be:
- Personal Flowers
- Ceremony Flowers
- Reception Flowers
Your bridal bouquet and attendant’s bouquets should be your top priority. They are the essential elements of your wedding. They have the most prominent visual impact and will be the most photographed.
It’s also the first impression of you and your event that your guests will have. You want that impression to be memorable. I don’t think it’s the place to try and cut corners.
I strongly recommend that most of your wedding flower budget be allocated in this area, perhaps all of it, especially if your flower budget is limited.
Your choice of flowers and the style of your bouquets will set the tone for your special day. Remember, this is your special day, one you will never forget. Don’t skimp here.
I used to prioritize reception flowers ahead of ceremony flowers. Over the last several years, I have changed my thinking on this.
Many ceremonies and receptions share a single venue today, making ceremony flowers much more cost-effective. But whether you are using one or more sites on your wedding day, there are some basic principles I advise brides to consider.
Suppose you hold your wedding ceremony in a church or a larger space. In that case, you need to consider your ceremony flowers’ size, not the quantity. It’s usually better to have a couple of more impressive floral arrangements instead of several smaller ones.
It’s also important to know how your photographer will photograph your ceremony to maximize the design and placement of floral arrangements.
Remember that every floral arrangement used at the ceremony, including altar arrangements, pew decorations, candelabra flowers, and unity candle arrangements, can be re-purposed and used for the reception.
But it’s better to design for the ceremony venue and find the right places to reuse those arrangements at your reception venue.
There are variables to consider when sharing arrangements between venues. Following the advice of a professional florist can pay off here.
The most significant expense of your wedding day is your reception. In my experience, it also can be a sizeable variable expense in your wedding flower budget.
Reception flowers can range from very simple to very elaborate. You have many options to consider, including personal tastes and style, room size and configuration, floor plan, and seating arrangements.
You might think, “Do I need flowers at the reception?” The simple answer is “No, probably not.”
But consider this. First impressions count.
All the guests who RSVP’d plan to attend the reception, but not all will attend the ceremony. And the reception is where everyone will spend the majority of the time that day.
No matter how simple or elaborate, flowers provide the finishing touch and leave a lasting impression.
Seeking the advice of a professional florist can pay off here, even if you plan to do the reception flowers yourself.
3. Ask About Wedding Flower Packages
Many florists, including us, offer wedding flower packages that can save you significant money. They’re not a perfect fit for every wedding, but we have had brides put them to some creative uses.
One bride used one of our corsage packages to finish off some brightly colored gift boxes she used on her guest tables.
4. Remain Flexible And Get Your Florist Involved Early in the Planning Process
Another tip to save on your overall wedding flower cost is flexibility. For example, you usually save money using a color palette rather than specific flower types. Using a color palette often can result in bottom-line savings for you.
Many florists provide other products and services for weddings and events or work closely with other professionals who do. Many offer decor and prop rental, linen rental, and venue lighting.
Working with your florist early on can help reduce your wedding flower costs and overall costs by spending less on related products and services you’re considering.
For example, I just met with a bride who bought several large cylinder vases for her reception, something she could have rented from us for much less.
5. Ask For a Lower Price
It’s always a buyer’s market if you know what to ask and how to ask for it. Being upfront with your budget is the key, even if you’re looking for the lowest price.
As I mentioned, many florists are more than willing to work with couples planning a wedding on a tight budget.
But that said, if you plan to spend a certain amount with them, most florists are usually willing to throw in additional products or services for little or no extra cost.
If a florist knows you are ready to spend $xxx, it’s unlikely they will let you walk out the door without offering a few incentives.
They will find a way to make it work, trust me. Even if it doesn’t cut your wedding flower cost, you’ll get more for your money.
Keep an eye on the miscellaneous expenses that florists usually charge, such as delivery fees, set-up and tear-down fees, and other service charges. They can add up, but these fees are generally negotiable. Sometimes all you have to do is ask.
Spending wisely or saving money on your wedding should be your goal. It’s a priority for the majority of couples planning weddings today.
I’ve outlined five different ways that you can use to lower your wedding flower cost. But don’t stop with your florist.
Use these tips with all of your wedding vendors. I think you’ll be surprised at the results.
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Til next time,
