The average floral spend is five to 15 per cent of the overall cost of the wedding. However, it's easy to get carried away when gorgeous centrepieces and exquisite bouquets are on offer from talented florists. Even if you have a limited budget, an experienced florist will be able to find a way to achieve most of what you're looking for.Here are some tips to save those flower dollars:
Prioritise and budget
Before you start spending, carefully plan your budget and decide where flowers rank on your list of priorities. If you would rather spend more of your money on lighting and special effects, then it may be a hint that you should spend less on flowers. However, if creating a big impact at your reception is a priority, allocate a larger portion of the budget to flowers.
Double duty
If you can move them, make the most of your church flowers by taking them to your reception venue for added d�cor. Arrangements done on pedestals can look perfect as entrance displays or buffet table d�cor. Pew-ends can be used as chair backs. You can even ask the bridesmaids to leave their bouquets in tall, sculptural vases on the reception table, near to the guest book.
Choose a flower-friendly theme
A vintage or retro theme can somewhat cut your floral costs down, particularly in terms of the vessels you use. This sort of theme lends itself very well to the use of mismatched china jugs, teapots, decanters and shabby-chic vases that you or your family may already own. Alternatively, a modern theme is also budget-friendly since you can consider having less flowers and more foliage, wheatgrass or succulents. A few vibrantly coloured blooms accompanied by greenery will have a striking and sophisticated effect.
Indulge a little
If your funds are tight but you really want to use a particular expensive flower, you can use it sparingly. Try most of it in your bouquet and using only a few stems in your centrepieces.
Know your focal points
Concentrate your floral arrangements in the areas where guests will spend the majority of time and where photographs are likely to taken.
Alternative bridesmaids'
bouquets
This is an area where you can cut costs by giving each bridesmaid a single statement bloom to carry.
Try tricks of the trade
Make reception floral centrepieces appear larger by placing them on mirror bases and adding votive candles around each one. The reflection and light will certainly amplify their effect.