Making the Biggest Impact with Your Floral Budget | Style Tips
So often I hear from a friend, a recently married couple, or an engaged couple that flowers are not/were not the priority in their budget because flowers are just so expensive. I've even heard some couples say they never emailed me because they assumed I would be way out of their budget. My new favorite is when a couple mentions they are going to feature fake silk flowers in their centerpieces and floral accents on their wedding day. This my friends, is not OK. I may be a bit biased (I obviously love flowers and see the value) but fake flowers are no more budget friendly than the real deal. I can almost guarantee you will never touch those fake flowers again after your wedding so don't even try to pull the, "well I can use them again", card.
Shea Christine Photography
Exception to the rule: paper flowers. These are stunning, are made of a more natural material and when my friend, Hayley Sheldon gets her hands on anything it turns into a magical creation.
With that being said, you can allocate your floral budget to those show-stopping, highly photographed moments or areas and keep within a $2,800 budget. These are the moments I feel are the most important and the floral details you can skip.
The Details to Keep
Bridal Bouquet
average cost, $350
Shea Christine Photography
You will treasure your bridal bouquet. When my bouquet was handed to me on my wedding day sh*t got real. It was magic. This little bundle of flowers was created just for you and there's something so special about that.
Ceremony Decor
average cost, $700 - 1,000
Jose and Teresa Photography
So the ceremony is kinda a big deal. It is like the whole reason you're having a wedding, right!? Yes. So many pictures are captured in this one spot. Your ceremony and family portraits take up a big chunk of your album so you want to make sure it is pretty. Defining the space with an arbor accented with a large floral installation or choosing layered and stacked pedestal arrangements are each great ways to make a lush impact.
Sweetheart Table Design
average cost, $300
Jessica Bordner Photography
Some of the sweetest pictures of you as a couple on your wedding day come while you're enjoying speeches and a brief moment slightly separated from your guests. Make it special.
Reception Tables
average cost, $350 per table
Erica J Photography
This is where a HUGE chunk of your floral budget ends up, especially those couples who opt for round tables. My suggestion for couples looking to cut back on reception table cost and still have a floral design element - go for the banquet (rectangle) tables in multiple rows or in one long row. I normally suggest one larger arrangement placed in the center with bud vases and candles placed along the length of the table. guests and candles intertwined. For a 100 person wedding you're looking at a spend of about $2,000.
The Details to Skip
Boutonnières/Corsages
average cost, $25
Lauren Louise Photography
They end up being floppy and forgotten, put on incorrectly, or a point of contention because one family member was forgotten in the final count. I say skip it.
Aisle Markers
average cost, $60 per aisle
The only time I see these being necessary or impactful is if your venue is a bit of a blank slate and you're going for that lush garden vibe. If you go for the aisle markers, opt for something that is placed on the ground or a chair garland and forgo the ribbon-wrapped mason jar hooked on the chair.
Cocktail Table Arrangements
average cost, $40
Place candles in a design savvy votive/lantern here instead and you'll save a good amount of money. Cocktail hour comes and goes so quickly and is rarely revisited. Bar arrangements will make a more substantial impact and will be visited throughout the evening by your guests.
Bathroom Arrangements
average cost, $40
Find a venue with a cute bathroom and you're good to go.
Other Details to Keep in Mind
When reviewing your floral design quote keep in mind that the final cost includes time spent communicating your vision, sourcing, ordering, designing, setup and breakdown the day of your wedding. While you're getting your hair done and relaxing with your bridesmaids your floral design team is loading up their delivery van and prepping every arrangement for delivery. Hiring a team of professionals saves you and your family valuable time and minimizes stress on your wedding day.
Glass of bubbly > moving boxes of centerpieces
Shea Christine Photography
