We're getting married Valetine's Day weekend and I'm so afraid that flowers are going to cost us a bundle! Do you have any advice on what we can do to keep flowers cost down? Types of flowers or creative advice? My colors are fusia and orange.
Have you considered making the arrangements and even your bouquets yourself? or also using silk flowers?
I was in the Flower district this weekend getting flowers for mom and fmil and i saw how much cheaper is will be to do it myself!!!
I even asked the flower shops there for prices and they said they would have to check for 2009 prices.
I know, i know. What a pain in the ass or STRESS to make arrangements yourself. BUT think of all the money you can save?
I just bought a bunch of roses and other type of flowers and branches and went home and did it myself. I looked around the flower shops and got ideas. I made a similar arrangement that was being sold for $125 !!! I did both my moms and my mil for only $80!!! including vases and ribbon.
I seriusly consider making them myself, with the help of MOH sister in law, sisters, mom and everyone that i can think of lol!
You should check it out and make a few mocks to see how easy it can be.
I know that everyone says the price of things doubles or triples the minute you say wedding, but I was pleasantly surprised at the cost of our flowers. The centerpieces are less than half of what they would cost to order the same thing from FTD for Mother's Day or something like that. Maybe it's because we're getting so many; I don't know. I do know that our florist said she doesn't know how they price these things in the books, because the flowers cost nowhere near that. As far as what kind of flowers are available that early, the florist should be able to tell you. Just don't get your heart set on something that is going to have to be flown in from South America or something - ask what they can reasonably get that time of year and try to work with that. They have books of flashcards organized by color, so will be able to go through the books with you to show you what is available in your colors at that time of year. (Even if you end up doing your own flowers, it's worth it to make an appointment with a florist, get an estimate, and take good notes so that you know what to order on your own and how much you really are (or are not) saving.)
I don't think that the nearness to the holiday should raise your costs; your florist will be busy with other arrangements, but that just means you have to book the date early. They always bring in extra help for the big flower giving holidays anyway.
Babesilvia is right. My original wedding date was 2/16/08 but I moved it to 3/15 because early on in the planning process, I was finding that everything was more expensive because of Valentines Day, ESPECIALLY the flowers. So unfair. If you can make them yourself or have someone else who is fairly talented in that area do it, then you will save A LOT of money. I went that route, and don't at all regret it. You have plenty of time to try it out and create some mock ups to see if this is even a viable option for you. Definately hit the FlowerMart for your flowers...and they also have dozens of vendors who create arrangements if you find that you can't do it. I hate to say it because i know how exhausting it is, but research definately pays, so keep checking different florists for their prices. A lot of times, they can let you know approximately how much more expensive the flowers you want might be (they can't tell you exactly, but I got quotes based on past sales that were between 5-10% higher around Valentine's Day).
I really wanted to change the date to 3/14, but my fiance wants that weekend because its a long weekend (President's Day). Since we'll be having 2 ceremonies, Hindu and Catholic, we're having one on Saturday and the other on Sunday. Such a hassle. I thought about making the flowers myself, but we're expecting 400 guests and I don't know if I have the manpower to make 40 centerpieces. Not to mention the flowers for both ceremonies. I thought about silk flowers, but I heard those were just as expensive.
what about candles and rose petals? you do the floating thing or a several candles at different hieghts with the petal spread aross the table. Mirrors also make the center piece look bigger.
if using candles, you can always get the them in your colors or hot glue ribbon to bases (not the top... fire hazard!) ribbon is SUPER cheap at craft stores after major holidays.
also at the hindu wedding I have been to, they made beautiful patterns with flower petals, spices, stones and sand.
Go to a craft store for inspiration, whenever i walk around i go.. ohhh i can totally do that myself.
Those were good suggestions - and something you might want to think about. I don't know what you had in mind, but if you weren't thinking along the lines of big, elaborate floral centerpieces (for 40 tables, whoo!) then you can TOTALLY find something that you and/or your family, bridesmaids can pull off yourself. For my wedding, I did 3 cylinder vases in different heights with submerged hydgrangeas surrounded by votives, sitting on top of mirrors. There are a lot of different things you can do with vases, candles, and flowers. As a matter of fact, I was in Costco on Sunday, and saw these beautiful, tall, wide, cylinder vases with large orchid branches in them. They were selling them for $29.99 and I turned to my husband (who rolled his eyes) and said "these would make really nice centerpieces." I'm still in wedding planning/bargain finding mode for some reason. Take advantage of the fact that you are using bright, vibrant colors. Like TallBride said, you can use all kind of ribbon, sand, stones, crystals, etc. to decorate. Make it happen!!!
You ladies are all wonderful! Thanks so much for everything! I feel so much better now.. We're meeting with a florist next week to show them some ideas I have and hopefully I'll hear some good news!
i helped my sister with her flowers too. we purchased everything in downtown la flower district. it was very cheap. 600 bucks total. we bought all orchids and exotic flowers. We had 40 table arrangements, 2 huge arramanges for pictures with the bride and groom, bouquets.. etc. this time around tho. im going the easy route. im going to buy potted orchid plants. they're about 3 ft high. absolutely beautiful. and they only cost 12 bucks!!! paired with a pot from ikea for another 2 bucks. and the arrangement looks like it can cost well over 60 for sure! wow i totally went on a tangent. but yah another point is that u can actaully get those flower places in the flower district to make them for you. u still would be saving a lot more money then going to a local florist.
So here's an update: We met with the florist and as we had previously assumed flowers are going to cost us a TON!! Even if I made DIY centerpieces, the flowers being sold at the flower district are still expense. We had no other choice but to move our wedding to March 14th.
my colors were reds, fusion and oranges as well. You MUST check out my photo's you'll get great flower ideas. My florist was Effusive Flowers in SM. www.effusiveflowers.com
they were fabulous.
check out my pictures and see if anything catches your eyes! everything is for sell or rent from my wedding. let me know if you like anything.
We're getting married Valetine's Day weekend and I'm so afraid that flowers are going to cost us a bundle! Do you have any advice on what we can do to keep flowers cost down? Types of flowers or creative advice? My colors are fusia and orange.
Thank you!!
posted by SandP09 13 posts 6 months agoHi SandP09,
Have you considered making the arrangements and even your bouquets yourself? or also using silk flowers?
I was in the Flower district this weekend getting flowers for mom and fmil and i saw how much cheaper is will be to do it myself!!!
I even asked the flower shops there for prices and they said they would have to check for 2009 prices.
I know, i know. What a pain in the ass or STRESS to make arrangements yourself. BUT think of all the money you can save?
I just bought a bunch of roses and other type of flowers and branches and went home and did it myself. I looked around the flower shops and got ideas. I made a similar arrangement that was being sold for $125 !!! I did both my moms and my mil for only $80!!! including vases and ribbon.
I seriusly consider making them myself, with the help of MOH sister in law, sisters, mom and everyone that i can think of lol!
You should check it out and make a few mocks to see how easy it can be.
posted by babesilvia 63 posts 6 months agoI know that everyone says the price of things doubles or triples the minute you say wedding, but I was pleasantly surprised at the cost of our flowers. The centerpieces are less than half of what they would cost to order the same thing from FTD for Mother's Day or something like that. Maybe it's because we're getting so many; I don't know. I do know that our florist said she doesn't know how they price these things in the books, because the flowers cost nowhere near that. As far as what kind of flowers are available that early, the florist should be able to tell you. Just don't get your heart set on something that is going to have to be flown in from South America or something - ask what they can reasonably get that time of year and try to work with that. They have books of flashcards organized by color, so will be able to go through the books with you to show you what is available in your colors at that time of year. (Even if you end up doing your own flowers, it's worth it to make an appointment with a florist, get an estimate, and take good notes so that you know what to order on your own and how much you really are (or are not) saving.)
I don't think that the nearness to the holiday should raise your costs; your florist will be busy with other arrangements, but that just means you have to book the date early. They always bring in extra help for the big flower giving holidays anyway.
posted by suzanno 1,981 posts 6 months agoBabesilvia is right. My original wedding date was 2/16/08 but I moved it to 3/15 because early on in the planning process, I was finding that everything was more expensive because of Valentines Day, ESPECIALLY the flowers. So unfair. If you can make them yourself or have someone else who is fairly talented in that area do it, then you will save A LOT of money. I went that route, and don't at all regret it. You have plenty of time to try it out and create some mock ups to see if this is even a viable option for you. Definately hit the FlowerMart for your flowers...and they also have dozens of vendors who create arrangements if you find that you can't do it. I hate to say it because i know how exhausting it is, but research definately pays, so keep checking different florists for their prices. A lot of times, they can let you know approximately how much more expensive the flowers you want might be (they can't tell you exactly, but I got quotes based on past sales that were between 5-10% higher around Valentine's Day).
posted by mlindsey 175 posts 6 months agoI really wanted to change the date to 3/14, but my fiance wants that weekend because its a long weekend (President's Day). Since we'll be having 2 ceremonies, Hindu and Catholic, we're having one on Saturday and the other on Sunday. Such a hassle. I thought about making the flowers myself, but we're expecting 400 guests and I don't know if I have the manpower to make 40 centerpieces. Not to mention the flowers for both ceremonies. I thought about silk flowers, but I heard those were just as expensive.
posted by SandP09 13 posts 6 months agowhat about candles and rose petals? you do the floating thing or a several candles at different hieghts with the petal spread aross the table. Mirrors also make the center piece look bigger.
if using candles, you can always get the them in your colors or hot glue ribbon to bases (not the top... fire hazard!) ribbon is SUPER cheap at craft stores after major holidays.
also at the hindu wedding I have been to, they made beautiful patterns with flower petals, spices, stones and sand.
Go to a craft store for inspiration, whenever i walk around i go.. ohhh i can totally do that myself.
posted by TallBride 582 posts 6 months agoThank you so much! Those are great suggestions! :)
posted by SandP09 13 posts 6 months agooh and you can get the candles REALLY cheap after christmas
posted by TallBride 582 posts 6 months agoThose were good suggestions - and something you might want to think about. I don't know what you had in mind, but if you weren't thinking along the lines of big, elaborate floral centerpieces (for 40 tables, whoo!) then you can TOTALLY find something that you and/or your family, bridesmaids can pull off yourself. For my wedding, I did 3 cylinder vases in different heights with submerged hydgrangeas surrounded by votives, sitting on top of mirrors. There are a lot of different things you can do with vases, candles, and flowers. As a matter of fact, I was in Costco on Sunday, and saw these beautiful, tall, wide, cylinder vases with large orchid branches in them. They were selling them for $29.99 and I turned to my husband (who rolled his eyes) and said "these would make really nice centerpieces." I'm still in wedding planning/bargain finding mode for some reason. Take advantage of the fact that you are using bright, vibrant colors. Like TallBride said, you can use all kind of ribbon, sand, stones, crystals, etc. to decorate. Make it happen!!!
posted by mlindsey 175 posts 6 months agoYou ladies are all wonderful! Thanks so much for everything! I feel so much better now..
We're meeting with a florist next week to show them some ideas I have and hopefully I'll hear some good news!
posted by SandP09 13 posts 6 months agoi helped my sister with her flowers too. we purchased everything in downtown la flower district. it was very cheap. 600 bucks total. we bought all orchids and exotic flowers. We had 40 table arrangements, 2 huge arramanges for pictures with the bride and groom, bouquets.. etc. this time around tho. im going the easy route. im going to buy potted orchid plants. they're about 3 ft high. absolutely beautiful. and they only cost 12 bucks!!! paired with a pot from ikea for another 2 bucks. and the arrangement looks like it can cost well over 60 for sure! wow i totally went on a tangent. but yah another point is that u can actaully get those flower places in the flower district to make them for you. u still would be saving a lot more money then going to a local florist.
posted by sokalgurl 4 posts 6 months agoSo here's an update: We met with the florist and as we had previously assumed flowers are going to cost us a TON!! Even if I made DIY centerpieces, the flowers being sold at the flower district are still expense. We had no other choice but to move our wedding to March 14th.
Thanks for everyone's help and advice!
posted by SandP09 13 posts 6 months agomy colors were reds, fusion and oranges as well. You MUST check out my photo's you'll get great flower ideas.
My florist was Effusive Flowers in SM. www.effusiveflowers.com
they were fabulous.
check out my pictures and see if anything catches your eyes! everything is for sell or rent from my wedding. let me know if you like anything.
http://picasaweb.google.com/sshenasi/WeddingDecoration
sshenasi@gmail.com
posted by crazeesheila 18 posts 4 months ago