Fresh Flowers vs. Silk
One of the first choices brides need to make when beginning the planning for their wedding flowers is between real and silk flowers. While not made out of silk any more, the realistic quality of artificial flowers has improved greatly in the last few years. Many craft stores stock aisles of silk flowers and many cannot be distinguished from the real thing. If your heart is set on a specialty flower or an out of season beauty, you may find the silk option considerably less expensive. On the plus side for real flowers is the scent they bring and the special celebratory air brimming vases of real blooms lend to a venue. The real flowers will fade shortly after the ceremony and the silks will be yours to treasure forever. One helpful way to decide is to select the main flowers you wish to have in your bouquets and arrangements and compare the price of real and silk. A huge price difference may make the decision for you.In Season or Specialty Blooms
If you choose to go with real flowers, one way to keep the costs down is choosing in season flowers in place of specialty or out-of-season blooms. Armfuls of tulips for a winter wedding can add hundreds of dollars to the final bill. If your heart is set on a special flower with a high dollar price tag, think about using it as a central flower surrounded by less expensive varieties. If this option will work, select the central bloom in a rich, dramatic color to get the highest impact with the least number of flowers.Budget Helping Ideas
Whether you choose silk or real flowers, plan your arrangements so they can be used during the ceremony and the reception to stretch your flower budget. Pew bows can be designed to hang on the ends of benches and then set in votive holders or small vases. Alter arrangements, door swags and bridesmaid's bouquets can grace the buffet table, head table and gift table for the reception. Ask your florist to help you arrange your flowers in a fashion which makes them attractive from all sides and easy to transport. YB Flowers, based in Howell, offers fresh flowers designed by professionals or envisioned by their customers. A helpful checklist of possible flower arrangement choices is posted on the website and they are happy to work within the budget limits. Ask a responsible friend or family member who is not in charge of another part of the wedding to gather your flowers after the ceremony while you are having your formal photos taken and set them up at the reception.DIY Flowers
If you have experience or are blessed with the crafters gene, it is more than possible for you to create your own bouquets and arrangements. Take a class through your local craft store or adult education campus if your skills are rusty or you need inspiration. Steer clear of flowers which would need refrigeration to hold their luster and color for the wedding day. Irises and daffodils grown in a friend's or neighbor's garden could not be prettier for a spring wedding and need little or no additional blooms to look elegant and chic. Most markets and grocery stores offer bouquets and cut flowers by the package which can give you access to carnations and lilies without having to go through a florist. Check with the manager to see if you can place an order with him for specific blooms through the wholesaler.Packages and Combination Services Can Save Money and Time
If the wedding date is approaching faster than you can make plans or your checkbook is getting thin, your best option is to look for a florist who offers packages or other services you need. Seivert's Floral offers packages to match most budgets and rental props to complete the entire look. Arches, tress, candelabras and columns can all be designed into the flower arrangements for a beautiful total display with minimal planning and handling on your part.Your flowers are one of the most vivid memories you will have once the last song has been played and the rice has been thrown. Finding the arrangements and blooms which match the colors and style of your wedding is an important component of the overall tone you will create for this most important day. The air of celebration and happiness which flowers bring to a wedding cannot be overstated. Careful planning with an eye toward your budget will allow you to surround yourself with flowers at a price you can afford.
