Save Money on Your Wedding Flower Arrangements

Question: Can I make my own flower arrangements and boutonnieres?


Answer: If you are someone who has done flower arrangements before (or you have a willing friend or wedding consultant who has) you might consider creating your own wedding flowers. The benefits are of course that you could save a considerable amount of money and that you'll be sure of having creative control to get what you want.

You'll want to find a bulk flower provider - you can find these on the internet, such as at freshroses.com or at freshflowersandmore.com. If you're working with a wedding consultant, he or she probably has a wholesaler id and may be able to purchase the flowers for you at your city's flower market.

Keep in mind that your job will entail more than just arranging the flowers. Bulk flowers arrive with a lot of work needing to be done- you'll need to remove outer petals, work to open the flowers at the right time, and keep them watered and misted. (each kind of flower needs a different kind of care.) You'll typically get the flowers three days before you need to have them, so that you have time to force them open and care for them. You'll need a cool dark place for this time.

When you're thinking about how much this will save you, consider that you'll need to purchase not only the flowers, but also containers for both caring for them and for arranging them, floral tape, wire, and oasis, and other incidentals. Also remember that florists build in overage costs, assuming that they won't be able to use every flower they buy. In the end, it may be easier and not much more expensive to find an inexpensive florist who is willing to work within your budget.

Source: About.com: Weddings