I’ve been asked numerous times in consultations what type of flowers are in season, what are some big flowers (that can take up a lot of space), but basically the question is, “How can I get the most out of what I am paying for?” This question I can relate to, most definately on a personal level, therefore I want to pass on some knowledge, (or secrets of the trade, however you want to see it!). With that being said, below I will give you a few options of less expensive to the more expensive choices for your upcoming wedding. Remember though if you contact your florist of choice and request a bid, youre still paying for the expertise and service of a talented and qualified person to assemble your arrangements, bouquets, etc!!
- Silk flowers are NOT cheaper than fresh, (atleast not from my perspective)… When I purchase silk flowers to use, they are (a lot of the time) more expensive than if I had purchased fresh flowers, this is because I only use high quality product!!
There are pros and cons about both, silk and fresh flowers…With silk flowers you can keep them, give them to family members as keepsakes, or take them apart and use them again for something diferent, however thats just it….you have them, forever! With fresh flowers, if you are not one to keep momentos, then its easy to either throw them away, or give to family and friends to enjoy for a few days until they are no longer presentable; but a lot of people have a hard time spending thousands and “throwing away” after the big day!
Cost effective flowers- (dont tell your florist I told you!)
- Carnations– So many people associate these flowers as “cheap”, but even though these flowers are very easy on the pocket book, by no means do they have to be used in a way that looks inexpensive…I love carnations, I love the texture they have, no other flower has anything comparible to its texture. They are available in tons of beautiful colors, and I have seen some seriously expensive tablescapes done, and what was right up mixed in with other flowers…carnations
- Alstromeria– These you see at the grocery store, they usually have several blooms on one stem, and they are available in a wide array of colors. I love these flowers because with the different dominant colors that they bloom, there are still several other colors within the one bloom, they are not one color only. They also last FOREVER!!
- Freesia– These are available in a few colors (purple, white, pink), they also have several blooms on each stem.
- Stock– I adore this flower so much! I love using it because the blooms are full, and smell AMAZING! Available in white, pink, dark pink, purple…
Those are a few options to help with your floral budget, another option is to have your florist use these for the bulk of an arrangement, but then “accent” with the higher end flowers, if they are placed correctly, it can look as if they are used predominately throughout the piece!
“Splurge” options!
- Roses, rose, roses- EVERYONE knows they are “expensive”, “especially the men, when they get in trouble and call for a dozen!” They are available in hundreds of colors, sizes, and species! They are beautiful, and no other flower usually comes close to what people feel when they get a few! (hint, hint if I have any men reading!)
- Orchids– there are many species, and they all look completely different. They are in a world of their own, as far as their uniqueness and organic beauty!
- Calla Lilies– these are a very distinct choice, they are simply elegant in my opinion, I have many bride’s who request these either in bouquets or centerpieces…
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Peonies– ahhh yes..we all love a peony, they remind me of sweet southern belle wearing her dainty lace gloves, and one of those beautiful big floppy hats!! They are limited in color, but make a huge statement! I love love love them!
I hope this blog has helped with some of your choices in your wedding decor! It’s obviously not a bunch of options, but I wanted to give you a few tid-bits of information to assist if you are trying to stick to a certain budget, or if you have ever been curious about which flowers are more than others, without having to ask!! I love sharing what I know, and will be blogging other help hints in the coming weeks!
Be on the lookout for recent projects with my friends, http://www.bellafotografica.com/ and http://saraheevansphotography.com/, will be on the blog soon, you dont want miss either one!