Budgeting the Cost of Wedding Flowers

The prices of wedding flowers can quickly add up, as any bride can tell you! When you plan your wedding budget, it can be difficult to know how much you should spend on flowers versus all of the other elements that add to your special day. It’s important to decide how important the flowers are to the overall look and feel of your wedding as well as how much you can afford to spend.

According to the American Bridal Association, the average amount spent on flowers for weddings in 2006 was over $1,970, with the bridal bouquet usually costing at least $175 but going up to well over $500 for more elaborate designs. The rest was divided up between bridesmaids’ bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages, flower girls and décor at the wedding and reception. Even the cost of flowers for wedding attendants quickly added up, with most brides spending at least $275 for their bridesmaid’s bouquets.

Fortunately, the average cost of flowers for a wedding need not apply to all weddings! There are many ways to have gorgeous flowers at your wedding without breaking the bank.

Decide On Inexpensive Flower Options Like Silk

Start with considering what kind of flowers you want. If you are considering something special such as calla lilies or a particular shade of rose, silk flowers can be a wonderful way to get exactly what you want for less money. Today’s silk wedding flowers are incredibly realistic and are less expensive than the real thing, particularly if you want unusual or exotic flowers in your bouquets. Because silk flowers are available year round in a multitude of colors, you have much more flexibility in design choices.

With real flowers, you may have to pay a premium at certain popular times of the year. For instance, florists charge more for flowers near Valentine’s Day, Christmas and the most popular wedding months such as June and August. Flower prices are also influenced by weather – if there is a drought or flooding, flower prices go up dramatically, raising the cost of wedding flowers for all brides. Silk flowers remain the same price regardless of the time of year or weather conditions.

Deciding What Wedding Flowers You Need

You can keep the cost of your own wedding flowers reasonable and still have the beautiful bouquets you’ve dreamed about by keeping these tips in mind:

If you are wearing a fairly plain gown or having a casual ceremony, your dress may look best set off by a smaller, simpler bouquet. Go with two or three flower choices at the most in your bouquets. Too many different types can be overwhelming and will raise the cost of the bouquets.

Compare the price of silk wedding flowers to real blooms. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the beauty of silk flowers and will find that the average cost of flowers for a wedding is much less when you choose silk.

Don’t feel that you have to order separate flowers for the reception. Because silk flowers don’t wilt or become bruised, they will continue looking vibrant and fresh all night long. The bride and bridesmaid’s can display their bouquets on the bridal table at the reception for lovely centerpieces at no additional cost.

Silk bridesmaids’ bouquets can double as gifts to your attendants, saving you the cost of additional presents and giving them a lovely keepsake they can display in their homes.

If the average cost of wedding flowers seems high to you, keep in mind that the flowers you choose can add that final, breathtaking touch to your special day. If you go with silk wedding flowers and keep your focus on the elements that are most important to you, your wedding flowers can be both beautiful and affordable!

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