Many of our wedding clients come to us completely overwhelmed with the flower portion of their wedding planning.  Sometimes, overwhelmed with the decisions regarding colors, variety, style, size and quantity, but most of the time, I meet with brides that are overwhelmed by the anticipation of the expense, with the idea that fresh flowers at their wedding are going to be unbearably expensive.  Planning and choosing flowers for the first most beautiful day of your life with the one you love should not feel overwhelming. We want you to have fun with the decision making and be excited about the results of your planning, which is totally possible and not an unreasonable expectation.  So, let’s break it down.

On average, 10% of a wedding budget is typically allocated to flowers and decor. That’s a good place to begin.  Know your budget- also, know that everybody has different means and starts with a budget that they are comfortable with and able to manage. Here are a few tips to staying within your budget and maximizing your money in the floral section of your wedding planner.

~ Make a map and a tentative plan.  Take it to your consultation, along with all of those wedding flower photos you’ve been pinning for ideas, and don’t forget a list of all of the questions that you have for your florist.  The first consultation is a great time to discuss all of your concerns.

~ Choose your venue wisely.  If you’re concerned about your flower budget, or have a limited budget, choosing a venue that is naturally beautiful will minimize the amount of flowers and decor that you need to bring in. Outdoor venues, for example, often have beautiful backdrops and natural elements that can just be enhanced with simple floral accents.

~ Choose flowers that are in season and locally grown!  It’s simple. Do a little research. It’s fine if peonies are your favorite and you must have them at your wedding.  We love peonies too, but we love them much more in the spring when we can step outside and cut them, than in August when we have to buy the stems and pay to have them shipped to us.  Using flowers that your local flower farmer can grow the same season of your wedding definitely help keep your floral budget in check.

~ Use designs that can be used in two places.  Many times, I recommend that clients use vessels for their ceremony altar arrangements and aisle flowers that can be easily relocated to the reception venue where flowers are needed.  A close friend or family member outside of the wedding party, is usually always happy to handle this responsibility.

~ Ask for designs that combine expensive flowers with inexpensive flowers.  The “mix high and low” rule can be used across the board, at any venue, any theme, any color scheme, any style and any design.  If you’re unsure about floral options that coordinate with your ideas and plan. I promise you will not be the first to ask about this.

~ Incorporate lighting and other decor to accent your florals. Candles are beautiful and can create a romantic ambience in any area.  Personal items are also an option for adding to centerpieces and table displays, photos and keepsakes are an intimate touch and help tell your guests your love story.

~ Size matters.  It’s common for bride’s to steer away from larger, full-petal flowers to begin with, because off the idea that they are more costly.  In reality, I hydrangea takes up 5-10 times the space off a white rose, or even a peony. So, you only need one for an arrangement, as opposed to several of a smaller bloom.  It’s always worth an ask.

~ Be creative and think outside of the box.  Herbs, succulents and other plants are often great options to be added to the floral mix, don’t count them out.  Everyone loves something different and guests tend to talk about those original details FOR. EVER. Give them something to talk about.  

~ Prioritize.  Deciding what areas you want to shine the most will be helpful.  You don’t have to have flowers everywhere. Going big with a few focal, statement designs in strategic areas will create the “WOW” effect and more minimal floral accents can be used in other areas to spread the warm and fuzzy feeling of all the love throughout the entire day.

The best advice that we have to offer, is find a florist (or a local farmer-florist) if you’re lucky enough to have one nearby that loves what they do and is easy to talk to.  Be open minded, take your time with the consult and the decision making and ask for advice and opinions about all of your options. Remember, they are there to make your wedding day dreams come true, but you have to share your vision with them.

If you have questions about Petaled Pail wedding flowers and pricing, or are interested in being one of our brides, have a look at our “Wedding” tab here or feel free to contact us for more information. You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram @petaledpail for current images of our weddings, events and other designs.