By Kim Hess
Weddings and flowers go together like gowns and graduations. They’re an essential element of the occasion. But when it comes to cost, some brides trim spending on floral displays to afford the fancy venue, dinners, drinks, and professional photography.
The floral budget for a large traditional wedding in the U.S. can easily blossom into the thousands. It all depends on how many bouquets, boutonnières, corsages, centerpieces, and altar arrangements you order.
Bud, Quit Busting Our Budget
Fresh flowers will end faster than the honeymoon, but a few simple tricks will keep them from busting the budget. Martha Stewart’s wedding website now lists specialty companies that provide colorful silk flowers for rent at a fraction of the cost of custom fresh cuts. Something Borrowed Blooms caters to weddings in the U.S. and Canada with a typical fee of about $500. Compare that to some custom florists which will create a one-of-a-kind floral environment for more like $7,000.
Wedding Spending Falls with Age
A recent survey found the amount couples spend on nuptials varies by age. On average, brides and grooms spend $15,269, with younger couples spending well above that number. Those ages 24 and younger reported spending an average of $22,400.
At age 35, the average wedding budget drops to $12,745. Senior citizens reported spending the least amount on weddings at $7,946.
Age may have something to do with a decrease in floral purchases, and budget-cutting for weddings. Another explanation? A rise in the do-it-yourself culture and desire to include personalized touches to the wedding.
Holding down Flower Costs
When Victoria Holgate’s daughter announced she and her longtime boyfriend wanted to get married in just three months with a minimal budget, they had to get creative. They set their October wedding outdoors to take advantage of the beautiful fall foliage.
They bought silk flowers on sale from Michael’s and arranged them in small inexpensive, glass vials and empty wine bottles. The bride did splurge on a simple bouquet of eucalyptus and pale pink roses from a professional florist. “I’m guessing she spent less than $100 on flowers for the ceremony and reception,” said Holgate. “And the silk flowers are now decorations in their condo.”
Victoria married her own longtime beau shortly after her daughter’s wedding. She chose a garden setting filled with native flowers. Her guests enjoyed the Texas lantana and black-eyed Susans, and she had more money to spend on other things. The bride and groom are in their 50s and didn’t spend a cent on flowers. “Honestly, I’d rather spend the money on live music and the photographer,” said Holgate.
Flower-It-Yourself Movement
Platforms such as Pinterest and Blueprint offer endless ideas and tips for DIY flower arranging. Of course, you can also find hilarious photos of DIY Wedding Flower Disasters on Pinterest for examples of what not to do. These might make you think twice about bypassing a professional service.
So as wedding season approaches, whether planning your own or attending as a guest, remember flowers are still a traditional part of the ceremony. Whether the flower girls are tossing freshly plucked or used silk rental rose petals, whether the centerpieces are professionally crafted or lovingly created by a member of the wedding party, the idea is to make sure they look good. Because photos are forever.
Kim Hess is a nature lover and wedding planner who enjoys incorporating a hometown feel in the ceremonies and receptions she designs. She also enjoys tasting food at venues around the country, so she can recommend the best wedding day feasts. (Hey, somebody’s gotta do it!)