greenery is not cheaper (and other misconceptions)
nip ‘em in the bud
You’re planning your wedding and hiring all your primary vendors, slowly but surely. You’ve googled questions about wedding flowers and read through some articles on the big wedding blogs. While you may get some answers that seem reasonable, it’s worth taking a closer look at some of these common misconceptions floating around the internet.
Greenery
Greenery is rarely the cheapest option. Garlands have become popular for farm tables but it takes quite a bit of material to get the desired look. An 8-foot garland will likely cost $200+ per table, especially if eucalyptus is requested. Adding floral accents or extra thickness will increase the price accordingly.
While an all-greenery look for an installation or bridesmaid bouquet can be really beautiful, it’s going to take quite a bit of material for a voluminous look and several foliage varieties for a sophisticated, textured look.
Bridesmaids’ bouquets
Please don’t reuse your bridesmaids’ bouquets. The bouquets are designed to be held in the hand, and not displayed in a vase. By the time they make it to the reception (if at all), they are unlikely to be in good shape due to heat, handling etc. Then it requires coordination to get the bouquets in said vases which can be difficult with many people involved and cocktail hour in full swing.
Arbor flowers
I don’t recommend repurposing arbor flowers, pretty much ever. The installation was designed with a very specific structure and viewpoint in mind. It would take significant rework to repurpose them in an acceptable form. If the whole structure can be easily moved to the reception space—that’s a different story and will likely work well enough.
American-grown flowers
I love working with locally grown flowers when available. The varieties, colors, and textures can’t be beat in relation to some of the more typical flowers you’ll find at any wholesaler. That being said, it’s not always a cheaper solution. All the costs associated with growing flowers in the US are usually more expensive than overseas. In the cold seasons of New England, that likely means getting flowers shipped in, specifically from places like California which incurs extra cost, especially with high freight costs right now.
Bud vases
Bud vases are great for cocktail tables or to fill in other small spaces. Unless you’re going for a true minimalist look, the number of bud vases you would need for a farm table or large round table is likely going to equal or exceed the cost of a typical centerpiece. We typically sell our bud vase designs for $20 each and recommend grouping at least 7 together for an 8’ rectangular table or typical 60” round table.
on the flip side
Aisle flowers
This year, I’ve been pushing most of my clients to invest in aisle flowers! At first glance, it may seem like a really superfluous design, but they are so incredibly versatile. First of all, at the ceremony they create a cohesive space from the beginning of the aisle leading to the ceremony backdrop design. For a simpler look, I recommend creating two large, lush designs that go behind the last row of chairs to create a beautiful entrance. These can be easily moved in front of the newlyweds’ table or elsewhere at the reception.
Alternatively, you can also line the aisle with smaller arrangements. The amount can be scaled up or down depending on the desired look of abundance. Again, these arrangements can be moved easily to the front of the newlyweds’ table, the cake table, or in front of the stage. The key to moving these types of arrangements is to make sure they will be viewed at a similar vantage point in relation to where they were originally placed.
Hire a floral designer that you trust and be open to ideas that may challenge preconceived notions. Your results will be better if you come to your designer with general goals rather than specific solutions.