Wedding Budget Tips: How to Make the Most of Your Flower Budget

Welcome to Part 2 of our Wedding Flower Budget series! Planning your wedding flowers should be one of the most exciting and creative parts of your wedding, but I get it - it can feel a bit overwhelming when you’re trying to balance your dream vision with your budget. No need to stress, though! I’m here to help you navigate the process and avoid any surprises along the way. My goal is to give you tips that make it easier to create beautiful florals that not only fit your style but also your budget. Here are eight ideas to make sure your wedding flowers make the biggest impact!

1. Come Prepared with Ideas and Preferences

Before you start getting in touch with florists, try to gather a few ideas of the styles and flowers that really speak to you. Do you lean towards romantic, wildflower arrangements, or prefer something clean and modern? Are there specific blooms or colour palettes that you're drawn to? Sharing Pinterest boards or photos of weddings that inspire you can give your florist a starting point to work from. Don’t worry if you don’t know the names of specific flowers, just knowing the overall vibe you want is enough! This helps us better understand your vision and recommend options that fit your budget while still achieving the overall look and feel you're going for.

2. Let’s Talk About Your Priorities

Every couple has different priorities when it comes to their wedding, and flowers are no different. Maybe you have a strict overall budget you need to stick to, or maybe there’s one special piece, like a breath taking ceremony backdrop, that you want to splurge on. Let your florist know what’s most important to you so they can tailor the designs accordingly. Together, you and your florist can focus your budget on the things that matter most while still creating something beautiful for every part of your day.

3. Repurpose Designs for Ceremony and Reception

A great way to make the most of your floral budget is to repurpose arrangements for different parts of your wedding. For example, a ground ceremony feature can be moved to the reception and used to decorate the head table and/or bar, and aisle flowers can double as stunning table centrepieces. This way you get the most value out of your flowers, and your spaces stay cohesive and beautiful. Just keep in mind, if you're having an outdoor wedding in the warmer months, some blooms may not look their best by the reception. Don’t worry though, your florist should be able to guide you toward the best flower choices for your day and location!

4. Focus on High-Impact Pieces

If you're looking to make the most of your budget, consider putting more of it towards the pieces that will have the biggest impact or be in the most photos. Think of the bridal bouquet or a stunning ceremony backdrop, these are the show-stoppers that guests will see and remember. Your photographer will capture these pieces in many of your wedding photos, so it’s worth investing in them! On the flip side, smaller details like buttonholes and corsages for family members can be skipped unless they’re really important to you and your family.

5. Trust Me—Your Florist is Here to Help!

One of the best things you can do to make the most of your flower budget is to trust your florist. Most florists truly care about making your wedding day as beautiful as possible. Instead of coming to your florist with a strict list of flowers or arrangements that need to fit within your budget, have an open conversation about your overall vision and what you’re most excited about. Your florist can work with you to come up with creative ways to achieve a similar look while sticking to your budget.

6. Understanding That Your Budget Needs to Match Your Wants & Needs

When planning your wedding flowers, it’s important to make sure your budget matches your wants and needs. I know it’s easy to get caught up in all the gorgeous designs you see online, but being realistic about what you can afford will help you avoid overspending or feeling disappointed later. If you’re not sure where to start, check out my previous blog post, "How Much Do Wedding Flowers Cost?". It’s a great guide for creating a flower budget that works for you!

7. Be Open to Seasonal Substitutions

Sometimes, the flowers you’ve been dreaming of may not be in season or might be out of reach budget-wise - but that’s okay! There are always alternatives that can give you a similar look and feel. Seasonal blooms are often higher quality and more affordable, and I can recommend gorgeous substitutes that will work for your wedding’s style and time of year. Plus, using locally grown, seasonal flowers is much better for the environment than using imported flowers. Being open to some flexibility can make a huge difference in getting the most out of your budget.

8. Incorporate Other Elements Into Your Décor

Another great way to stretch your wedding flower budget is by incorporating other design elements into your décor. For example, using potted plants along the aisle or as table arrangements can add a fresh, natural feel to your day while serving a dual purpose. These plants can be kept as special mementos of your wedding or even gifted to guests after the event, an eco-friendly and thoughtful touch!

For the table scape, consider mixing flowers with candles to create a beautiful, romantic atmosphere without needing as many florals. Candles add warmth and ambiance, while the florals bring texture and colour. This combination creates a lush, inviting look that’s both impactful and budget-friendly.

Fruit and flowers are a very popular combo, and it’s another great way to create a lush, abundant look on a budget! You can fill the spaces between floral arrangements with clusters of seasonal fruits and veggies, adding texture, colour, and a bit of unexpected charm to your tablescape.

9. Host a Flower Design Party

Looking for a fun and creative way to add a personal touch to your wedding? Consider hosting a flower design party! This is a fantastic way to bring your close family and friends together to create beautiful table centrepieces for your big day. You can get in touch with a florist to lead a hands-on workshop where everyone can make their own arrangements. I actually hosted one of these workshops for a friend, and it was so much fun! Not only did everyone enjoy the process of creating something meaningful, but at the wedding, guests were proudly showing off their arrangements to others. It added a really special, personal touch to the celebration. Plus, it's a great way to get involved with your florals and have some fun with your loved ones before the big day!

With these tips, you’ll be able to create beautiful, impactful wedding florals that fit both your vision and your budget. Happy planning! 🌸

This is Part 2 in a 2 part series on wedding flower budgets. You can find Part 1 here. If you have any questions or thoughts about this topic, send an email to eliaufloral@gmail.com and I'll try my best to address your query!

-Johanna