Planning the budget for your wedding flowers

If you're planning to include flowers as part of the design for your wedding day (ceremony and/or reception), keep in mind that approximately 5 to 10% of your total wedding budget may need to be put aside to allow for your wedding flowers and florist costs. This percentage can be a significant amount, whether your budget is $10,000 or $2000, and as such, your wedding flowers require particular consideration.

Don't forget that the flowers that you choose for your wedding day can play an intrinsic role in enhancing the special meaning of your commitment. Flowers add the power of elegance and richness to your wedding and wedding reception.

 Don't be shy to obtain quotes from several different florists! When discussing your budget with a florist, be very firm about how much you'd like to spend. Only you know how much you are willing to spend on your flowers. If you feel the quote that a florist gives you is unreasonable, search around your area for other possibilities. It is always better to find a great deal and a florist that will take your flowers seriously. Keep in mind that a  knowledgeable florist should be able to suggest new flower ideas within your price range.

Another good idea budget-wise is to consider only purchasing flowers that are in season at the time of your wedding. The prices and choices available may vary from area to area, but a few e-mails, telephone calls or visits to florists will soon ensure you have a list of what's going to be available on your wedding day. As a very rough guide, the following flowers are available most of the year: Baby's Breath, Gerbera Daisies, Daisies, Freesia and Carnations. Don't be put off if the special flowers you dreamt about won't be available at a particular time of year! You'll be pleasantly surprised what a creative florist can do with even the most "common" and "available" flowers and flowering plants!

You could also look at doing table arrangements/decorations that only use a certain amount of flowers. That way you will have more control over your flower costs. With a little bit of creativity and compromising, you can create gorgeous centrepieces that don't need many flowers at all! What about using candles or spray-painting sticks or leaves that you can find lying around in the garden? You could then add your selected flowers to these arrangements. Be daring and creative!

Find a florist in your area that will help you plan the budget for your wedding flowers!