Your Wedding, Your Budget:How to Balance Dreams and Finances

When choosing a florist for your big day, it’s important to focus on how their design style and aesthetic resonate with you, rather than just the price. Your flowers play a huge role in setting the tone and atmosphere of your wedding, and the right florist will understand your vision and bring it to life beautifully. It’s not about getting the lowest quote—it’s about finding a florist whose style aligns with your dream day.

That being said, your wedding budget is an important factor in the process as well. To make sure you get the flowers of your dreams without breaking the bank, here are some tips on how to establish a budget that works for both you and your florist:

1.      Do Your Research (and Yap!)

It can be tough to imagine how much you’ll get for your budget or how florally abundant your event will be. A great way to get a clearer picture is by chatting with friends, family, or others who have recently tied the knot. They can offer valuable insights into their floral budgets and what they ultimately received. This firsthand research can help you better allocate your own budget based on real experiences.

However, remember that floral design comes with many variables—seasonality, venue size, design complexity, and each florist’s pricing structure all play a role in the final cost. While advice from loved ones can be helpful, don’t take everything at face value. Every wedding is unique, and the same budget may have different results depending on these factors.

2.      Know What You NEED

Start by identifying the floral elements that matter most to you. Common floral components include:

·         Bridal bouquet

·         Bridesmaids' bouquets

·         Buttonholes for the groom & groomsmen

·         Floral arrangements for the ceremony (Arbour, aisle, etc.)

·         Reception florals (Welcome sign, table centerpieces, bar arrangements)

·         Flower crowns

·         Corsages

The clearer your vision for these components, the easier it will be to establish your budget.

3.      Prioritize Your Florals

Once you know what you need, prioritize your flowers. Are the bridal bouquet and ceremony florals most important to you? Or perhaps you want to invest more in reception centerpieces or make a bold floral statement at the entrance of your venue? Communicate these priorities clearly with your florist and be flexible with the less critical elements of your big day.

4.      Set a Realistic Budget Range

After researching and deciding on your floral designs, choose a budget range that you’re comfortable with. Always build in some flexibility to account for additional costs like delivery, setup, or last-minute changes. Having a cushion ensures you’re prepared for any unexpected expenses without stressing over adjustments.

When you find your dream florist who understands your vision, be upfront about your budget. Honesty is key—being transparent with your florist about your budget from the start will help them create a design that fits your vision while maximizing the value you’re getting. This way, you’ll avoid trying to stretch a smaller budget further than it can realistically go.

5.      Consult with Your Florist

So, you’ve found a florist whose design aesthetic speaks to you? Great! Now it’s time to talk about your budget and floral priorities. A good florist will work with you to create designs that fit within your budget while delivering maximum impact. This may mean eliminating certain designs, reducing the size of arrangements, or selecting more affordable flowers that are in season but still stunning.

Once you’ve selected your florist, have an open conversation about your vision and budget. Don’t hesitate to ask for alternatives if necessary. For example, if your dream flowers are too expensive, they may suggest similar, more affordable options that still create the same aesthetic. Florists are experts in working within budget constraints, so trust them to offer creative solutions—whether that means adjusting the size of arrangements or incorporating more greenery with fewer blooms.

Setting a wedding floral budget may feel overwhelming, but it’s all about finding the right balance between your dream flowers and your financial reality. By researching costs, talking to others, and collaborating with a florist who understands your vision, you can ensure that your wedding flowers are both beautiful and budget-friendly.

I hope this blog post has given you all the guidance you need to navigate the floral world, helping you find the perfect florist while staying true to your budget and vision for your big day!