5 ways to CUT COSTS on your event flowers without looking CHEAP
Photos of full flower arches, massive centerpieces, and gorgeous full bouquets fill the homescreen of Pinterest and every wedding board you find. And while those photos are literally breathtaking and you can imagine yourself walking down an aisle draped with roses, it may not be financially possible.
Photo courtesy of Dennis Crider (Cleveland, Ohio)
Bouquet by Roses for Weddings (Cleveland, Ohio)
Yes, they are fragrant and magical, and they make weddings look like a real life Disney movie, BUT flowers are also incredibly expensive, and it’s not always possible to fulfill the Pinterest photo fantasy floating around the internet.
Don’t fret!
Despite the expense, it IS still possible to create beautiful spaces for your ceremony and reception while maintaining a budget because let’s be honest, not everyone has the ability to pay $20,000+ for flowers alone.
And to recreate some of those Pinterest photos, it could definitely cost that much.
What’s the best place to start learning how to save money on flowers?
The experts.
So yesterday, that’s exactly what I did FOR YOU. Blooming Crazy Flowers and Gifts in Youngstown, Ohio has been a staple florist in Northeast Ohio for nearly 50 years, and they were kind enough to educate me on some easy ways you can save money in your floral budget.
Use seasonal blooms
So often people have a vision in mind when it comes to an event, especially a wedding, and when that vision costs WAY more money than anticipated, it can be disappointing. But that’s where the expertise of the florist is essential.
Seasonal blooms are the way to go when trying to cut back a bit on the cost of flowers.
Different flowers are more accessible during different seasons, and during the off season, a flower costs up to 3x the amount that it may cost during the “in season”.
For example, Peonies are a very popular flower especially for brides. Unfortunately, peonies have a VERY short “in season” window. During late spring, when peonies are in season in Ohio, a SINGLE bloom can cost $10. But out of season, the cost of a single bloom is upwards of $25.
Blooming Crazy also filled me in on other popular seasonal flowers in Northeast Ohio:
Spring: Tulip, Iris
Summer: Large Garden Rose
Late Summer/Early Fall: Dahlia
Fall Flowers: Mum, Aster, Sunflower
Year Round: Different varieties of roses
No matter what time of year you host your event or wedding, there are beautiful seasonal flowers that are affordable to create a lovely venue space. Just ask the florist in your area, and they will guide you in the most cost effective direction to save on your budget.
2. Use a mix of tall and short centerpieces.
Photo courtesy of Dennis Crider (Cleveland, Ohio)
Centerpiece by Roses for Weddings (Cleveland, Ohio)
Centerpieces are a decor staple for any event, but they definitely add up in cost. To save money, try a mixture of tall and short centerpieces. The amount of flowers will vary dependent on the vases and therefore so will the cost per centerpiece.
And truthfully, I prefer height variations in centerpieces because it creates a more aesthetically pleasing event space. If every centerpiece is the same height, the room can look overwhelming and lack dimension.
3. Choose cost effective filler flowers and greenery.
Typically, bouquets and centerpieces are not just made up of large blooms. In most cases, filler flowers and greenery help create a fuller, more expensive look. Depending on the time of year and the look you are going for, different fillers can be used to help lower cost.
My favorite green leaf filler is always eucalyptus. Eucalyptus creates a lush, flowy, beautiful arrangement that goes with any season.
Other greenery options include ruscus, lambs ear, and dusty miller.
If you prefer less greenery to help your vision come to life, tiny wispy flowers can also be used as fillers. Of course, babies breath is a very common filler flower, but depending on the season of the event, there are other options available.
Wax flowers have a beautiful “wild flower'' look perfect for spring. Solidago are tiny yellow flowers which make a beautiful addition to a spring or summer arrangement. And caspia are very small white and (faintly) purple flowers that are gorgeous in a winter arrangement.
Again, when in doubt, ask the expert. Your local florist will know which fillers to use to elevate your vision while saving you money.
4. Use lanterns or candles.
Photo courtesy of Natalie Greenwood from Greenwood Photography (Youngstown, Ohio). Flowers and Candles by Flower Loft (Poland, Ohio).
Every single table does not need to have a full vase of flowers. In fact, some of the most beautiful events and weddings I’ve planned have a mixture of flower centerpieces as well as tables with a different type of decor.
One of my favorite things to use on tablescapes is floating candles. Using a beautiful wide mouth vase or bowl, floating candles add a gorgeous effect to tables. I like florists to add just a few floating flowers in there as well. It cuts down majorly on cost while creating a great mood lighting and still incorporating a few flowers to coordinate with the other tables.
Lanterns are HUGE. And I don’t mean huge like they take up a lot of space. I mean huge as in popular. Lanterns with candles inside create an amazing tablescape ESPECIALLY for fall and winter. They also take up a good amount of visual space so the table looks sufficiently dressed.
And here’s a little trick…RENT THEM!
Which beautifully leads me to my next tip.
5. Remember rentals are a cost effective option
You do not need to BUY vases, or bowls, or lanterns for your event. There are a ton of rental companies that can provide you with lanterns (or anything you need) to rent in all different colors and sizes for a FRACTION of the cost of buying them yourself.
And then having no idea what to do with them after the fact.
Trust me, you can rent more items than you probably even realize. Of course everyone knows tables, chairs, tents, and other large items are available. But did you know you could even rent flameless candles, wreaths, and even garland?
But wait for it…you can also rent silk flowers! So if you had your heart set on those gorgeous peonies that are only in season for like a hot second every year, don’t worry! Silk flowers have come a long way and now look and feel more realistic than ever.
Renting various items for your event is a great way to cut costs and save money without sacrificing aesthetics.
While planning your event, always keep in mind that the florist can be your best asset in helping you save money while still creating a beautiful event. A wedding planner also has tips and tricks for saving you money within the budget.
Bottom line, you don’t have to compromise your vision to save cost!
Click below to follow Sterling Event Services on Instagram and Facebook for more great tips!
