Tundraco's Daily Living Guide to Money Keeping Your Wedding Flowers Costs Within Your Budget

Keeping Your Wedding Flowers Costs Within Your Budget
By Rochelle Caviness

Flowers are an intricate component of any wedding, and an important budgeting concern. Not only must you consider the cost of the flowers, but there may also be additional costs for arranging the flowers and making the bouquets, as well as transporting and arranging the flowers at the wedding site.

• For the do-it-yourselfer, your costs can be drastically reduced by purchasing and arranging the flowers yourself, or by getting a friend or family member to donate their time and energy.
  
  
• Although more costly, it is often more convenient to hire a florist to handle the purchasing, arranging, and delivery of the flowers.

Locally-Grown

When selecting your wedding flowers, don't overlook what is growing in your own backyard. Locally grown flowers are often cheaper and fresher than those that have been shipped in from a distant location. To find out what is grown in your locality, contact your local florist or county extension agent. In addition to being able to tell you what flowers are grown locally, your county extension agent will be able to tell you which growers sell to the general public.

Wholesale

If you want to handle the purchasing of your wedding flowers on your own, your most cost effective strategy is to buy your flowers wholesale. Although most wholesalers only sell to retailers, some will consent to a private sale if the volume is large enough. It is one of those situations where it never hurts to ask. At worst they will refuse to sell to you.

Buying Online

Internet shopping provides the consumer with instant access to business around the globe. However, buying your wedding flowers online may not be the best option for you, despite the fact that there are many bargains to be found online. The biggest drawback with buying wedding flowers online is that you cannot see or smell what it is you are buying. In addition, you must also consider the added cost of shipping.

• If there is a problem with the flowers you bought online, you may not be able to rectify the problem in time for the wedding. This can occur due to shipping delays or simply because it can be difficult to adequately explain exactly what it is you are expecting. For example, getting the exact shade of color you want can be difficult when you are unable to show the online florist swatches of you wedding's color scheme.

Compare costs!

Before you start ordering you wedding flowers, decide on how much money you have to spend on them. Once you know how much money you have, do some comparison shopping. Look at the various flower sources you have at your disposal, and solicit several bids from local florists. When you have all the facts and figures in front of you, than you can make a rational decision as to which option is best for you.

• If you are getting married near a big 'flower' holiday, such as Valentine's Day or Mother's Day, be forewarned that you may have to pay an extra premium for your flowers.
  
  
• When discussing your flower purchases with your florist, be sure to ask about what flowers will be in season at the time of your wedding. While almost all flowers can be purchased year round, in season flowers are usually less expensive.