So this week, we discuss the bouquet. I only had a bridal bouquet, but depending on your taste and on how big your wedding is, you may choose to have bridesmaids bouquets as well. If you do that, remember to make yours special and different from the bridesmaids.
If you choose to work with a florist, you can work out a bundle including bridal bouquet, bridesmaids bouquets, flowers for the decorating the ceremony hall and centrepieces for the reception. Do not underestimate your budget for flowers, because they are not cheap!
But there are plenty of ways to save:
- get submissions from different florists. This insures that you don't overpay just because you didn't shop around. Not all places will have the same prices, especially if you bundle.
- ask for suggestions from the florist, for ways to lower the costs. They want the sale, so they will be willing to help you and find a way to make you happy.
- choose flowers that are in season, because they will be cheaper.
- choose big flowers, as you will need less of them to fill out your bouquet or centrepieces.
- have centrepieces that are not flowers. There are plenty of alternatives. Martha Stewart has lots of suggestions: http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/272498/centerpieces?tab=index
- have bridesmaids carry only one flower instead of a whole bouquet.
- have fake flowers.
I know, some of you just cringed when you read "have fake flowers". But think about it. They are MUCH cheaper, can be delivered much more in advance (read: reduce last-minute stress) and do not have to be stored in a cool place (which is hard in the summer months).
What I did for my wedding was: I did not decorate the ceremony or reception halls. This was made possible because the venue I chose already had lots of personnality. It was all in wood and stone and had its own decorations. Simple, modest, but did not need much more in my opinion.
As I mentionned before, my bridesmaids did not have bouquets. I only had to buy one for myself, and I chose to buy a fake bouquet. I like to be prepared in advance, and decided I would rather have my bouquet months in advance than have to worry about it at the last minute.
This is when I discovered the wonderful world of Etsy (www.etsy.com). Etsy is an online community where you can buy crafted, often home-made items. They even have a whole section for weddings: http://www.etsy.com/category/weddings?ref=fp_ln_weddings
I shopped for my bouquet there and found a beautiful one. Here are two photos from my wedding:
There you go, enjoy your bouquet shopping, and see you next week when we discuss place settings and wedding favors! Merry christmas, happy holidays, and lots of love from Mrs. B.
xxxxxx
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