Many brides get a big dose of sticker shock when they go to the florist for their wedding flowers. On average, a bride will spend between $2000 and $4000 on bouquets, boutonnieres and centerpieces for her wedding.
The reason floral budgets tend to be in the thousands is because many times shipments of flowers come from South America or Europe, and then there is the labor involved in creating fantastic arrangements and bouquets. Add in the cost of set up and delivery and you can see how things can get a bit spendy, especially if you are ordering out of season flowers or expensive flowers such as Calla Lilies or Hydrangea.
Most brides decide to hire a florist because they don't want to do the labor intensive process of creating boutonnieres and bouquets. As a planner that has planned weddings for a wide variety of budgets I have actually created centerpieces, bouquets and boutonnieres. In general, it takes 30 minutes to an hour per bouquet, 20 minutes per boutonniere, and 1 to 2 hours per centerpiece. So, pretty much 8 to 10 hours of floral labor depending on the size of the bridal party and how many tables are at the reception. You can see why many brides decide the cost is worth it. Below are some pictures of bouquets and arrangements I have created.
Alas, sometimes it simply isn't in the budget and yet decor is an essential element in a wedding. So for all the DIY brides that can wrangle up some girlfriends to create your wedding flowers here is a quick "how to."
First, buy your flowers on Thursday if you have a Saturday wedding, Wednesday if you are having a Friday wedding. Check out your local Lunds/Byerly's, Farmer's Market or Sam's Club. I personally love all three because they usually have fantastic pre-made bouquets that can be tweaked to look like expensive wedding flowers.
First, take apart the pre-made bouquet and place the stem in a bowl of water with flower food in it. Cut the stem under the water with a pair of gardening shears. This is so there is a fresh cut which will make the flower last longer. If you cut it under water air bubbles will not infiltrate the stem causing them to wilt.
After all of the stems have had a fresh cut take out any that are damaged or bruised. Pick only the nicest flowers and start grouping in small bundles of three or four flowers. Tape with florist tape. Now that this part is completed you can start to assemble the bouquet.
Take the mini bouquets and start grouping them together until you have an arrangement that you like. Wire the bouquet together with florist wire, or use florist tape. (I like using the tape.)
Finally, use a wide ribbon and pearl head pins to finish. Pin the ribbon into place at the bottom of the bouquet. Wrap the ribbon overlapping each time until you reach the top of the bouquet and then pin. I always like to add pearl head pins in a line up the bouquet for extra security and because it looks pretty.
Boutonnieres are generally a snap. Take a nice smaller flower and some greenery and secure them together with florist tape. Tie a bow (if you wish)right underneath the flower head and viola, you have a boutonniere! Pin on the guys using a pearl head pin.
Arrangements are a bit more tricky. I like to use two or three pre-made bouquets. You can either use florist foam for opaque vases (which I love because you have so much more control over the placement of the flowers) or clear rubber bands if you are using a glass vase. Go through the cutting of the stems, only vary the height.
First, place the best flowers into the vase. You can use the numbering method if you wish so that each arrangement has the same look or you can just eye ball it. I prefer the latter because I think it gives a bit more creative license. Once you have the most beautiful flowers in, start adding the greenery until the arrangement looks full. If you are using florist foam, you are done! If you are not using foam, take the finished arrangement out of the vase and put on clear rubber bands so that the arrangement stays together while it is being handled.
I've done this a few times now for my clients, and although it is a bit more work for me, if I can save them some money in this area so we can put that money into an open bar or great appetizers it is well worth it!
Photo Credits: Wonderful Day Weddings, Lucas Allen from Real Simple Weddings
