OK, so I've planned on doing this option all along. I shop at the Costco in Roseville, and long ago saw their vendor who was setting out the flowers in the floral kiosk. She told me that if I ever needed "special quantities" of anything to let her know.
SO, a while back I got her number from the Costco Customer Service desk. I just called her today, since our wedding is in 6 months and one day (!!!!). She was very nice and provided the following info:
- If you want larger multiples of anything they sell there (ie 2 dozen roses in a single color for $15.99, or a 5 pack of a single color asiatic lillies for $9, or greens and fillers like baby's breath, or gerbera daises in a single color), she needs to be called about 3-4 weeks in advance to make sure she has them when needed. Certain flowers like the lillies need to be picked up and allowed to open up about 4 days in advance, etc.
These prices are less than the online ordering price (100 white roses for $75, 75 cents each vs 2 dozen for $15.99, or 66 cents each), plus you'll know what you have because you are picking them up versus waiting for delivery and getting what you get.
I'd just be using these for the centerpieces, as I still intend to order one of their white wedding packages for the bouquets, bouts and corsages. BUT, I can get enough flowers for 12 pretty elaborate centerpieces for under $100.
The very BEST part of this is that I have a Costco American Express card, and use it for my work travel expenses with money back in a Costco gift certificate to use at Costco store only. I just received my annual refund and it's over $150, enough to cover my flowers AND 2 sheetcakes to be cut in the back of the banquet hall.
Just thought I'd pass this along. In case you have a Costco membership and don't use the Roseville store, check at the customer service desk of your local Costco to see if they have a similar arranger/floral orderer.