cost effective

G&E2013

Would it be cheaper to get a florist to do centerpieces and wedding party arrangements in real flowers, or DIY fake flowers for everything? I used to work at a flower shop so I have some skills.

jagore08

It would be cheaper to DIY real flowers.  For fake flowers, it depends on what type of flowers you use.  If you go with the cheap fakes then it will obviously cheaper but they will also look cheap (and remember that your flowers will be in a lot of your pictures).

If you're trying to cut some of the budget and stress then have a florist arrange bouquets and other ceremony flowers you want and do non-floral centerpieces or one nice blom submerged in water.

bunchesbob

You don't have to spend a bundle for your center pieces, if you do them yourself with fresh flowers. You can buy in bulk on line from suppliers like Bunches Direct. Remember also, you will want to co-ordinate your centre pieces with the flowers you are carrying.  Bunches Bob

graysquirrel

It is almost always cheaper to DIY with real flowers. The realistic fake ones are very expensive and most fakes will be more per stem than real ones. Unless you can shop a 70-90% off clearance sale at Michaels, you will save by buying fresh in bulk. We got ours from Sams-- they were the cheapest we could find that had good reviews.

k8egrlWed131193

Totally agree with posters above - use an online wholesaler and keep arrangements SIMPLE. A few stems of a nice fluffy or striking bloom like Hydrangea or Orchids for instance, in a simple glass vase can look beautiful and even a beginner can make these easily and quickly. And don't try to make everything yourself - as someone above suggested. I am a florist with 15 years experience. I made my own wedding flowers and even with my experience, it added stress to my wedding week and day that I didn't need! My arrangments turned out just fine, but if I had it to do over, I would hire another pro, simply because there is SO much going on and so much to do the few days before your wedding, to try and make a ton of floral peices on top of that is just really stressful.

Good luck to you!