and I have yet to even think about flowers...

FireGirl824

We have a date (8/24/12, have some time), we booked our venue, I have a dress, and a color scheme but... I haven't even thought about flowers yet. I'm currently trying to set a budget for the price of flowers but am unable to even consider what a reasonable prices is. Our centerpieces will primarily be lanterns with a few tall centerpieces of a floral arrangement. I will have 5 BM, FI has 5 GM, all of our grandparents are alive ( do they need corsages and bouts?), all of our parents are alive ( can my mom's be different from FMIL?), are flowers needed anywhere else? Venue is giving us floral arrangements for the bars and cocktail room. Ceremony is on the same site as reception. I don't have a flower preference and would rather a more budget conscious arrangement. Any tips? Advice? Am I missing anything?

Maggie0829

Typically the "rule" to follow is that the flower costs should be about 10% of your wedding budget.

You definitely have plenty of time to worry about flowers.  I would wait till you are about 6 months out before talking to any florist.

It would be nice to provide flowers to your grandparents.  I decided to give a single rose to the grandmothers and a bout to the grandfathers.

As far as the mothers go you can either have them carry a small nosegay or wear a corsage or even pin a corsage to a small clutch purse.  And no they do not need to be the same.  I would ask to see what they prefer because some people hate pin-on corsages etc.

When you do meet with your florist tell them your budget.  So many girls forget that part and the florist will always qoute on the higher end...they are in the business to make money after all.  Your florist should be able to work within your budget and come up with some ideas that will make everything look beautiful.

Right now I would look in magazines or online and save pictures of what you like and any types of flowers you like as well.  You have plenty of time so don't stress.

Colie16

Be sure to research what types of flowers are locally in season for where you live and when you're having your wedding.  Local fresh flowers can be less expensive than "exotic" varities that have to be shipped in. You can also fill out bouquets with carnations or daisies or other less expensive flowers if your flowers of choice start to get pricey. 

Amandarose531

What kind of lantern centerpieces will you be doing? I have 12 tables and I want to do 6 of them with lanterns, but i'm having a hard time envisioning a cohesive centerpiece theme.

mrandmrsbrist

I don't think you need to be worried about flowers yet. But since we're on the topic...

Do you want to DIY? Or do you want to use a florist?

If you want to use a florist, then you could call around for consultations if you have that much time. A lot of the consultations I went into were free.

If you want to DIY, I suggest the DIY board or this board. Make a post and ask about girls who DIY'd. Most of them will be veryyy helpful!

I used Google Images for inspiration. The Knot has some good images too.

HTH!

FireGirl824

You guys are amazing! Thank you for all of the insight and easing my  sudden anxiety.. i'm relaxing easier now that I know I have plenty of time to work with.

@Amandarose- I have the Ikea black borrby lanterns. I'm also having a hard time envisioning it as well but feel the need to add flowers to A.) add height to draw the eyes up the tall ceilings with woodbeams and B.) we’re being provided with amazing floral arrangements for the bar area in our room and I feel it would look odd to not add some floral centerpieces as well. Here’s a link to one idea I had..

http://www.bollea.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Tall-centerpieces2.jpg

midgemoto

this year on the same week of your wedding go to flower shops and farmers markets and tale a look to see what is in season... If you work that way you will get the best stuff for the best pricing..

shasha&juck

Wow. I also haven't even thought about flowers yet. Thanks.