Sticker shock (semi-rant)

vchan4

So I met with a potential florist - holy batman, did I not realize how expensive flowers can be. And I dont think I'm even ordering an abudance of it (1 bridal bouquet, 1 MOH bouquet, 3 corsages, 6 boutonnieres) came up over $800. I was looking to spend no more than 500. 

I know the reason why it was so costly was because of the type of flower - I dont really want my bouquet to be just roses. So I asked her about orchirds or cala lillies (she did the quote for orchids)

Question for you ladies, any other flower with a similar look but less expensive? I didnt ask her for alternatives, she told me to call her back in a few months when I have more details and when I have a better idea of what I'm looking for. My colours are purple, red and white if that helps too. 

Thanks!

TheSlowskys

That does sound really high, but it does depend on when/where youre getting married. did you want a specific kind of orchid? I loved phalenopsis orchids but they were like 10 a bloom. Orchids are expensive because they cost a lot, but also many have to be wired which is labor. Even so, 800 for 2 bouquets and bouts and corsages seems outrageous to me. Have you met with other florists as well? I am in Boston and I think I am paying 65 for a 2 doz calla bouquet. Bouts are 15 each for a single calla. Bridesmaids bouquets are 35 each for hydrangeas. I think you should talk to some other florists. She should have been the one to tell you what some less expensive options are to fit your budget. Even so, I just can't fathom a quote that high for so little flowers.

vchan4

There was also a head table centerpiece I think that was 125 so 700 for everything else. They were were for cymbidium orchids. I'll definitely need to do some shopping elsewhere. I'm in Toronto and maybe prices are that high although I am having a hard time believing it Thanks!

katehar01

I'm in an area of the country where prices are generally on the high side, but I got a lot more than you're talking about for 800!  I also have calla lilies in my and the BM's bouquets.  I'd keep looking if I were you!
Also, were you asking for JUST calla lilies?  I am having them but mixed with a lot of other flowers in purples and whites (stephanotis, gerber daisies, lavender freesia, dahlias, etc.)  I think that gives the florist more flexibility in getting you a good price because they can use some "filler" flowers.  I would meet with another florist and give them a general idea of what you like, but ask what they could do within your budget and see what they come up with.

Barbiiieee

I honestly felt exactly the same way! I'm really not even an into flowers kind of girl. I really love peonies, but they are just way too much. I'm going to get a mix of peonies and garden roses (which look similar to peonies to me) and buy them wholesale. My bridesmaids and I are planning to have a slumber party the night before and assemble our own, since they are going to be pretty basic. I have a day of coordinator who is going to put the flowers in center pieces which I'm pre assembling. I don't know if anything like that is an option, but I would do like the pps suggested and pick some cheaper filler flowers and get ideas from different florists.

vchan4

Thanks for the opinions ladies! I'm going to try another florist at least for another opinion and to get more ideas of what I want.

katehar01 - that quote wasnt even for calla lillies It was for orchids mainly and mix of other flowers.

katehar01

I just did a quick 30 sec google search and it seems like orchids may be significantly more expensive than calla lillies.  All that depends on season and whatnot, too, but you could even ask your original florist if replacing orchids with calla lillies would change her quote.  Hope it works out!

roseofdeborah

You should look at Sams online if you neede orchids. I wouldn't use them for bouquets as they can get very expensive. My bouquet is 130 with pink roses, white cymbodiums, and some other flower.