Flowers :(

kmf218

Got a big reality check today. My FI and I decided to meet with a florist in our area to see what the prices were for bouquets for me and my BMs and she told me that with my budget ($30 to $40 for mine and $20 for my BMs, I have 6 of them) I could get about 4 stems of astromelias with a few baby carnations and babies breath as a filler. She said there were a few more options but not many with the budget I had. I liked the astromelias because they matched the orange accent color I have really well but I'm not a big fan of carnations. I know flowers aren't cheap but I wasn't expecting them to be that much. It was definitely a bit depressing but I'm learning more and more everyday so I can't complain too much. I have another meeting tomorrow with a different florist who has a bigger selection in her shop so hopefully she will be able to show me some alternatives but if not its back to silk flowers. Have any of you ladies changed from getting real flowers to silk? and if so where did you buy them?  

koko8115

My bridesmaids really don't care about the flowers so I was thinking about having them walk down the aisle with parasols. And it would be really cute for the photos after the ceremony! Since parasols are only around $5 that leaves $130 for your bouquet. Just something to think about.

g8rbride2010

Get more quotes and be open to other types of flowers and you can probably find someone who fits your budget.  I used all white hydrangeas for my centerpieces (with lemons lining the vase) and for the bridesmaids and it was very affordable.

bananafanafofashley

Another option for the BMs if you haven't bought their gifts yet.. I've seen girls give them cluthces as gifts and it doubles as what they carry down the aisle. That way your budget for it is a little more since you are combining the two.

One option for flowers?? She couldn't give you maybe one more?? ugh.

koko8115

And get more quotes! Try Elegant designs. Yelena was very sweet and gave me great options for my price point.

kmf218

Thank you for the suggestions  I had to reschedule the florist appointment I had today because my nephew got sick and I had to pick him up from school but I was able to speak with her over the phone and I can't wait to see what she made. She had a lot more suggestions for me and some of them even have Calla lilies which is awesome! lol It was definitely an up side to my day.

TheMrsCabral: Yes she only gave me one...I think my main disappointment yesterday was that the woman I worked with didn't seem very interested in working with me until right before we left lol  

mitchsbride

You might want to check with Irene at For Better for Less and Stephanie with Fishhawk Florist.

khornack

My bridesmaids carried lanterns.  My bridesmaids put them together the morning of the wedding, they turned out really pretty.  We bought ivy to go around them and had Spanish moss and peonies to go in them (although the original idea had been roses, my florist had some peonies left over from my bouquet and gave them to me early.)Before I got that idea I was going to have them carry bouquets of just baby's breath. Ask what is in season in your area, you may be able to get a better deal. I like the parasol idea, favorite/meaningful books or a fan could be pretty too.Google non-floral bridesmaid alternatives, there are some really interesting alternatives.

LuckyHeather

I met with a few before I found one that was as excited about my wedding as I am.  It makes all the difference in the world to hear someone give you options.

Keep looking.  And post the vendors names who aren't worth other brides time.