Super cheap florists?

smariex18

We're having a vintage style wedding. I'd like to use peonies/gardenias/calla lillies/anything of that sort. I really don't want a lot of flowers (it's not something I can honestly see spending more than $300 on, at MAX) -- probably just my bouquet and my bridesmaids. I don't particularly want to DIY my flowers. It is possible to get them in my price range? Do you guys have any suggestions for cheap florists in the area that are reliable and easy to work with?

TIA!

EDIT: I obviously need a place without a minimum spending requirement

I'm not sure if it makes a difference for flowers, but my wedding is on a Friday.

sep72fendr

I read about someone on here using Kroger flowers...? You could even find pre-made bouquets on-line at tele-florists and things like that. I think each one could cost like 50-100 bucks depending on the flowers you use.

Just an FYI- Peonies and Calla Lillies are 2 of your most expensive flowers that you could have possibly chosen. If you go with those, you are going to end up spending more money than you bargained for.

If you are doing vintage, have you thought about wildflowers in your color scheme?

smariex18

Aha, I know they are. I have expensive taste and no money haha.. I'd be willing to DIY as a last resort, but I'm not very good with flowers. Invitations, any kind of graphics, all that jazz I can do - just not flowers. I'm not big on wildflowers. I like things that look extremely classic, and I like white. I know this sounds stupid, but I just think peonies are adorable because they're.. how do I say this? "Fluffy" hahaha. Calla lillies look very classic to me, and I was thinking I might honestly have just like a single calla lilly for my BM's with a ribbon or something on it. Too simple? 

My color is purple, if that helps anything.

EmDizzle

Just to give you an idea, I had an all mini-Calla bouquet, and my bridesmaids had 3 big callas... I'll put some pictures below...

my bouquet was $180  />:(
the BM's bouquets were $40 each.

guys bouts were $12 each I think (one mini calla)

I used FOOL (but she now has a $2000 min), but I just wanted to give you an idea of what an 'average' wedding florist charges for callas. 

I about peed myself when she told me the cost, because we paid for 80% of everything ourselves, so I know the need to save.  However, I absolutely LOVED my bouquet and while I know this was an area I could have saved money on, I'm selfishly glad I didn't  
*we also just did bouquets and bouts with the florist, totally doable depending on the florists min.  Our centerpieces were like dried lavendar wreaths with candles, lanterns, etc.





if you click on this photo, you should be able to see the BM's bouquets from the front.

smariex18

That's pretty much what I'm going for, EmDizzle My fiance doesn't even want boutonnieres, so I guess that's good for our budget haha! The three callas is the kind of style I was thinking for my BMs.. I know callas are more expensive but I just think you don't need to use as many of them for the same effect. I only have 4 BM's, so what you're saying is actually pretty close to my range. I guess I should revise my OP and also specify I definitely need a place without a minimum. Does it make a difference, minimum-wise, that my wedding is on a Friday?

Thanks guys

EmDizzle

if you can find a florist without a minimum and you think all you need is your and BM bouquets, I think you might be able to make callas work for around $300...
I found talking with the florist a bit intimidating (I'm not a flower kind of gal, all I knew was that I liked the look of calla's), so had I been more brave, I think I would have been able to request like a little bit more than half of the number of flowers I had in my bouquet... I think maybe like 10 would have looked nice with a couple green leave things on the edge.
a smaller calla bridal bouquet and a couple BM bouquets I think you could get at an 'average' florist... now you just have to find one without a min   I know they exist somewhere!

(ps. I totally wouldn't be able to use FOOL anymore with their new min.  they do great work, what a bummer for brides trying to keep it reasonable!)

EmDizzle

also (sorry to flood the thread!)  I would bring up "friday" with any vendor when they or you bring up a minimum.  It's really 'hit or miss', but there are a handful of vendors that are a little bit more lax with min and fees on non-saturdays, it doesn't hurt to mention it. 

smariex18

You're really helpful, not flooding the thread at all! I'm not really flower savvy either... My actual favorite flowers are sunflowers (big + awkward = adorable) but I don't like them as a 'wedding flower.' Callas are so pretty and simple and elegant, and like I said above, I love peonies pretty much just because they're "fluffy" bahaha.

I guess I would just think it'd be less of a min, because there are less requests for flowers for a Friday event. If I can't find one without a minimum, guess I'm just buying flowers wholesale and DIY'ing it (shudder). I just don't get why flowers are so damn expensive, they die! Haha

csh96

I would check out Kelly Karsten and Jerry's flowers.  They both quoted me the same price as the DIY option at Flowerman. 

buckeyesweetz

I second Kelly Karsten. My bouquet will be a mix of roses and hydrangeas and was quoted for $105. My BM bouquets were quoted at $50/each which will be a smaller version of mine. I'm not sure how much it would be to add callas, but it might be worth contacting her! She was very flexible with me in regards to finding something that would work in my budget. Hope that helps! Good luck!

KellyRVT

I just got a super recommendation for Robin's Nest. Another bride and friend of mine is using her and is spending $500 for boutineers, bouquets and corsages. 

blondbelle15

Look at Wedding Flowers by Eleana. She is very reasonable and I am getting more then I thought I could for my budget!! She is also very nice!

ehighley

I'm using Designs by Jerry. He was by FAR the most affordable option I found. As far as the bouquets go, I believe the total for mine and my six BM's will be right around $300. My bouquet will be asiatic lilies, roses, hydrangea and hypericum berries. My BM's will be asiatic lilies and hypericum berries. I'm sure that if you are going for something fairly simple, Jerry could do all of your bouquets for under $300! And he has no minimum

If you want his contact info, let me know and I will PM it to you.

shae726

You can also check Flowers on Springtree Lane. It's two women that work out their home, ver sweet ladies. http://www.flowersonspringtreelane.com/

christic84

I second Designs by Jerry.

kmosu

Sorry to jump in late but my florist is named Rose and she has no minimum.  She will work with whatever budget you give her.  She is really great at coming up with ideas on how to save money on the centerpieces.  Her number is 625-2821 if you want to give her a try.

smariex18

thanks guys!  ehighley, I'd love his info. Kmosu, does she have an email? I will definitely be contacting all of them this week.

ehighley

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_ohio-columbus_super-cheap-florists?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:112Discussion:b7c9fecb-0a7e-4857-8c6a-89a3456ec945Post:8be8eeb0-3d2c-4bed-b5b6-305b82813f74">Re: Super cheap florists?</a>:
[QUOTE]thanks guys!  ehighley, I'd love his info. Kmosu, does she have an email? I will definitely be contacting all of them this week.
Posted by smariex18[/QUOTE]

<div>No problem! I will send you a PM right now :)</div>

caseyjolovesmark

well im a little late but; im a young bride and my fiance and i are paying for everything ourselves, we are really on a budget and one person/biz really stood out im going to visit very soon. its called THE FLOWER MAN. there is one in columbus and circleville i think i know columbus for sure.. any how its a whole sale florist that you and your brides maides can go the week of and make all your stuff you pay whole sale price and you can use the facilities they have and they have a trained flourist or 2 there to guid those of us who may not be as crafty as otheres . AND! you get to use all there tools/ supplies FOR FREE! like the wire, ties, plastic wraping etc.! i thought it was a great idea. order some pizzas and get to business with the gals!

kellyray2007

I would serioulsy try the flowerman they are amazing and they have options that most florist dont.

kmosu

Sorry a little responding.... Rose's email address is roseyrios@aol.com  Serioulsy give her a call or email, she is great!

AlliD11

I am on a budget and we are using Kelly Karsten. She does a fantastic job and is super nice and her prices are reasonable!!

cimich11

hi!

Can someone send me Jerry's info?

THanks a bunch!