Flower Budget

nicole.calcado

Hi all!

I'm new here and we've just started really planning the wedding (April 16th 2011). I was wondering if you all could tell me a rough idea of what your flower (centerpeices, etc.) budgets are/were. I think for most things we've been able to sort of figure out a rough idea of what we should be spending but i'm stumped on the flowers! Most of the budgetting tools online just seem too low for a Jersey wedding.

Thank you!!

smw42

I'd suggest doing a poll for this sort of thing. You're more likely to get people to respond about money that way.

mbcdefg

I paid a little under $700 and got:

* 16 low centerpieces, about $25 each including the vases (hydrangea, gerbera daisies and wax flowers, with a big green leaf wrapped around the inside of the vase to hide the stems)

* one bridal bouquet (orchids, roses, freesia and lisanthius)

* one groom's boutonniere and an identical spare that wound up going to our priest at the reception (roses)

* two bridesmaid bouquets and two groomsmen boutonnieres, and a small "toss" bouquet (gerbera daisies)

* two boutonnieres and two corsages for the dads, my mom and grandma (orchids)

* three corsages and a boutonniere for our readers and Communion bearers (carnations)

This was from AW Flowers in Kearny.

I knew what I wanted for me, MH and our bridesmaids and groomsmen, but for the rest I just said, "Here's how much I need, here's what I can afford and here are my colors/decor scheme. What can you do for me at that price?" and I let the florist suggest things to me. Tell them what you can afford and then they can work to accommodate YOU, not the other way around. Any good vendor will hear you out and negotiate a bit. Of course, they need to make a profit and can't work miracles, so respect their bottom line, but also don't let them push you around.

Laurms15

What types of flowers are you considering. That plays a big role in the price.

sk2342

it depends exactly what you are envisioning (flower styles, sesaonal flowers vs out of season) and how many centerpieces, bouquets etc..  you will need. I have about 25 tables and did a mix of hi and low centerpieces to keep the price down. The low's were around $100 and the hi arrangements were around $225. My bouquet is $250 my bridesmaids are $75 ... I have pretty large and full arrangements and you can def keep the cost down by doing a lot of candles and low centerpieces or things in water ... you should start by being realistic of exactly what u think u want to spend. OR start going around to florists and explain your vision and see what they say. it is their job to help make you vision a reality and stay within your budget : )

i am working with lisa at a touch of elegance in randolph and she is fabulous.. she really has been great with ideas and working within my budget!

ffbride_0813

I am working with Bella Fiori in Freehold.  My budget is $1200.  They were awesome in coming up with ideas for my budget and really trying to stretch my dollar. 
Here is what i am getting
Brides Bouquet - Dahlias and gerbera daisies. $100
Bridemaids - Same but smaller - $40 each
1 corsage for mother of orchids - $35
6 boutineers of either dahilias or gerbera daisies - $10 each
2 boutineers of orchids for the dads - $16
Then for the centerpieces I am doing a mix of high and low centerpieces with gerbera daisier, dahlias, delphinium and gladiolas.  The high are glads and delphinium for $65.  I am renting that vase.  The small are all 4 flowers for $50 each with buying the vase.  I have 7 small and 6 tall. I am also using these pieces in my ceremony and then they will be moved into the reception room.

I totally agree with the above posters that it depends on the flowers you want.  I love gladiolas and dahlias.  I wanted something very organic that I could find in my backyard.  That pretty much translated into inexpensive flowers.  I thought my mother in law would love orchids and they would go great with her dress.  As you can see they are super expensive compared to my other flowers..  To save money i am using my centerpieces at the ceremony. 

uppereastgirl

Flower budget is really tough because there are so many variables (how many pieces you need/what kinds of flowers and whether they're rare or out of season/how big/what florist).  But as you can see from above, if your budget is below $1000 you can still make it work.  Or you could go up from there and the sky is the limit.  I agree with MB -- I'd figure out how much you think you feel comfortable spending based on your overall budget and how much money is left in it, and meet with florists and see what they'll do for that amount of money.

We spent around $7000 for our florist, but that included flowers and also some other rentals (lounge furniture, lanterns, etc.)

heather8301

mbcdefg is right. the florist will/should work with you and your budget. They will be able to suggest flowers that are inexpensive during that time of year that will match your theme/colors.

My father owns Flower Barn of Hillsborough and he has never told a bride he can't help them. 

There are ways to get beautiful flowers in your budget.  Talk to some florists and get a few quotes.

nicole.calcado

Thank you all! This was really helpful. I'm looking forward to going out there now especially knowing that the number we had in mind isn't laughable and is actually doable!