MERASHADI :: Budget Flowers, Bouquet for Wedding, Expensive Flowers for Weddings

With apologies to Mr. Shakespeare: a rose by any other name might indeed smell as sweetly; but no matter what you call it, it ain't gonna be cheap.

You may already be shuddering at the anticipated expenses for flowers for your upcoming wedding. Experts estimate that flowers -- most commonly used to decorate the wedding ceremony and reception, and worn or carried by the wedding party -- will in all probability cost 5-10% of the average wedding budget. All that for some pretty flowers that do not last long beyond the big day!

Don't panic. Flowers are glorious, and even if you're on a tight budget, you will probably want to find a way to include some in your wedding. If you want to cut costs, consider the following: Find ways to decorate your ceremony or reception that don't include only flowers. For example: there's no rule that says a table centerpiece must be floral. Decorate tables at the reception with large glass bowls filled seashells, or fruit -- lemons and limes are colorful and fresh for spring, pomegranates and green apples are perfect for fall. Another possibility: small, frameless mirrors laid flat on the table, with candles of various sizes placed upon them. The reflecting light is spectacular, especially at an evening reception. A single stem can be laid among the candles for a small floral touch.

Go understated. If you really do want flowers on your guests' tables, go for simple, understated centerpieces -- such as a few, elegant calla lilies in a glass vase. Use glass marbles in the bottom of the vase to add interest and stabilize the arrangement. For the ceremony, have each bridesmaid carry a single stem tied with ribbon, instead of a bouquet.

Spend it where it counts most. Here's the simple truth: the flowers will probably matter more to the bride than anyone else. So put the money there. If the bride wants a big bouquet of expensive flowers, so be it. You can be less extravagant with flowers for the bridesmaid and find alternatives to decorate tables at the reception.

Avoid the most expensive variety of flowers. Orchids and roses are beautiful, and generally available year around, but at a price. Besides, prices go up around Christmas, Mother's Day, and Valentine's Day, so plan accordingly. You may decide your best budget decision is to only use these expensive flowers in the bride's bouquet, the groom's boutonniere, and the corsages or flowers for honored family members.

Select flowers in season. Flowers are better priced when they are in season. Availability and cost vary around the country, but the general guide below may help direct you to your most economical flower choice.

Best buys year around:
Baby's breath
Gerbera daisies
Daisies
Statice
Queen Anne's Lace
Alstroemeria Lilies
Carnations
Chrysanthemums
Gladioli
FreesiaPriced best in the Spring:
Camellias
Irises
Lilacs
Tulips
Violets

Priced best Spring into Summer:
Calla lilies
Freesia
Magnolias
Lily of the valley

Priced best in Summer:
Lilies
Asters
Canterbury Bells
Stephanotis
Straw Flowers

Priced best in Fall:b Orange blossoms
Sunflowers

Priced best in Winter:
Holly
Poinsettias

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