One question I get asked is about the average cost of wedding flowers in Milwaukee area. Although I can’t speak for other florists, our typical wedding flower order ranges from $200 to $2500. We have done weddings that were significantly more expensive, but most fall into that general price range.
Wedding flowers, done professionally, will almost always cost more than doing your own. But there are ways to narrow that gap and get the wedding flowers you really want.
Here are five tips you can use to keep your wedding flower costs under control:
Set a realistic floral budget and stick to it
This is the number one problem I see. Most couples are budgeting much less than they should for flowers, or they have already spent the money that was intended for flowers on other things.
You can get an idea of how much you should budget for flowers by using our Wedding Cost Estimator tool. Once you know roughly what your wedding flowers will cost, set aside that money in your wedding account and continue to add to it regularly.
When budgeting, assume you will be paying for all of the costs for your wedding flowers. Don’t budget too tightly. Flower prices can and do fluctuate. Try to keep a 10% cushion to cover any unexpected expenses.
Pick your floral priorities
Before you meet the a florist, choose what’s important to you. Flowers for the bridal party? Ceremony flowers? Reception flowers? Being upfront with your florist will allow him or her to offer you a number of options. Draw on their experience, it will save you money.
Many florists, including us, offer wedding flower packages that can save you significant money. They’re not a perfect fit for every wedding, but we have had brides who have put them to some pretty creative uses. One bride used our corsage package to finish off some brightly colored gift boxes she used on her guest tables.
Another tip to save money on wedding flowers is to be flexible. For example, you will usually save money by working with color, rather than specific flower types. Your florist can advise you here as well.
Get your florist involved earlier in the planning process
Many florists can provide more than flowers for a wedding or event, but because they are usually one of the last vendors to be contacted, you may be needlessly spending more. For example, I just met with a bride who bought votive candle holders and bud vases from a craft store for her guest tables, something she could have borrowed from us at no charge. She returned the items, but only for a store credit.
Negotiate
It’s a buyer’s market in this economy, if you know what to ask for. Most florists are willing to negotiate, and although you may not get a price cut, you may be able to get some additional services thrown in at little or no cost. I have found this to be the case with many of the wedding vendors we work with. It never hurts to ask.
Don’t overlook the details
Miscellaneous expenses that florists usually charge such as delivery fees, service charges, and taxes can really add up. You need to keep an eye on what you’re paying for.
If you’ve got any money-saving tips you would like to share, feel free to share.
