Can We Talk Budget? — La Petite Fleuriste

Let's talk budget! Your wedding budget is super important, and you’ll want to determine a general range before you start planning. Your floral budget is a big piece of this. No matter your budget, you should be able to have the wedding that floral dreams are made of. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind as you choose your florist and floral designs:

Budget tip #1: Bridal Party Size!!

Typically, my bridesmaids’ bouquets range from $85 to $150 each, depending on the components and fullness you’re looking for. When you consider your total floral budget, there’s a huge difference between having 3 bridesmaids by your side or 11. You could be talking about well over a $1000 difference. If you’re on tight budget, consider keeping your party small.

Budget Tip #2: Centerpiece Style

There’s no denying that elevated centerpieces are impressive. They add a lot to a room, especially a room with tall ceilings. But they do come with a cost. Elevated pieces can be 5 to 10 times more expensive than an understated table-level centerpiece. That adds up quickly.

Budget Tip 2a: What if you really love the look of elevated centerpieces but are on a tight budget? Keep in mind that you do NOT need one on every table You can do half the tables, a third of the tables, or – pending floor layout – keep it to 5 or 6. I promise your reception can look amazing with a mix of elevated and table-level centerpieces. Do what fits your budget!

Budget Tip #3: Repurpose

Are there any designs that you can use both for your ceremony and reception? A statement ceremony piece is a great starting point! If you can reuse it as a head table backdrop or photo op for your guests, please do! Bouquets are another good design to re-use. They work great as added color to the head table or enhancements to extra tables around the venue.

Some venues will actually move arrangements for you. Don't hesitate to ask. If they don't, isn't that why you have groomsmen?

My favorite repurpose tip: use a bridesmaid's bouquet for your bouquet toss!!

Budget Tip #4: Guest Count

This might be the most obvious tip, but let me say it again for those in the back – guest count. The number of guests you invite directly correlates with table count; and the more tables you have, the more centerpieces you’ll need.

But what if you have no choice to invite your mom’s cousin’s best friend? If you’ve narrowed your guest list as much as possible and still have budget concerns, you don’t need an elaborate centerpiece for every single table (refer to tip #2). Consider a small vase arrangement or candle centerpiece on half your tables or more. However, keep in mind that even these totals add up fast if you have a lot of tables. My candle centerpiece typically starts at $35. If you have 30+ tables…well, I’ll let you do the math.

Budget Tip #5: Flower Choice

…or better yet, florist choice.

The specific flowers in your wedding designs DIRECTLY affect the cost of your overall total. Fun fact: most florists charge the same for flowers. The difference is that they aren't all using flowers of the same caliber. In my designs – especially bouquets – I use higher-end blooms. This means what I charge for a bouquet will be more than a floral designer who uses mid-grade flowers. Is one wrong? Nope.

It’s important to understand that different floral designers meet different budgets. Don't be afraid to better understand the budget your preferred florist can meet. I don't mind questions like, "why are you more expensive than so and so?" ...as long as you don't tell me you can get your wedding flowers cheaper at Costco! That's an entirely different conversation.