By: Jeanne D'Aloia, Certified Wedding and Event Planner
When I got married 12 years ago, I remember thinking, "Why does it seem that when you put the word wedding in front of something, it instantly doubles (or even triples) the price?" With recent price increases on nearly everything due to inflation, it's become even more stressful trying to figure out your budget and how it should be allocated.
As wedding planners, we can help you consider where your spending priorities should be for your wedding vision and budget. We can help you find quality vendors in your budget range and help source décor that won't break the bank.
Here are our Top 5 favorite tips for making your floral and décor budget stretch:
1. GET YOUR FLOWERS FROM A LOCAL FLOWER FARM
The best way to save money on your flowers is to use flowers that are in season. What's the best way to get flowers that are in season? Buy from a local flower farm! Not only will you get a gorgeous variety of in-season flowers, but you'll also be supporting local small businesses. The flowers you get are usually fresh-cut the day before or the day of your wedding, meaning they generally last a bit longer too! (Bonus tip: Send your floral centerpieces home with guests to enjoy after the wedding or arrange to have them donated to a local nursing home or hospital, where they can bring some sunshine to someone's day!).
Our favorite local farm is T & Nae Flower Farm, located just north of the Twin Cities. They have the most gorgeous flowers all summer long! You can get a bucket of flowers and/or greenery (enough for at least 5 arrangements, depending on the size) for $50! They also make bouquets and boutonnieres and will do their best to work within any color preferences. You can check them out at tandnae.com or on Instagram @t.and.nae!
Side Note: In addition to their beautiful flowers, check out their mobile bar, The Ninny, if you're looking for a unique bar option for your day or event!
2. REPURPOSE GROWLERS AND BEER BOTTLES FOR DECOR
If you and your significant other are fans of craft beer (or beer in general), re-use those beer bottles and empty growlers in your centerpieces! You can spray paint them, use them as vases for your florals, or add string lights to add a bit of elegance or ambiance to your tables. Add a few votive candles or a favorite photo and you've got a gorgeous centerpiece!
3. CONSIDER USING BUD VASES INSTEAD OF LARGE, SINGLE FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS
To make the most of your floral budget, bud vases in various heights, shapes, and textures are the way to go! You can rent them from your florist or an event rental company and they generally hold 1-3 flower/greenery stems. Grouping a few together on tables with some taper candles and/or votives will give you a beautiful centerpiece and add a unique visual element to your décor, without subtracting too much from your budget.
4. CHECK WITH YOUR VENUE ABOUT DECOR AVAILABLE FOR YOU TO USE
Sometimes venues have a selection of décor that you can rent or use free of charge. The selection varies by venue, but it never hurts to ask! Some venues may have decors such as easels, bar signs, or simple glass votive candleholders. Remember too, the décor isn't just what's on the tables, but the art on the walls, lighting fixtures, furniture, and landscaping. If you don't want to buy or rent a lot of décors, you may save money by booking a venue with a lot of character, like a historic mansion or landmark (think: Van Dusen Mansion in Minneapolis or The Landmark Center in St. Paul). (Photos below were taken at the Van Dusen Mansion; credit: Spicy Meatball Photography)
5. REUSE CEREMONY DECOR DURING YOUR RECEPTION
We encourage many couples to consider reusing décor from their ceremony in the cocktail hour/reception. This could include arches, arch arrangements, candles, wedding party bouquets, etc., and it could help keep your floral and décor budget in check. You could use your ceremony arch behind the head table or sweetheart table for a backdrop or as part of a photo booth (just add props!). If you have a floral arrangement on your arch, remove it and incorporate it into the centerpiece on your head or sweetheart table. Talk with your florist or wedding planner about reusing any flowers or candles along the aisle in your table centerpieces. Need décor for the bar or dessert table? Reuse bridal party bouquets by placing them in vases in strategic places!
Doing a bouquet toss? Don't pay for an extra bouquet! See if a wedding party member is willing to part with theirs and use it for your toss bouquet.
This beautiful couple opted to reuse their handmade ceremony arch behind their head table during their reception! Love it! (Photo Credit: Rachel Lahlum Photography)
We have so many more ideas, but this blog can only be so long! If you're looking for help with stretching your budget, we'd love to chat with you! Click the button below to contact us! Be well!