Planning a wedding on a small budget is difficult – because “downsizing” is key.
My first bit of advice, is please – stop looking at those damn wedding magazines. You see something – fall in love with it – and it’s frustrating not being able to obtain the same look and feel. I know the story very well. The couple tries to go for the look – and trust me – it’s not the same – whatever the solution.
I think many couples underestimate the time and skill needed to put beautiful arrangements together. It’ an art – and just like any art – should be left to the professionals. Likewise, many couples underestimate the price. Generally in the Washington DC area – flowers will fall in the following ranges
Bridal bouquet $130.00-$250.00 per
Maid of Honor bouquet – $60.00-$90.00 per
Bridesmaid bouquet – $60.00-$90.00 per
Grooms boutonniere – $12.00-$15.00 per
Groomsmen and Father boutonniere – $10.00-$12.00 per
Corsages – $25.00-$50.00 per
Altar pieces – $150 – $600.00 per
Large buffet/table pieces – $150.00-$300.00 per
Low centerpieces – $100.00-$150.00 per
High centerpieces – $175.00-$400.00 per
Of course, a lot depends upon how full the arrangements are, what flowers are used, etc. When your budgeting, use these ranges. If you want very full and elaborate high centerpieces, $400 + per might be the right amount. Lower simple arrangements will fall on the other end.
When you are on a low budget, obviously, you are not going to pay $175.00 per centerpiece. However, you can still have very nice/elegant flowers. What I suggest is that you have nice bouquets, boutonnieres and corsages, and use candles/rose petals on the tables.
You can also opt for a nice bridal bouquet, a single stem for the Bridesmaids, or nothing for the Bridesmaids – a flower for the Groom and nothing for the Groomsmen.
For the cocktail reception I’m
proposing – we would have a combination of small cafe tables and tall high-boys. Everyone wouldn’t be seated – a more “come and go” type event. If you wanted flowers, you could do, small glass vases containing a few colorful blooms, or small plants in planters (coordinating with your color/theme). You wouldn’t necessarily have to have the exact same plant on every table – you could have a variety . The tables would only be 30-36″ round (2.5-3 feet) so they would take much smaller arrangements than a 5 or 6 foot round. While it would be a more causal look and feel – you could achieve something very beautiful and memorable.
Happy planning!
Thanks to Rodney Bailey and Creation Waits for the lovely photographs.
Tags: Planning a 5000 Wedding
I like your post. Your blog is fantastic.
Very informative and what people need to know. Yes, it is a shock!
We had everything that we wanted for our wedding, flower wise, We only a 7000.00 budget, There are real flower shops who will work with you on price. In fact the one we used. Spoke very highly of you , To one of my co-workers recently because she is booked for day of. You should call her to get great flowers at a great price.