So you’re planning your wedding on a budget!  Most brides are these days, but just because you want to stay within a budget, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be able to get exactly what you want to reflect your style and to create the perfect setting for your affair of the heart!   Here are a few suggestions that can help you stay within your budget and cut down on your costs!  Remember that low-budget does not have to limit your creativity!   Here are some ideas:

1. Plants -  instead of labor intensive cut blooms;  how about using small plants like miniature rose bushes in a terracotta pot or antique silver bucket?  Obviously the venue has a lot to do with this choice but do not rule it out!
2. Candlelight – use candles lavishly and flowers sparingly on tables.  Candles only make sense though if it is an evening affair where the glow of the candles can make for a sophisticated look.  And remember if you’re doing a summer affair, it doesn’t get dark until 9 pm – so if the event is scheduled for 1 pm, candles may not make sense.  Also always make sure the venue allows for candles.  Remember to choose candles that Do NOT have scent.  Even a gentle scent when multiplied by 20 or 30 tables can be overwhelming!
3. One Bloom – How about picking one bloom instead of multiple blooms?  If all you create are rose arrangements , the cost of buying roses will be lower and the look of the event will be fuller.  Remember, mass is more.
4. Double Duty – see if you can use pieces in more than one place – such as the church piece can be entrance pieces at the reception or the wedding bouquets can replace the sweetheart table piece.  You may need to be creative and think outside the box.
5. Seasonal Style – choose flowers that are in season and/or easy to find -  less work for your florist means less cost for you!   If you have to order specific flowers (i.e. you only want the specific peach colored rose as opposed to just a light peach rose), that will cost you more money and your florist will have to hunt down that specific rose.   Leave some discretion with your florist and let her decide the best blooms to create the design style that will be beautiful for you!

Remember, staying within a budget can sometimes be easier because you know exactly what you can and cannot do and this will help your florist narrow down choices for you.   By being up front with your florist, you can both work together to create just the right ambiance without breaking the bank!  Best of Luck!