It is probably no surprise that flowers are going to cost more than you think! BUT with a little bit of planning and working with your florist, you can stay within your budget.
This post was inspired by the most recent edition of the “Floral Management” magazine that the Society of American Florists (SAF) publishes.
Here are some simple facts SAF published for the 2009 wedding season:
- Average Wedding Cost: $30,860
- Average Wedding Flower Budget: $1,819
- Average Reception Budget: $1,039
Your first thought may be—I am not spending $30K on my wedding—so how much are flowers going to cost ME?
According to theweddingchannel.com, wedding flowers are going to make up about 15% of your over-all budget. For instance, if you are budgeting to spend $15K then your flower bill will be about $2,250.
The first step when planning your wedding, or any event, is to make a budget. Do your research on how much different areas of the wedding will cost—or what percentage of your budget should be allocated to that area. I found this handy wedding budget calculator online, and I know there are many other very useful resources online and in print.
When you meet with a florist don’t be afraid to ask—“Can you do what I am wanting for ‘x’ price?” A florist should be able to tell you if your budget is reasonable. If the florist does not feel you have a reasonable budget for your ideas, their response should be something to the effect of, “I don’t think we will be able to do everything exactly as you had in mind, but I have some great ideas or changes we can make to keep you within your budget.”
Bottom line: Do your research on average wedding costs and create a budget; your florist should be able to work within it—no matter what it is.
Look for more info on flower pricing next week!
Kim Martin — Floral Design Specialist — Columbia, MO
mutigergarden.wordpress.com 