Nashville weddings

Belles Fleurs Shares Ways to Save on Your Nashville Wedding Flowers + Decor

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Flowers add color, beauty and ambience to weddings. When it comes to choosing wedding flowers, getting what you want versus what you can afford is oftentimes one of the hardest decisions a bride has to make during the planning process. Fortunately, if you’re a budget conscious bride who doesn’t want her bouquet to cost more than her dress, we’ve got you covered. Bonnie Colleen, of Belles Fleurs, has stepped in to give brides fantastic advice on keeping your costs low and your flowers gorgeous for the big day!

{All Floral Design showcased below is by Belles Fleurs.}

Photographer: Kate Crafton Photography

Follow nature, shop in season

Bridal magazines tend to show flowers that are not necessarily in season when the issue is on the newsstands. Ask your florist what is available during your wedding month or research before you go to your consultation...this will help you stay within your budget. There are also ways to create the "look" by substituting a higher end flower with the same color of in a less expensive blossom. For example, a peony is uber-lovely and on the pricey side most of the year...by using a few full carnations in the same color and loosening the calyx, you can create a similar and more affordable peony. Of course, if you have your heart set on the real deal, peonies in just "your bridal bouquet "might be the one little splurge you can afford!

Consider more affordable flowers

Filler flowers like baby's breath have been taboo for a while, but we are seeing a new appreciation for this summery, garden or field flower and it’s especially economical because one bunch will go a long way. With so many brides dreaming of vintage, Shabby Chic or country garden weddings it’s easy to create an inexpensive reception table arrangement by using flea market or antique mall purchased jars, bottles and tins, filled with one or two stems of baby's breath and a pop of your wedding color in another posy. For the fall, chrysanthemums have a plethora of varieties to choose from, add a sprig of seeded eucalyptus and wheat for a fresh, long lasting flower idea.

Source: Belles Fleurs via Facebook page
 

Reduce stress; Be realistic about DIY floral projects

There are so many resources available now for brides to try their hands at some of the more simple ideas for weddings. Sometimes, brides comes to us expressing their interest in only the bridal party bouquets, because they will be attempting to make the reception flowers themselves, however, this is NOT ALWAYS the best idea! Remember, if you are not a creative or "crafty" person, this might be more than you want to tackle by yourself.

Weddings can be stressful for the bride with so many tasks to complete and decisions, decisions, decisions to make! Most brides are working full time, only taking off the week of their wedding. Most of us procrastinate about starting or completing projects, come on, you know you do! Also, make sure that you have plenty of help and don't wait until the last minute. If you decide at the last minute to call your florist for help, they may not be able to accommodate or order additional flowers.

You want your personal flowers to flow and compliment your reception flowers and what better way...let the professionals create the perfect look for you!

Source: Belles Fleurs
 

DIY what's manageable; Shop around

Today's bride has plenty of places to look for floral or decor for a DIY wedding. Most fresh flower suppliers sell to the public, even if you just want to take a peak at what is available. There are some amazing flowers from around the world; from Holland, South America, New Zealand and Japan to name a few! Local wholesale clubs also feature flower departments where you can find many of these same flowers. Grocery stores are starting to carry a variety of foliage, berries and orchid stems, just make sure that you select fresh stems (bad foliage will be your first clue not to purchase!). For great wedding reception floral décor and accessories, Target, Pier 1, West Elm, Crate &Barrel, Pottery Barn, Trees and Trends, and IKEA are a few of the major stores that constantly change and keep up with the latest trends.

Source: Belles Fleurs via Facebook page

Additional ways to save

We suggest using the altar arrangements (when possible) again during your reception. Most altar arrangements are large and full with beautiful flowers and it seems a waste to not continue enjoying them the rest of your wedding day. After your ceremony, have someone transport them to your reception site and perhaps place on an entry table or if there is room, a buffet table. Plan this with your florist or planner ahead of time so your venue has room for them. Additionally, disposable floral containers are usually low in cost and will not require a rental deposit or rental return fee.

Photographer: Jason McNeal Photography
 

A huge thanks to Bonnie for giving us an inside scoop on wedding flowers and how brides can manage to achieve their vision without breaking their bank accounts! For more advice, contact the team at  Belles Fleurs via their website or get more inspiration from the Belles Fleurs Facebook page!

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send   Posted on July 6, 2011 | Filed under: Advice & Planning, Details, Design & Florals, DIY & Budget Wed Finds